|
Acne is a medical problem that requires a medical solution; it is defined as the presence of localized inflammatory lesions on facial and neck skin. These lesions, usually called 'pimples', could be superficial or could reach into deeper skin layers. When the inflammation affects deeper tissues, the lesions tend to be larger and more difficult to eliminate.
Hormones play an important role in the appearance of these lesions; during puberty, androgen stimulates the production of the skin's sebaceous glands [attached to hair follicles]. It also increases the growth of the skin's most superficial layers, which shed cells that cause the occlusion of glands, creating an environment that allows for certain germs to multiply and initiate a local inflammatory reaction.
| 22 years old female patient with multiple superficial acne lesions on her forehead. She consulted approximately five days after their appearance. She received two Zeno® treatments in one week, plus daily applications of antibiotic gel to the affected area. Patient was very satisfied with the results. |
Plugged follicles may take the form of either 'whiteheads', where the plug in the follicle remains beneath the skin's surface, or 'blackheads', where the plug in the follicle extends to the skin's surface and becomes visible. In the majority of these clogged follicles, germs will cause swelling, itching, and redness around the follicle.
'Propionibacterium acnes' is a germ normally present in all skin types as part of the skin's sebum maintenance system. In a hair follicle, P. acnes produce enzymes that break down sebum creating a thin film of oil on the skin. However, a clogged follicle creates an ideal environment for this bacterium to multiply; as a result, their enzymes irritate and inflame the skin resulting in acne. P. acnes are responsible for at least ninety percent of all acne cases.
There are many myths about the causes of acne: stress, although not a direct cause of acne, may aggravate it; eating greasy foods does not affect it.
Dirty skin does not cause acne by itself, but creates a favorable environment for many types of germs to multiply... Washing the face frequently with plain soap and water helps eliminate them. In this respect, the so called "antimicrobial" soaps are no different from soap we have been using for many years.
| 17 years old male patient with multiple superficial acne lesions on his chin and right cheek. This young patient consulted approximately six weeks after acne lesions started to appear. He received six Zeno® treatments during three sessions over two weeks combined with one IPL treatment, daily applications of antibiotic gel and a short course of oral antibiotics. Most of his acne cleared; pigmented remaining areas are treated with a medicated lotion. Patient was very satisfied with the results. |
People of all races and ages get acne. Although frequently thought of as a condition that affects teenagers, adult acne is a real problem and some people in their forties and fifties continue to have this skin condition.
For decades, people have experimented with and invented all manner of treatments and medications to clear acne, with varying degrees of success. There are many over-the-counter and prescription acne medications and doctors recommend different ones for different patients, but none have been totally effective in a large portion of the population.
Many patients do not respond well to acne treatments; this is especially true of adults, as most topical acne medications are formulated for teenaged skin. Oral antibiotics to be taken for several weeks [even months] may improve and even eliminate acne lesions. There are also several topical antibiotics that may be recommended for use while on oral antibiotics.
At our offices we use a very effective medical device, Zeno®, approved by the FDA to treat mild to moderate inflammatory acne lesions. Laser or IPL [Intense Pulsed Light] applications may also be recommended, depending on the type and severity of the acne.
How does 'Zeno®' work?
Pimples occur when excess skin oil and flaking skin plug the opening of a hair follicle and create the ideal environment for acne bacteria to grow. Precisely controlled heat applied for a specific period of time weakens and eliminates the germs causing the lesion.
How many treatments are necessary?
Two to three 2½-minute treatments are generally sufficient for most pimples. Often, only one treatment is needed.
Local heat applications are used to treat mild to moderate acne, as it appears: the best results are obtained with early treatments, diminishing the chances of getting scars.
Are there any complications or side effects?
Local heat applied to acne lesions is painless; it may cause mild, temporary skin redness. Some patients with sensitive skin may experience some discomfort while being treated with Zeno®
Does all type of acne respond to local heat treatments?
Some types of acne [a few pimples] respond very well to the application of Zeno®. Multiple, large and deep acne lesions may need treatment with oral and topical antibiotics, laser, IPL, etc.
Our Fees: $125 to $210 Per Treatment Session.
Depending on the number, type and size of the acne lesions.
Medical consultation is included.
6667 Old Dominion Drive - Suite A, Second Floor
McLean, Virginia 22101
 |
|
|
|
|
