QUOTE(bubble toes @ Nov 30 2007, 02:54 PM)
Im just wondering which is better for severe acne... light/laser treatment or accutane?
Also, I visited the skin clinic just over a week ago and i bought a selection of topical treatments. They have caused a
massive outbreak!!!!
Im hoping this will improve over time but is this always the case?
Any advice is much appreciated
Thanks!!!!
First off, I am not a doctor. Accutane is a commonly recommended treatment for severe acne, but I personally consider it a treatment of last resort. It may be indicated to avoid scarring. THe side effects and health risks are important to understand, and there are many websites and threads on this. Light treatments alone are not usually sufficient to treat moderate to severe acne, and other types of treatment (topicals, birth control pills, antibiotics, etc) are usually also required.
In cases of moderate to severe acne, another option is Levulan (ALA) also called Photodynamic therapy, in which the face is coated with Levulinic acid, and then a bright light is shined on the face to activate the acid. THis has the effect of reducing pore size, and from what I have read and seen, can provide relief from severe acne breakouts for a period of time. Most offices suggest 3 or more treatments about 3 weeks apart, to really "pound" the acne producing areas. Some get good relief from a single treatment, combined with microdermabrasion first, as was my daughter's situation. This treatment was developed from an FDA approved method of removing cancers from the surface of the skin, and although I do not think it is FDA approved in the US, they are currently trying to get such approval. Many doctors are routinely using this treatment for moderate to severe acne, because it has proven effective.
Regardless of what you choose to do, I cannot stress enough the importance of throroughly checking out the doctor, and seeing examples of his work and checking referrals of prior patients. Some doctors simply turn over treatment to "office staff" who may or may not know what they are doing. Always insist on the doctor being involved in your treatments, whether someone in the office performs certain procedures or not. Don't be afraid to discuss treatment with more than one doctor and get second opinions. You always want to avoid doing any further harm beyond what the acne is doing by itself.
Best of luck to you and if you try something, please report your results on the forum. -Dan
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