More detail- www.drdavinlim.com
Hormonal acne hormonal acne is very common in effects approximately 15% of women.
So what is the difference between normal acne and hormonal acne?
Hormonal acne as the name suggests has a significant hormonal component (technically there is a hormonal drive with normal acne however this import is not the primary source of the problem).
Hormonal acne can occur in one of two scenarios. Normal hormone levels on the background of a sensitive sebaceous or oil gland or rarely increase levels of certain hormones including testosterone, prolactin, 17 hydroxy progesterone and DHEASs. The secondary rise in androgens is much rarer compare to normal hormonal levels. Hence it can be said that hormonal acne is an intracrine disorder we are by sebaceous glands are sensitive to normal hormones.
How does hormonal acne present?
Hormonal acne typically occurs in females over the age of 20 sometimes lingering on to the mid 40s. This type of acne is deep, often affect the chin and jaw line area, and fluctuates with the menstrual cycle. Acne is also modulated by food in not uncommonly stress.
What is the significance of hormonal acne?
This type of acne has one of the highest scarring rate due to the fact that lesions are deep and picking is not uncommon. Unlike normal teenage acne, hormonal acne has not got a head – it's more resistant to certain treatments such as exfoliation.
How can we treat hormonal acne?
The best solution is to see a dermatologist early. They can undertake investigations to exclude hormonal causes and will give you a choice of either an anti-hormone medication such spironolactone or cyperterone acetate. They also would consider the use of oral isotretinoin if your acne is recalcitrant and resistant to normal medication.
What can you try at home?
Rarey, hormonal acne can be treated with DIY treatments including the use of salicylic acid wash twice a day. You can trial retinol 1% at night, benzoyl peroxide between 3 to 5% should be used on spots. This may have a drying affect however BPO does not treat the fundamental cause of this acne. Pimple patches are invaluable in the treatment of hormonal acne is this patch will give feedback to the patients in order to stop picking. Do not underestimate the importance of an anti-acne diet as this can be marginally effective.
What other options are there?
Clinical strength BHA salicylic acid peels or retinoid peels can be effective. Phototherapy namely light treatment especially in the blue and red light spectrum can help some cases. BBL Forever Clear or vascular lasers may provide additional help in reducing lesions. Our suggestion is that you try these home remedies for a definitive period of 4 to 8 weeks. If you're still struggling with acne, consider seeing a dermatologist for early and effective management. Cutis Dermatology runs an acne clinic, our specialists use pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment such as peels and light therapy.
For more on how we manage acne, including picking acne, go to our website www.cutis.com.au
Dr Davin lim, Dermatologist
Brisbane Australia
Cutis Dermatology
Disclaimer: I do not treat acne. My work is complex procedural only.
About us: Cutis Dermatology is based in Brisbane Australia. We deal with all things skin, including rashes, skin cancers, surgery, laser dermatology & cosmetic dermatology. Our group of dermatologists specialise in different skin conditions, hence ask our reception team who sees what. To learn more about skin, goto our website (cutis.com.au) or our Instagram page below.
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Website: www.cutis.com.au
Instagram: @drdavinlim @101.skin
