63 / 124
Acne, explains Dr. Ghada
Salah Abdel Qader, Clinical
Dermatologist, Venerologist and
Cosmetologist at Obagi Medispa
in Dubai Mall is an infammatory
disorder of the pilo sebaceous gland
characterized by the formation
of comedones, erythematous
papules, pustules, nodules and
cysts. “It is caused by an increase
in sebum production due to an
increase in certain hormones such
as testosterone or an increased
sensitivity to this hormone,” she
says. “The invasion of P. acnes
to the pilo sebaceous glands will
induce more infammation and
more sebum production.”
The Difference
While adolescent acne
can be very severe, often
appearing all over the face
accompanied by telltale
scars, adult acne is usually
mild, does not result
in scarring and usually
restricts its appearance
to the chin, lower cheek
and below the jaw line.
However sometimes the
problem may not really be
acne vulgaris but instead
Rosacea which is a skin
condition resembling
adult acne that manifests
as extreme redness that
develops on the forehead,
cheeks and nose.
Treatment
According to Dr. Abdel Qader,
the treatment of acne vulgaris is
topical only for very mild and mild
cases while topical and systemic
treatment is for moderate and
severe cases. “Topical treatments
includes benzoyl peroxide, topical
antibiotics, retinoic acid, adapalene
0.1 percent and 20 percent azaleic
acid,” she says, and systemic
treatments include various types
of antibiotics, anti-androgens and
oral retinoids. “If left untreated, it
could result in acne scars and post
infammatory hyperpigmentation,”
she tells.
The Reality
Though many
of us may
presume that
acne in adults
is rare, the
fact is that
an estimated
25 percent of
all men and
50 percent of
women suffer
from acne at
some point in
their adult lives.
Tips for Keeping
Acne At Bay:
Avoid the sun as
much as possible
as it increases
the inflammatory
process.
Apply sun protection
every three hours.
Use proper face
wash to minimize
the sebum and oil
production.
Use proper toner
which contains
salicylic acid,
mandalic acid and
glycolic acid.
Avoid playing with
pimples as it may
leave a scar.
Diet is very
important; avoid
dairy products,
chocolates and spicy
foods and instead
consume healthier
options such as fruits
and vegetables.
H
61
Mar/Apr 2015