Medicine for acne image
Acne can be frustrating especially in teenagers. It causes disfigurement which may result in psychological disturbance. An effective medicine for acne would have a marvelous effect both physically and psychologically. Selection of a medicine for acne depends upon many factors: 1- Type of skin lesion: whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. 2- Nature of skin: dry, oily or normal. 3- Severity of acne: mild, moderate or severe 4- Presence of inflammatory changes.
The goal of acne therapy is to get rid of existing lesions and prevent the formation of new ones. Most treatments resolve existing acne lesions and, with continuous use, discourage new ones from forming.　Given the way acne occurs, acne treatments do one or more of the following: • Reduce sebum production • Reduce P. acnes • Normalize the shedding of skin cells. Two or more acne products are often used to treat different acne causes The most effective acne medicines are available only by physician prescription. As with any potent pharmaceutical agent, they should be used only after examination by a physician and under the supervision of a physician. Prescribed medications include antibiotics, topical retinoids, anti-androgen spironolactone; and oral isotretinoin for treatment of severe nodular acne and acne resistant to other medications. According to mechanism of action, Medicines for acne include: 1- Cleansing agents 2- Exfoliating agents 3- Antibiotics 4- Keratin life cycle modifiers 5- Sebum production controllers 6- Moisturizing agents An ideal medicine for acne should be: Effective, not expensive and has minimal or no side effects. In order to prevent disfiguring complications of acne such as scarring and pigmentation, you should consult a dermatologist especially in severe cases.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

medicine for acne logoMedicine for acne: Spironolactone

Spironolactone (SPL) has antiandrogenic properties and is used to treat acne. Men do not tolerate the high incidence of endocrine side effects, therefore it is only used in women. SPL decreases steroid production in adrenal and gonadal tissue. In women, total serum testosterone decreases and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate is either decreased or remains unchanged. Free testosterone levels are unchanged or decreased. SPL acts as an antiandrogen peripherally by competitively blocking cytosol receptors for dihydrotestosterone in the sebaceous glands.
Indications.
Spironolactone can be used with antibiotics or oral contraceptives or as a single drug therapy. Therefore it can be used when the source of androgen is either adrenal or ovarian or when screening for serum androgens is normal. Cyproterone acetate has similar effects (available outside the United States). A formulation of cyproterone acetate, in combination with 50 or 35 mug of estradiol, is available outside the United States. These drugs (Diane and Dianette) serve as an oral contraceptive and as an inhibitor of androgen receptors.
Usage in Acne:
Spironolactone causes a significant reduction in sebum secretion and a decrease in the lesion counts of patients. Studies show that SPL at a dosage of 200 mg/day suppresses sebum production by 75% and can reduce lesion counts by up to 75% over a 4-month period.
Adverse reactions.
Side effects are dose related. The incidence is high, but the severity is generally mild and most women tolerate treatment. Menstrual irregularities (80%) such as amenorrhea, increased or decreased flow, midcycle bleeding, and shortened length of cycle occur. Oral contraceptives reduce the incidence and severity of menstrual irregularities. Breast tenderness or enlargement and decreased libido are infrequent. Other effects include mild hyperkalemia, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and diarrhea. There are no documented cases of spironolactone-related tumors in human beings. The safety of spironolactone use during pregnancy is unknown.

Posted by SSS at 7:47 PM

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