Acne - American Academy of Dermatology Promotes Alternatives to Antibiotics

While the spotlight has recently been on revolutionary acne treatments such as laser and light-based therapies, there have been huge advances in oral medications used to treat acne. Many dermatologists believe that oral medications still offer the best long term results for acne sufferers, but traditional antibiotics have many drawbacks in that they need to be taken on an empty stomach, they can cause yeast infections, and long term use can lead to bacterial resistance.

This article will outline a few of the alternative oral medications that were discussed at the American Academy of Dermatology´s Summer Academy Meeting in 2007.

- Extended-release minocycline to treat acne

Immediate-release minocycline has previously been used to treat acne, but the peak serum levels in the blood that it can cause often lead to side effects such as dizziness, headaches and nausea. Using extended-release minocycline reduces the peak serum levels, reducing these potential side effects. This oral medication is taken once per day and can be taken on a full or empty stomach making it a convenient alternative to medications that need to be taken a certain time before meals.

- Using a 'step down' approach with antibiotics and a topical retinoid

To combat the issue of bacterial resistance from long term antibiotic use, dermatologists are recommending a 'step down' approach to acne therapy. This means taking an oral antibiotic in conjunction with a topical retinoid for a short period of time to kick start the treatment, and then stopping the antibiotic and continuing using just the topical retinoid. This process has had excellent results, and clinical studies have shown that in most cases acne continues to improve after the antibiotic course has been discontinued.

- Using anti-inflammatory medications to treat acne

Dermatologists have discovered that anti-inflammatory oral medications can be very effective at decreasing the severity of acne. A new anti-inflammatory medication that has been FDA approved for the treatment of acne rosacea is controlled-release doxycycline, which works by reducing the swelling and redness associated with acne.

Anti-inflammatory drugs will not actually get rid of acne as the bacteria that causes the spot is not destroyed or removed. However, those people who find that antibiotic treatments can cause the onset of yeast infections, may prefer to use anti-inflammatory medications that can provide a significant improvement in the appearance of their acne.

- Early signs that incyclinide could help to treat acne

In the next few years it is expected that incyclinide could be added to the menu of oral medications used to treat acne and acne rosacea. A modified tetracycline, it is currently in its second phase of clinical trials and it looks likely that it will provide another effective alternative to antibiotic treatments.

- Consult a dermatologist to determine the best oral medication for you

With an ever expanding range of medications available to treat acne, it is crucial that you consult a dermatologist at the earliest opportunity to determine the most appropriate course of treatment for your particular condition. Oral medications used to treat acne do not work instantly, and it may be six to eight weeks before you start to see any improvement at all. With a little patience and careful adherence to your dermatologist's instructions, many cases of acne can be effectively treated with oral medications.

Lisa Janse is a professional writer specialising in health topics. You can read more practical and interesting facts about Acne Scars by visiting http://www.adultacnescars.com

Transcribing Dermatology Dictation

Most dermatologic diseases respond well to topical drug therapy. There are mild cases of skin diseases like acne, psoriasis, and poison ivy that can be successfully treated with topical agents.

Acne drugs consist of various creams, lotions, and gels to apply topically. These drugs act to cleanse away oil and dead skin, to close the pores, to inhibit the growth of skin bacteria and kill skin bacteria.

Some prescription antibiotics used topically to treat more serious cases of acne vulgaris include:

• Cleocin T, clindamycin
• Meclan, meclocyline
• Topicycline or tetracycline

Severe cystic acne that is unresponsive to antibiotic treatment may be treated with topical tretinoin (Retin-a), which is a form of vitamin A.

Acne rosacea is an adult form of acne not caused by excessive oil but exacerbated by heat, stress, and skin irritation. It is treated with metronidazole (Metro-Gel).

Various topical agents are used to treat psoriasis and include coal tar lotions, gels, and shampoos that cleanse away dead skin and decrease itching. Trade name products include:

• Balnetar
• Denorex
• Estar
• Tegrin
• Zetar

Contact dermatitis, poison ivy, insect bites, seborrhea and eczema are treated with the use of topical corticosteroids both over-the-counter and prescription. Some common over-the-counter and prescription generic and trade name topical corticosteroid agents are: amcinonide (Cyclocort), betamethasone (Diprosone, Uticort, Valisone), clocortolone (Cloderm). The endings –sone, -olone, and –onide are common to some generic corticosteroids.

Common laboratory tests and surgical procedures found in dermatology dictation include:

• Biopsy, excisional, which is a complete excision or removal of a skin lesion with some adjacent, normal-appearing tissue also removed for comparison
• Biopsy, incisional, is partial removal of a lesion by making an incision into the lesion and removing a section of it as well as some adjacent, normal-appearing tissue for comparison.
• Biopsy, punch is removal of one section of a lesion using a sharp instrument known as a punch
• Bx is the abbreviation for biopsy
• Intradermal test is the injection into the intradermal layer of the skin of a chemical or other type of substance known to produce an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
• KOH test: KOH (potassium hydroxide) and methylene blue dye are applied to scrapings from the skin to detect under microscope the presence of a fungal infection.
• Skin scrapings are removal of a thin layer of skin cells by lightly scraping the skin with a scalpel and placing the cells on a slide for examination under the microscope after they have been stained.

The medical transcriptionist transcribing medical dictation in a dermatology office or hospital will encounter many of these terms.

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Written by: Connie Limon, Medical Transcriptionist. Visit us at http://www.aboutmedicaltranscription.info for more information about the unique and rewarding career choice of Medical Transcription. Join Camelot Articles http://www.camelotarticles.com and submit your original articles for website promotion and backlinks.

Dermatologist Recommended Anti-Wrinkle Creams

Problems With Aging
An obvious problem with aging is the traces it leaves behind on a person's face; that is, wrinkles. There are many ways to reduce the appearance of wrinkles but, not all of these ways may be safe or even FDA approved. Only few anti-wrinkle products are actually clinically proven to have a noticeable effect. Dermatologists will make it a point to only prescribe those products that work the best are most safe.

What Dermatologists are Looking For
Dermatologists are looking to prescribe anti-wrinkle cream that will be most effective and it is best to use on the skin. Some of the main things they will look for in a skin cream before they recommend it are:
• Ingredients that hydrate the skin
• Natural products
• Collagen production enhancing ingredients
• Ingredients that will work with your skin's natural pH level.

A combination of all these elements make for the best anti wrinkle cream and so, products that have all of these things are more often recommended by dermatologists.

Anti aging Secrets Dermatologists Know
Other ways to prevent wrinkles that dermatologists may want you to consider are simply natural ways of avoiding things that cause wrinkles.
• Don't smoke
• Use products that contain sun screen
• Try to avoid sunlight
• Use moisturizers
 

Since doing even all of these things may not prevent wrinkles, because sadly, none of them stop time, many people need to look to anti- wrinkle cream and your dermatologist will know which one to recommend.

How Dermatologists Know what to Recommend
Dermatologist know that the best anti wrinkle cream to prescribe is one that will give fast, lasting results. They are also going to be aware of any allergies you may have to certain products and so, they will know what to prescribe instead that will work just as well without causing more problems. Natural ingredients like oils and products that are rich in vitamins will help better reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Natural products are less harsh on the skin and organic oils are easier for it to absorb. Products like "Athena 7 Minute Lift", "Hydroderm" and "Dermitage" all contain these elements and dermatologists will likely prescribe these, or others like them.

For information about Dermatologist Recommended Anti-Wrinkle Creams please visit mrwrinklesreview.com where we review the most effective wrinkle creams on the market today. Also please read our Lifecell moisturizer review.