Treatment of acne
Acne is a disease that may develop to various degrees of severity, depending on predisposition. While it usually starts during puberty, in some individuals it may last far beyond that. Ususally, the severity and duration of acne in relatives (parents or siblings) may give an indication of similar individual predisposition.
In general, adequate treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris requires a long term therapy that includes external agents as well as drugs that are given orally, depending on the acuity of the clinical picture. In severe cases the use of Roaccutane, a retinoic acid (Vitamine A)-derivative might be employed. In many cases this treatment leads to complete and lasting resolution of acne lesions. However, therapy must be started and monitored by dermatologists.
As we are not allowed to give individual treatment recommendations via the internet, I would recommend that you consult a competent dermatologist in a private office or at the department of dermatology at the University Clinic.
In the case of acne, laser therapy should only be applied in case of scarring of the face. I would like to direct you to the homepage
www.aknetherapie.de, which offers a forum for acne-patients. Should you have further questions you may also contact the German Dermatologic Laser Society (Deutsche Dermatologische Lasergesellschaft) directly.
As far as acne is concerned, we would also like to point out that it is important to cease smoking completely as it may aggravate severity and duration of acne and is often associated with scarring.
Currently, lasers and flash lamps are also being investigated for treating inflammatory acne lesions. Whether these therapies will prove superior to the classic acne treatment modalities is currently under investigation.
