| Dr. Naila Malik is a Board Certified Dermatologist by the American Board of Dermatology. Here the doctor has answered some common questions that Bizymoms visitors have about Acne.
Q. Do birth control pills have an effect on acne?
A. Some birth control pills may reduce acne lesions by altering hormones. I personally do not prescribe birth control pills to manage acne, because I believe the risks outweigh the benefits.
Q. What is photodynamic therapy?
A. Photo dynamic Therapy (PDT) is a treatment that combines light and a special light-activated topical photo sensitizing agent called Levulan (20% Aminolevulinic Acid, ALA).
Upon application to skin, Levulan is absorbed by abnormal skin cells, making these cells highly sensitive to specific light wavelengths. The skin is then exposed to Intense Pulse light which destroys these damaged skin cells. PDT can be effective fort:
• Actinic keratosis treatment.
• Prevention of recurrent Actinic keratosis in susceptible patients
• Improvement of superficial wrinkles.
• Reduction of pore size. Rough skin texture.
• Superficial brown solar spots.
• Management of moderate to severe cystic acne.
• Reduction of skin redness and broken and dilated blood vessels
Each facial treatment takes about 20 minutes (plus 60 minutes of Levulan). Treatments are associated with minimum discomfort, little downtime and are done 4 weeks apart.
For resistant cystic acne, a series of 3 to 6 treatments may be needed to control new cyst formation.
For sun damaged skin, drastic improvement is seen after 2-3 treatments.
For Actinic keratosis, most people have complete clearance of lesions in 2-4 sessions.
Q.What is Rosacea?
A. Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition of adults characterized by symptoms varying from periodic facial flushing, facial redness, appearnce of broken capillaries and small red, pus- filled bumps. Rosacea affects over 16 million Americans and most are undiagnosed. It is estimated that 78% of Americans do not know the symptoms of Rosacea. If left untreated, Rosacea gets worse over time. In most people, Rosacea tends to occur in cycles which means there are periods of worsening of symptoms interspersed with relatively asymptomatic periods.
Q. What are the treatments available for Rosacea?
A. Rosacea cannot be eliminated but a cleverly executed treatment plan can effectively manage signs and symptoms and reduce complications. At Naila Malik MD, we customize treatment plan to accommodate YOUR needs and your unique lifestyle. The most effective management is achieved through a combination of patient education with lifestyle modification, the right skin care products, prescription medications, both topical and oral as needed and laser treatments to minimize symptoms and complications.
Medications:
Topical Medications:
Common topical medications used to treat rosacea symptoms are antibiotics such as metronidazole (e.g.Metrocream, Metrogel), tretinoin (e.g. Atralin, Renova,), azelaic acid (Azelex, Finacea). Skin irritation, redness, dryness and stinging are some of the common side effects.
Oral Antibiotics:
Oral antibiotics like Tetracycline, Minocycline, Erythromycin may be used for their anti-inflammatory effect. Stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting and photo sensitivity with some of these agents are common side effects.
There are newer antibiotic preparations with lower dose, once a day dosing and enteric coating to minimize stomach irritation
These antibiotics offer the same efficacy as the older generation of antibiotics with fewer side effects and better compliance.
Lasers for Rosacea
Lasers to shrink enlarged blood vessels can be used safely and very effectively to reduce the appearance of blood vessels and the symptoms of Rosacea.
Intense Pulsed light treatment can be used to effectively reduce flushing and redness.
Photo dynamic Therapy can be used to reduce redness and cystic lesions very effectively for inflammatory Rosacea.
At Naila Malik MD we have safely and effectively helped countless patients with different stages of Rosacea using a combination approach. We can help you with a customized treatment plan to address your skin type, symptoms and severity of Rosacea. We also take into account your lifestyle and ability for down time for laser treatments.
Q. How can we contact Dr. Malik if we have further questions?
A.
By Phone: 888-210-9693
By Email: admin@nailamalikmdskin.com
You are welcome to stop by during our regular hours of operation for information, brochures of our services or to make an appointment.
For more information visit our website www.nailamalikmdskin.com
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