Hormonal Acne : What it is and How to Treat it ?

Acne that is persistent from the teens of a female or acne that starts after the age of 25 years may be Acne due to PCOD.

It is very important to differentiate between normal acne and hormonal acne as the line of treatment for both the types is completely different. Our Dermatologists can very well differentiate between the two and gives the best treatment to patients that will prove to be beneficial for the patient.

Symptoms of Acne due to PCOD

Acne that has occurred due to PCOD will show some specific symptoms like:

• Acne flaring in the "hormonally sensitive" areas especially the lower third of the face including cheeks, jawline, chin, and upper neck.
• Acne have more tender nodules under the skin, rather than fine surface bumps
• Lesions flaring before menstrual period

The females who show these acne related symptoms along with the other general symptoms of PCOD should be evaluated for PCOD.

Diagnosis of PCOD

Diagnosis of PCOD requires thorough history of the patient along with physical examination. A suspicious case of PCOD requires following diagnostic tests for confirmation of the diagnosis :

• An ultrasound of the ovaries will show presence of multiple fluid filled sacs
• A couple blood investigations to evaluate the levels of hormones

Treatment of Acne due to PCOD

Depending upon interpretations or results of above mentioned tests, patient’s line of treatment is decided by our Dermatologists. In addition to this, our Dermatologists also evaluate the grade of acne and give step wise treatment to the patient. The treatment may include any of the following as single or in combination depending upon the patient requirement:

• Medications: Both oral and topical medications are given to reduce the flare of acne and control its spread. Depending upon the patient condition & grade of acne, anti–androgen drugs may also be prescribed to reduce the action of androgens on the body tissues. In addition to these, hormonal contraception along with medications may also be prescribed to treat acne caused by PCOD.
• Chemical peels: Chemical peel is a procedure in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin so that the skin with acne is peeled off and new skin comes. The new skin is usually smoother, free from acne and less wrinkled than the old skin. The chemical solutions and its quantity plays crucial role in the success of chemical peels. Our Dermatologists carefully evaluates the patient to decide which chemical and in what quantity would give best results.

• Lasers: Focused laser light energy is used to peel the top layer of the skin that has acne. Ablative and non-ablative type of laser can be used to treat acne depending upon acne and condition of the patient.

All these treatments need thorough evaluation of the type of acne and patient condition. It requires expertise and right knowledge about each of these modalities to give best results to the patients. Our Dermatologists have years of experience and an eye to find the real culprit and punish it accordingly with the right treatment.