Services & Procedures

Isotretinoin

Acne can be unsightly and painful. In addition to the physical toll, it can also saddle sufferers with poor self-esteem and even depression. A drug called isotretinoin offers acne sufferers a potent, highly effective option for clearing even the most stubborn acne. For over 20 years, isotretinoin has successfully helped patients with severe recalcitrant nodular acne. The small isotretinoin capsules are taken orally in several courses of 4-6 months each.

Acne Treatment

Acne is the term for the blocked pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, and deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that can appear typically on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms. Seventeen million Americans currently have acne, making it the most common skin disease in the country. While it affects mostly teenagers, and almost all teenagers have some form of acne, adults of any age can have it. Acne is not life-threatening, but it can cause physical disfigurement (scarring) and emotional distress.

Treatment for acne varies depending on the type and severity of lesions, as well as the patient's skin type, age and lifestyle. Options include:

Topical Medications
Antibiotics
Isotretinoin
Blackhead Extraction

Microdermabrasion
Photodynamic Therapy
Skin Care
Isolaz Treatments

Acne scarring can be treated in a variety of ways as well. These include:

Dermabrasion/Microdermabrasion
Soft Tissue Fillers
Laser Treatments

Actinic Keratoses

What are actinic keratoses?

Actinic keratoses (AKs), also known as Solar Kerotoses, are lesions on the surface layer of the skin (epidermis) caused by chronic exposure to sunlight, particularly ultraviolet light. AKs occur when the cells that comprise 90 percent of the epidermis, the keratinocytes, change their size, shape and/or organization in a process called cutaneous dysplasia. This alters the texture of the skin surface and may extend deeper, into the dermis. AKs are only one of many kinds of keratinocyte lesions, which can be caused by factors other than sunlight (such as chemical carcinogens, x-rays, heat, papillomavirus infection and scarring).

What are the symptoms of actinic keratoses?

AKs typically manifest as rough or scaly skin, bumps, mottled patterns and cutaneous horns. They may appear anywhere on the skin surface exposed to sunlight, but common areas include the face (including ears and lips), neck, arms and hands. Lesions range in size from a pinpoint to several centimeters in diameter and may be yellow, brown, red or violet, smooth, wrinkled or furrowed.

Are actinic keratoses the same as skin cancer?

Actinic keratoses are the earliest phase of squamous cell carcinoma and can signal the onset of skin cancer; AKs can progress to invasive squamous cell carcinoma, the second-most common form of epidermal skin cancer.

Do actinic keratoses only occur in older people?

While AKs most often appear in people aged 40-50, anyone who has had extended exposure to sunlight, especially if they have pale skin, is susceptible to developing them. For example, in sunny areas such as Florida and southern California, teenagers are routinely diagnosed with AKs.

Should I see a dermatologist if I have an actinic keratosis?

Yes! While AKs can be cosmetically unattractive, it is even more crucial to seek treatment for them because they can become dangerous squamous cell carcinomas.

Are actinic keratoses treatable?

Yes. A surgical biopsy may be performed to determine whether the lesion has become cancerous. Depending on a number of factors such as the size, location and severity of lesions, as well as the patient's age, health, medical history, occupation, expectations and preferences, treatment for AKs may take the form of traditional surgical excision, cryosurgery (freezing), curettage (scraping), topical medications, laser treatment, chemical peels, dermabrasion and photodynamic therapy.

Once my actinic keratosis has been removed, do I still have to avoid sunlight?

Limitation of exposure to direct sunlight is crucial to preventing the recurrence of AKs or squamous cell carcinomas. You should stay out of the sun when it is strongest, use a broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB protection) sunscreen of at least SPF 30, and wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats. In addition, your physician may prescribe vitamin A medications such as topical retinoids to help reverse sun-damage.

Can actinic keratoses return?

Yes. In fact, people who have had AKs are much more likely to develop them again. That's why routine examinations every few months are recommended for patients who have been treated for AKs.

To learn more about about the medical services provided by Dr. Prystowsky, please contact us today.