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Q: Cystic acne heat facial ( Answered 5 out of 5 stars,   0 Comments )
Question  
Subject: Cystic acne heat facial
Category: Health > Beauty
Asked by: caroline1002-ga
List Price: $25.00
Posted: 03 Jan 2006 09:47 PST
Expires: 02 Feb 2006 09:47 PST
Question ID: 428495
My son has cystic acne and is using topicals to control it. He was
scheduled for his first facial at the dermotolgist's next week, but
due to scheduling problems he can't go for a couple of months. He was
told the facial included heat treatment, I believe with heated towels
or steam. Is this something we can or should do at home to reduce
and/or bring to the surface cystic zits? If so, how do we go about it?
Answer  
Subject: Re: Cystic acne heat facial
Answered By: crabcakes-ga on 03 Jan 2006 22:01 PST
Rated:5 out of 5 stars
 
Hello Caroline1002,

    You probably already know Google Answers is unable to diagnose or
recommend therapy for your son. The following answer is for
informational purposes only, but I'm sure you will find it informative
and helpful.

You don?t mention if your son has tried Accutane or not, but many
dermatologists do recommend it for cystic acne. You?ll see among the
reliable websites I have posted, that it is the drug of choice.

As for facials, none of the reputable sites I checked recommend
facials. One site even warns against them for cystic acne. Some sites
recommend having  the skin healed first, and then using glycolic acids
or microdermabrsion afterwards. However, the skin must be healed
first. Under the heading of ?additional resources?, below,  I did
include a site that sells a product for cystic acne that calls for a
facial. You might consider discussing this or any product with your
dermatologist.

I would be a bit leary of home facials and possibly even those done in
an office, unless performed by a licensed physician, and not a
cosmetologist or estetician.  If your doctor HAS prescribed a
medicinal facial, then s/he will probably be using a prescription
medication, one that would not be recommended for home use. Your best
bet is to consult with a reputable and licensed dermatologist, not a
salon or cosmetologist. You will see in the following links that
recommended treatments run from oral antibiotics, topical antibiotics,
glycolic acid products (once the skin is healed) and Accutane.


?The most severe form of acne, cystic acne, results from hair
follicles that are plugged by skin oils or dead cells from sebaceous
glands. The resulting rupture within your skin may form boil-like
infections.?
http://www.ohiohealth.com/healthreference/display.htm?image=/images/image_popup/r7_cysticacne.jpg&caption=The%20most%20severe%20form%20of%20acne,%20cystic%20acne,%20results%20from%20hair%20follicles%20that%20are%20plugged%20by%20skin%20oils%20or%20dead%20cells%20from%20sebaceous%20glands.%20The%20resulting%20rupture%20within%20your%20skin%20may%20form%20boil-like%20infections.&title=Acne

?Your doctor or dermatologist may recommend one or more of the
following treatments for acne:
?	Topical treatments. Acne lotions may dry up the oil, kill bacteria
and promote sloughing of dead skin cells. Over-the-counter lotions are
generally mild and contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol,
salicylic acid or lactic acid as their active ingredient. These
products can be helpful for very mild acne. If your acne doesn't
respond to these treatments, you may want to see a doctor or
dermatologist to get a stronger prescription lotion. Tretinoin
(Retin-A, Renova) and adapalene (Differin) are topical prescription
products derived from vitamin A. They work by promoting cell turnover
and preventing plugging of the hair follicle. A number of topical
antibiotics also are available. They work by killing excess skin
bacteria. Often, a combination of such products is required to achieve
optimal results.
?	Antibiotics. For moderate to severe acne, prescription oral
antibiotics may be needed to reduce bacteria and fight inflammation.
You may need to take these antibiotics for months, and you may need to
use them in combination with topical products.
?	Isotretinoin. For deep cysts, antibiotics may not be enough.
Isotretinoin (Accutane) is a powerful medication available for
scarring cystic acne or acne that doesn't respond to other treatments.
This medicine is reserved for the most severe forms of acne. It's very
effective, but people who take it need close monitoring by a
dermatologist because of the possibility of severe side effects.
?	Oral contraceptives. Oral contraceptives, including a combination of
norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol (Ortho-Cyclen, Ortho Tri-Cyclen),
have been shown to improve acne in women. Oral contraceptives may
cause other side effects that you'll want to discuss with your doctor.
?	Cosmetic surgery. Doctors may be able to use cosmetic surgery to
diminish scars left by acne. Procedures include peeling away damaged
skin with chemicals or by freezing it, dermabrasion and laser
resurfacing. Peeling procedures eliminate superficial scars.
Dermabrasion, which is usually reserved for more severe scarring,
involves removing the top layers of skin with a rapidly rotating wire
brush. Laser resurfacing involves using short pulses of intense light
to remove the outer layer of your skin. If your skin tends to form
scar tissue, these procedures can make your complexion worse.?
http://www.ohiohealth.com/healthreference/reference/62FDAD7E-9D53-461A-9A756767E06D35A2.htm?category=diseases


?Treatment can be based on different actions and degree of severity
?	Reverse obstruction of follicle 
Comedonal acne involves follicular obstruction and so these compounds
can be very useful including:
(Retin-A, azealic acid, differin, benzoyl peroxide*) 
?	Decrease bacterial proliferation and inflammation
In inflammatory acne involving pustules and papules both benzoyl
perioxide and antibiotics can be useful including:
Benzoyl peroxide and topical and systemic antibiotics 
?	Mediate hormones
This includes oral contraceptives which can be very useful in
adolescent females for acne
?	Mediate sebaceous gland hypertrophy 
This involves accutane and is reserved for more severe acne. 
http://www.usc.edu/student-affairs/Health_Center/adolhealth/content/b4derm1.html


?For severe cystic acne, Accutane? may be prescribed. This vitamin A
derivative is taken orally for four to five months. The response rate
is as high as 90%, with most patients experiencing prolonged
remissions. Careful monthly follow-up by a dermatologist during
treatment is required.?
http://www.pediatricweb.com/seattle/article.asp?ArticleID=675&ArticleType=9#7


?Treatment of Acne Scarring - The dermatologist can treat acne scars
by a variety of methods. Skin resurfacing with laser, dermabrasion,
chemical peels, or electrosurgery can flatten depressed scars. Soft
tissue elevation with collagen or fat-filling products can elevate
scars. Scar revision with a microexcision and the punch grafting
technique can correct pitted scars, and combinations of these
dermatologic surgical treatments can make noticeable differences in
appearance.?
http://www.aad.org/public/Publications/pamphlets/Acne.htm


?Photodynamic therapy with short-contact 5-aminolevulinic acid
(Levulan[R] Kerastick[R], Dusa Pharmaceuticals, Inc.) and activation
by intense pulsed light in an initial treatment and blue light in 3
subsequent treatments has resulted in significant improvement in
severity of acne, reduction in the number of lesions, improvement in
skin texture, and smoothing of scar edges in an Asian patient with
severe (class 4) facial cystic acne and scarring.

Introduction
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with topical 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA)
photosensitizing agent has been shown to be an effective treatment of
mild to moderate acne, (1-3) intractable acne, (4,5) and moderate to
severe acne. (6-8) In this new treatment modality, ALA applied to skin
lesions is absorbed and converted to protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), a
photosensitive compound. When light of the appropriate wavelength
activates PpIX, abnormal cells are selectively destroyed. (9)?
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0PDG/is_6_4/ai_n15882147


?Treatment for severe, cystic, or inflammatory acne:
Isotretinoin, an oral drug, may be prescribed for patients with
severe, cystic, or inflammatory acne to prevent extensive scarring.
Isotretinoin reduces the size of the sebaceous glands that produce the
skin oil, reduces skin cell shedding, and affects the hair follicles,
thereby reducing the development of acne lesions. Isotretinoin can
clear up acne in 90 percent of patients.
However, the drug may have some side effects. It is very important to
discuss this medication with your physician.?
http://www.umm.edu/dermatology-info/acne.htm

?Take the following self-care steps to lessen the effects of acne:
?	Clean your skin gently with a mild, non-drying soap (like Dove,
Neutrogena, or Basics.) Remove all dirt or make-up. Wash once or twice
a day, including after exercising. However, avoid excessive or
repeated skin washing.
?	Shampoo your hair daily, especially if it's oily. Comb or pull your
hair back to keep the hair out of your face. Avoid tight headbands.
?	Try not to squeeze, scratch, pick, or rub the pimples. Although it
might be tempting to do this, it can lead to scarring and skin
infections.
?	Avoid touching your face with your hands or fingers.
?	Avoid greasy cosmetics or creams. Look for water-based or
"non-comedogenic" formulas. Take make-up off at night.
If these steps do not clear up the blemishes to an acceptable level,
try over-the-counter acne medications. These creams and lotions are
applied directly to the skin. They may contain benzoyl peroxide,
sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid. They work by killing bacteria,
drying up the oil, and causing your skin to peel.
If the pimples are still a problem, a dermatologist can prescribe
stronger medications and discuss other options with you.
Prescription medicines include:
?	Oral antibiotics (such as minocycline, doxycycline, and tetracycline).
?	Topical antibiotics (applied to the skin), such as clindamycin or erythromycin.
?	Synthetic vitamin A derivatives, called retinoids, for severe acne.
These include retinoic acid cream or gel (Retin-A) and isotretinoin
pills (Accutane). Pregnant women and sexually active adolescent
females should NOT take Accutane, as it causes severe birth defects.
?	Birth control pills can sometimes help clear up acne. (In some
cases, though, they may make it worse.)
?	Prescription formulas of benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, salicylic acid.
Your doctor may also suggest chemical skin peeling, removal of scars
by dermabrasion, or removal or drainage of cysts.?
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000873.htm


?Treatment for Severe Nodular or Cystic Acne
People with nodules or cysts should be treated by a dermatologist. For
patients with severe inflammatory acne that does not improve with
medicines such as those described above, a doctor may prescribe
isotretinoin (Accutane*), a retinoid. Isotretinoin is an oral drug
that is usually taken once or twice a day with food for 15 to 20
weeks. It markedly reduces the size of the oil glands so that much
less oil is produced. As a result, the growth of bacteria is
decreased.
* Brand names included in this booklet are provided as examples only,
and their inclusion does not mean that these products are endorsed by
the National Institutes of Health or any other Government agency.
Also, if a particular brand name is not mentioned, this does not mean
or imply that the product is unsatisfactory.

Advantages of Isotretinoin (Accutane)
Isotretinoin is a very effective medicine that can help prevent
scarring. After 15 to 20 weeks of treatment with isotretinoin, acne
completely or almost completely goes away in up to 90 percent of
patients. In those patients where acne recurs after a course of
isotretinoin, the doctor may institute another course of the same
treatment or prescribe other medicines.
Disadvantages of Isotretinoin (Accutane) 
Isotretinoin can cause birth defects in the developing fetus of a
pregnant woman. It is important that women of childbearing age are not
pregnant and do not get pregnant while taking this medicine. Women
must use two separate effective forms of birth control at the same
time for 1 month before treatment begins, during the entire course of
treatment, and for 1 full month after stopping the drug. They should
ask their doctor when it is safe to get pregnant after they have
stopped taking Accutane.?
http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/acne/acne.htm#acne_h


?Cure it: Cystic acne has the potential to leave deep scars and should
never be squeezed. If it's an open pimple, apply an acne drying gel or
lotion and let it run its course. If you have frequent outbreaks,
visit a dermatologist for appropriate treatment.?
http://www.ivillage.co.uk/print/0,9688,186094,00.html

?People with severe nodular or cystic acne should be treated by a
dermatologist. For patients with severe inflammatory acne that does
not improve with other medications isotretinoin (Accutane), a
retinoid, may be needed. Isotretinoin is an oral drug and is usually
taken once or twice a day for 16 to 20 weeks. It is believed to
markedly reduce the size of the oil glands so that much less oil is
produced. As a result, the growth of P. acnes is decreased.
Isotretinoin also reduces cell shedding and the stickiness of cells in
the follicles, which helps prevent the development of comedones.?
http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/acne/l/blacne8.htm

?Oral isotretinoin, is commonly used to treat severe cystic acne, and
can be very effective in these severe and potentially scaring cases of
acne. Isotretinoin is a form of vitamin A. After completing a 4-6
month course, a large number of people have no further trouble with
acne. A significant number, however, will have some recurrence of
their acne, which is often much less severe, but may again require
oral therapy.

In Australia oral isotretinoin must be prescribed by a dermatologist.
Virtually all patients will experience some discomfort while taking
isotretinoin. Side effects mainly affect the skin. The skin becomes
dry and may even develop dermatitis. The lips become cracked and may
be sore and the eyes and nose may also develop irritation and
discomfort. All of these side effects can be controlled by using
moisturising creams or other medications recommended by the
dermatologist.?
http://www.dermcoll.asn.au/skin/acne.asp

?An understanding that replacement of the atrophied structures in the
dermis and subcutaneous tissues is necessary in severe cases of acne
scarring has led to the development of superior dermal and
subcutaneous augmentation techniques. Dermal and subcutaneous
augmentation is possible by a number of autologous techniques,
including dermal grafting,15 lipocytic dermal augmentation,16 fat
transfer17 and, more recently, the implantation of autologous collagen
and cultured and expanded autologous fibroblasts. Non-autologous
augmentation is also possible by way of injections of bovine collagen,
fibrin foam, hyaluronic acid or polymethylmethacrylate microspheres.

For "punched out" ("ice pick") scars, none of these methods is useful.
For these a range of punch techniques is used, involving coring out of
scars with an appropriately sized cylindrical instrument, followed by
suturing or graft application. Punch techniques can be used to treat
many scars at a single operation, and may be combined with resurfacing
techniques such as infrared laser treatment.18 Subcision (dermal
scarification) is another helpful technique, in which dermal
undermining of scars is used to improve the scar tissue by two
mechanisms: (i) direct breaking of scar attachments, and (ii)
intentional injury of the dermis to induce laying down of new
collagen.19

All of these techniques are valuable tools for practitioners seeking
to improve the outcome of treating acne scarring, but it would be
better still if the problem never arose. A preventable condition such
as postacne scarring should be one deserving of the earliest, best and
most effective treatment.?
http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/171_2_190799/goodman/goodman.html

http://www.dermcoll.asn.au/skin/acne.asp



?My son has had cystic acne for 2 yrs. now. He has been on Proactiv,
Minocycline, Doxycycline, tazorac, duac, cleocin t and at least 20+
kenalog shots to the nose. The problem is, he only has cysts on the
nose. The rest of his face is completely clear. Now the derm wants to
put him on Accutane. I've looked into this drug and to tell you the
truth, I wouldn't be able to sleep nights knowing that I have given
this drug to him. I've read all the good and bad about this drug and
I'm afraid. Depression, suicide, brain swelling is scaring the hell
out of me. I'm really torn. He can't go on like this. His nose is
swollen, red and full of cysts. Not the greatest thing for a 13 yr.
old to have. He won't go for anymore shots now because it really hurts
and he's had plenty. Please help me in this decision. I'm very upset
about this and don't know what else to do. Would you put your kid on
this drug? Why has the FDA put out a warning on it?
Any advise will be great, 
Thank you

If this were my child, I would definitely consider Accutane. I
understand your concerns, which I take up with my patients and their
parents all the time. The risks are real, but very rare. Keep in mind
that Accutane has been used very extensively for over 21 years, and
was tested for years before that. In my own experience, the number of
Accutane patients I've seen with brain swelling is zero. As for
depression, the jury is still out as to whether there is even a
clear-cut cause and effect relationship between Accutane and
depression. (Some teenagers get depressed anyway, unfortunately.)
Also, you have to balance the risks, whatever they are, against the
reality of multiple injections and embarrassing cystic acne that may
well last for years and perhaps scar your child's nose.

As for the FDA warning, there are many reasons for warnings. You
should consider the matter seriously, but weigh your own guilt and
fear against your child's needs and the considered judgment of your
doctors.

Take care.
Dr. Rockoff


My husband had severe cystic acne on his face. He tried everything and
finally decided to try Accutane. Within a month his face was completly
clear. He went for years with the acne, and now he has very minimal
outbreaks. The only side affect he encountered was dry skin on his
arms and legs. I hope you try it for your son. I had severe acne on my
face from the time I was 12 until I was 24. My mother also did not
want me to take accutane. I wish she had. At that age, having acne is
a tough thing to deal with, other children are very mean. Please
concider it for him.

Just wanted to update.
My son has been on Accutane now for 2 1/2 weeks and his acne is doing
SO much better. I can see the difference every day. He has only had
dry lips (which is no real problem) No other side effects. Although a
5 month course seems a long time (I still don't like giving my kid
this drug) we are going to stick it out if no other problems come up.
Happy for now....
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/dermatology/messages/32717.html


?Acne Facial -- controls breakouts. This is a steam facial with manual
extraction of blackheads and whiteheads, usually followed by a mask
which may include tea tree oil or other natural antiseptic properties,
benzoyl peroxide, zinc or sulfur. ***If you have severe cystic acne,
this facial isn't for you. Average cost: $55.00 and higher.?
http://www.laskincare.com/services.php


Facials fall under the category of ?Old treatments? per this website:
?The modern therapies usually consist of an aggressive topical skin
care regimen consisting of vitamin A and glycolic acid conditioning
lotions. If the complexion does not respond to this daily treatment,
medical facials and isotretinoin may be added to the regimen. If the
patient completes their 20 week therapeutic program of isotretinoin
there is a possibility of a permanent cure. However, many patients
come to us too late and have facial scarring. Now we use the
laserassisted chemabrasion to smooth out this complexion. However, it
is more useful to start the skin care program early and avoid both the
physical and mental scarring.?
http://www.acnebook.com/articals/Acne%20Its%20Causes%20and%20Treatments.pdf


Additional Resources
====================
Please check each site below, for information on cystic acne.

http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/treatsevereacne.html

http://www.skintactix.com/moderate_to_severe_acne_treatment.htm

http://www.abateit.com/acne-treatment.htm

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=6451637&dopt=Citation

http://ezinearticles.com/?Cystic-Acne---Putting-the-Best-Face-on-It&id=105704

http://www.herballuxuries.com/acne-skin-care.htm

http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cache:TwAsNKNFtLQJ:www.acne-resource.org/acne-skin-care/nodular-cystic.html+cystic+acne+&hl=en

http://www.healthychild.com/database/acne_anguish_a_common_teen_age_problem.htm


I hope you find this answer helpful. If any part of this answer is
unclear, please request an Answer Clarification. I will be happy to
assist you further, before you rate this answer. I wish your son good
luck in seeking treatment.

Sincerely, Crabcakes



Search Terms
============

cystic acne + treatment
cystic acne + steam facials
facials + cystic acne

Request for Answer Clarification by caroline1002-ga on 04 Jan 2006 07:42 PST
Thank you for the information. I was most curious about the facials
using heat or steam only...you're one reference advised against
medicinal facials...did you find anything strictly about pros and cons
of heat or steam?

Clarification of Answer by crabcakes-ga on 04 Jan 2006 09:14 PST
Hello again Caroline,

    I appreciate your clarification, and apologize for not covering
steam facials more. The reason I included little on steam or heat
facials is I found no reliable evidence that these are useful,
especially in cystic acne. Pores cannot be "opened" and the facial is
usually palliative in nature, not curative. Your son may feel better,
and perhaps look better for a short time, but facials will not cure
cystic acne, and may aggravate it. An acceptable reason to undergo
steam/heat facials would be if a dermatologist is using steam or heat
before applying a topical medicine, injecting cortisone, or to soften
"zits" before extracting them.

The consensus for cystic acne treatment is Accutane. Why not try the
medical route with a good dermatologist, for 6-12 months. Once your
son's skin is healed, he could try steam facials for maintenance if it
seems beneficial to him. (They may then give him a boost,
psychologically). It seems prudent to save your money on steam/heat
facials and invest it in a good medicinal routine.


I found no medical or dermatological sites endorsing steam/heat at
home. Basically sites that recommend steam/heat are sites that are
selling products, or folks who have tried home remedies.

=============================================

"Posted by Mike on July 25, 1999 at 14:26:00

When looking over some acne information on various internet sites, I
came across something I've never heard of before: an instruction to
use steam or warm, moist compresses to open clogged pores. I always
thought that this would swell pores (like sweat)and make things worse.
Is this recommended? If so, what sort of specific regimen might one
follow?
Posted by DERM M.D. ASR on July 25, 1999 at 18:10:39


Mike,
You have to accept the fact that, as a guy, you are what might be
termed, "Esthetically challenged." By that I mean that maneuvers known
to most women seem like exotic tribal rites by men who've never heard
of them.

Methods used to "open pores" include drinking lots of water, having
cleansing facials, and of course steaming pores open. They make people
who have a sense of congestion in their skin or little bumps all over
it feel smoother and cleaner. They don't change the anatomy of the
actual pores per se. While not harmful, they aren't required either.

Best.

Dr. R
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/dermatology/archive/64.html


"Is a facial spa (a small home applicance that emits a gentle steam to
the face) a good therapy for dry skin and/or a good part of a healthy
skin care regimen? (Or is it just a waste of money?)

Evan:

It's OK, but nothing great. It imparts some moisture to the face, but
that's about all. It isn't essential, but some people like the way it
makes their skin feel.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff





"I would recommend oral antibiotics first, and if that didn't work,
then Accutane for sure. There is a lot of misinformation about
Accutane (and I can discuss that in another article), but it is the
single most effective treatment for cystic scarring acne."

"Myth #3: Harsh cleansers, facial vacuum machines, etc. clean deep inside the pore.

Nothing can get deep inside the pore, which extends deep inside your
skin. These cleansers, vacuums, etc. often only irritate the skin.
Cleansers can only clean the surface of the skin.

Myth #4: I can do something to permanently change the size of my pores.

The size and shape of your pores cannot be changed. Their size is
genetically set. Pores are anatomic structures that allow sweat to be
released to control body temperature. Everyone has pores. Since pores
have no muscle around them, they cannot "open" or "close." Pore
openings usually stay the same size, unless a blackhead pushes up and
dilates it. The myth that says hot water opens pores and cold water
closes pores is not true. Think about it. Steam or hot water causes
the skin surrounding the pore to swell, while cold water reduces any
skin swelling. The surrounding skin may change, but the pore size does
not."

"What can I do to prevent plugged pores? I get bumps under the skin --
hard white spots, not really pimples, just white bumps, plugged pores.

Bumps under the skin can be due to many things. Some pimples develop
first under the skin and you can feel them before you can see them.
These are often the origins of acne and can be treated with extraction
or medications. Larger cysts can develop under the skin. Often, these
need to be drained, or if very inflamed, a drop of diluted
hydrocortisone injected into the cyst will flatten it out. This is
what I am often asked to do for young movie actors, who develop an
"undergrounder." Sometimes small white bumps develop on the skin of
the face. These are called "milia," and squeezing them will not work.
A physician can use a small lancet to release the material inside."
http://www.skindoc.net/acne.html

"Usually in 2-4 weeks the condition is improved, and in 8-12 weeks the
complexion is clear. Medical facials are combined with the skin care
program to extract lesions as they migrate to the surface. An
occasional patient with severe acne will also receive systemic
isotretinoin for 20 weeks. For patients with facial scarring, a
laser-assisted chemabrasion completes their rejuvenation. This
combination allows us to improve acne health care."
http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs/10.1089/153082002760331081;jsessionid=iGFZwBk1fY8c_sLuwI?journalCode=cos


" Clear-skin strategy Cystic acne is unique because it's deep-set and
has no opening. It's also the most likely form of acne to scar, due to
the unique way it heals. (Skin tissue is pulled inward and can leave
an indentation.) You should still adhere to a good skincare regimen,
but topical treatments alone won't be able to penetrate the cysts. One
option: Have each cyst injected with a cortisone solution (visit your
dermatologist for these shots, which can cost anywhere from $50-$150
per lump). Cysts will begin to shrink within a day, but the method
isn't convenient or cost-effective for chronic outbreaks, since it
doesn't reduce recurrences.

For that reason, Accutane, taken in pill form to turn off oil
production, is used for cases of severe acne that have been
unresponsive to other treatments. Accutane does have the potential for
serious side effects; these include dry skin, chapped lips, headaches,
depression and elevated levels of heart-disease-promoting
triglycerides. It's a lot to think about, but results can be
extraordinary: One 14- to 15-week cycle can clear acne for several
months and sometimes even clears up skin for good, says William P.
Coleman III, M.D., a clinical professor of dermatology at the Tulane
University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans."
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0846/is_7_23/ai_113650896

This home remedy contains nothing to do harm - " soak cottonball in
cider vinegar and add salt to cottonball. Apply to infected area and
hold there for as long as you can. This will instantly reduce the
swelling. Works great for large cystic acne as well."
http://www.otan.dni.us/webfarm/emailproject/acne.htm

If you have further clarifications, please don't hesitate to ask! (I
will be away for about 24 hours, but will respond upon my return)

Good luck!

Sincerely, Crabcakes

Request for Answer Clarification by caroline1002-ga on 04 Jan 2006 09:34 PST
Thank you again, Crabcakes. I should have clarified before that my son
cannot take Accutane for medical reasons. I was hoping heat would be
able to pull up the acne, as in heat applied to an infected site, but
it seems from your information that this wouldn't work.

Clarification of Answer by crabcakes-ga on 04 Jan 2006 22:44 PST
Thank you for the 5 stars! I'm sorry your son is unable to take
Accutane. Perhaps cortisone injections and aggressive antibiotic
therapy can help.

Again, Good Luck!
Sincerely, Crabcakes
caroline1002-ga rated this answer:5 out of 5 stars
Very well researched answer.

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