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Advances in Acne Treatment
At Home Device for Hair Removal and Facial Toning
Nickel Allergies

Advances in Acne Treatment

Acne is a complex disorder with four factors involved in the pathogenic process. Basically, there is excess sebum in the follicles of the skin, excess proliferation of cells within the follicle, bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes, and inflammation. The treatment of acne targets each of these problems.

Excess sebum in the follicle can be controlled with hormonal therapy such as spironolactone or oral contraceptives, which create an antiandrogen effect. The type of oral contraceptives used combines ethinyl estradiol and a progestin.

Progestins can be both antiandrogenic and proandrogenic. Drosperinone, available in the United States, is antiandrogenic alone. Ethinyl estradiol increases sex hormone binding globulin, which acts like a sponge to absorb the free testosterone and reduce the amount available in circulation affecting the sebaceous gland. It also acts on the hypothalamus and pituitary as a negative feedback, reducing the gonadatropin releasing hormone, the lutenizing hormone, and the follicle stimulating hormone - and as a result blocks ovarian production of androgens.

The U.S. FDA has approved three birth control pills for the treatment of acne: Ortho-Tri-Cyclin, Estrostep, and YAZ. YAZ is a combination of ethinyl estradiol and drosperinone. It has just recently been approved to treat acne. Studies have shown that there is a 50% reduction in inflammatory lesions over six months when compared to placebo.

There are several benefits, side effects, and contraindications for the use of oral contraceptives in the treatment of acne. These should be discussed with a physician prior to initiating therapy. However, one should not overlook the benefits of hormonal treatment in improving the lives of women with acne vulgaris.

At Home Device for Hair Removal and Facial Toning

Many rejuevinating techniques are done under the supervision of a trained physician. High tech lasers and injectible materials are often used today to achieve cosmetic goals. Recently, the FDA (U.S. Federal Drug Administration) approved the use of two home devices, making it easier for the consumer.

The TRIA (SpectraGenics, Inc) has been granted a 501K clearance as a hand-held device for laser hair removal. It uses a diode laser and has been available in Japan since 2005. It became available in the United States in the spring of 2008. Whether it will replace office based laser hair removal has yet to be determined. Currently, the thinking is that it will be used as a supplement to laser hair removal, such as touch ups or between visits.

NuFace (Carol Cole Company) has been FDA approved as a handheld device to improve the appearance of the face. It uses microcurrent technology (gentle electrical stimulation) to lift and tone facial muscles and skin tissue. Microcurrent technology has been shown to increase elastin fibers in the dermis and increase collagen thickness and blood vessels, which all aid in improving the appearance of the skin.

Nickel Allergies
Nickel Named Allergen of 2008 by American Contact Dermatitis Society

The American Contact Dermatitis Society has named nickel as its 2008 allergen of the year. There has been a rise in the incidence of nickel allergies, particularly in the pediatric population, as well as complications from biomedical devices containing nickel. Those that have allergies to nickel might develop an itchy scaly rash when exposed to this metal.

Nickel can be found in costume or inexpensive jewelry, coins, buckles, tools, and buttons or snaps on clothing. Typically, a person will complain of an itchy, dry and scaly rash on the stomach due to a nickel allergy from the metal snap on jeans or the belt buckle. If inexpensive earrings are the cause, a rash will appear on the neck (from dangling earring) or on the earlobes.

Nickel can also be found in foods such as legumes, nuts, grains, potatoes, chocolate or fish. It can also be found in medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies. If one has nickel allergies, an eczematous rash might appear on the hands from handling the above products.

A patch test can be performed to determine if one has contact allergies to certain products. It is a painless and relatively simple procedure that is performed by a medical professional.