INTERVIEW
Acne does not affect only adolescents. Some adults are also affected, which can be a real handicap on a daily basis. But why can acne break out after adolescence? How to cure it ? Doctor Laurence Netter, a dermatologist in Paris, answers all these questions in the program Without appointment, Thursday on Europe 1.
Is acne in adults a reason for consultation?
Yes, we have a very large percentage of patients of all ages consulting for acne. Adults of the adult woman are more often seen than adult men. In adult men, it is more often acne of the back. In women, it is more at the level of the mandibles, while at the teen is higher, at the level of the cheeks and forehead. The older we get, the more acne goes down, especially in the neck.
Why do you have acne as an adult?
This is a problem that comes from many factors. Women take less pills than before, while some of them protect against acne. Some products, such as cyproterone acetate, have become unsuitable, while they were fighting well against acne. Perhaps, and it's only my opinion, that endocrine disruptors also have an effect. I feel like we're seeing more acne today than 20 years ago.
How to fight?
We start with the simplest, from the strongest to the strongest. We start with creams, and if that's not enough we add an antibiotic for three months. When it really does not work, and the acne is severe, we have isotretinoin, the drug that is 35 years old. There are four or five generics that exist for this medicine. It is possible to cure almost 100% of acnes.
Are blackheads acne?
Absolutely. There are several types of acnes: either retentive acnes, that is to say with black or white dots. There are also inflammatory acnes, where there are more lesions with the pue in, and also mixed acnes. This is treated very well, with local products that increase cell renewal. This has the effect of unclogging the "chimney" that removes fat and it eliminates blackheads.
You can also do a dermatological cleansing with a small blade of scalpel. With an open black spot, put the small blade of scalpel in the middle and slowly remove the fat inside. However, not all dermatologists do little cleaning, you have to ask each practitioner.