Acne & Acne Scars
Acne is a very common and very treatable skin condition
- Very common skin inflammation involving the hair follicles and oil glands, especially worse during teenager years
- The spots can be small red spots, or much deeper nodular or cystic ones which can result in severe scarring
- It is important to treat acne early to prevent permanent scars
- There are effective topical treatment and oral medication (antibiotics, oral retinoids)
- Lasers can be used for acne scar resurfacing
What is acne?
- Acne starts as comedones (blackheads and whiteheads)
- Acne papules are commonly called spots, pimples and zits.
- Acne can become worse and more severe causing larger and deeper lesions called nodules and cysts
- Acne can lead to permanent scars and skin discolouration
Who gets acne vulgaris?
Acne can be psychologically distressing because of how it can cause severe scarring and affects the physical appearance.
Why is acne worse in some people?
- Genetic factors (family members have bad acne)
- Own immune system reacting to cause severe acne inflammation
- Hormonal factors (higher levels of male/androgenic hormones) due to medical conditions such as polycystic ovaries, psychological stress, Cushing’s syndrome
- Environmental factors such as high humidity, oily thick cosmetics, occlusive headgear
- Excessive dairy products, meat protein and sugars in the diet
- Certain medications may cause acne
Do certain foods cause acne?
How do we treat acne vulgaris?
Our dermatologist will individualise treatment plan, which depends on the patient age and gender, the extent and the severity of the acne, how long it has been present, and response to previous treatments
- For mild acne, treatment includes anti-inflammatory creams (eg benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, retinoids)
- Mild comedonal acne may benefit from procedures such as chemical peels, and microdermabrasion (Hydrafacial) which can help to cleanse and clear the blackheads/whiteheads.
- Treatment for moderate acne requires additional oral acne antibiotics such as tetracyclines
- Some acne patients may benefit from antiandrogen hormonal treatment such as birth control pill
- Treatment for severe acne may require a course of oral isotretinoin
What is isotretinoin?
It works by reducing oil production, the size of oil glands, and decreasing inflammation and skin cells clogging up pores. Lower doses can be used to minimise side effects and achieve excellent acne control.
A course of isotretinoin treatment typically lasts 10–12 months, depending on severity and body weight. Large majority of patients will achieve excellent clearance of their acne, with many experiencing long-term remission of acne. Isotretinoin cannot be taken during pregnancy, and proper contraception needs to be strictly adhered to whilst on the medication for patients who are sexually active. Other common side effects include dry lips, skin and dry eyes.
Our dermatologist will discuss with you if you are a suitable candidate for the use of isotretinoin. Your safety whilst taking these tablets will be ensured with close monitoring.
Can lasers treat acne?
Once active acne is well controlled, our dermatologist can discuss laser treatment options to improve the appearance of scars. Fractionated CO2 Laser can be used to treat and resurface pitted scars, deeper scars and skin irregularities. Pigment Pico Laser can also treat acne pigmentation and milder scars. Red acne scars can be treated with Pulsed Dye Laser.
Book a Consultation & Protect Your Skin
Our team of experienced dermatologists and skin surgeons are here to help you identify, diagnose, and manage any suspicious skin changes with precision and care. Don’t ignore unusual spots or slow-healing lesions, book your appointment today for a thorough evaluation and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Just like your wisdom teeth, buried supernumeraries might cause you issues in the future like teeth eruption problems, malalignment of
teeth or even cystic formation. It is thus best to get a consultation on whether they need to be removed.
Possible complications include bleeding, swelling, mild discomfort in your jaw, and infection. The bleeding usually stops after a couple of days and swelling will go away after a few days. Antibiotics and painkillers will be prescribed to address any pain or infection.
Every person heals differently but the average downtime can range from a few days to a week.
Preparations can vary from person to person, but in general, maintaining good oral hygiene is key to good healing. Stop smoking for at least 2 weeks prior to the surgery. If sedation or general anesthesia is indicated, avoid eating or drinking for 6 hours before your surgery.
Our Dermatologist
Dr Tay Liang Kiat
Dr Tay Liang Kiat is a fully accredited Dermatologist who specialises in skin cancers, Mohs micrographic surgery, dermatologic and nail surgery, aesthetic dermatology and laser procedures. With more than 25 years of clinical experience, he also manages other aspects of general ambulatory and inpatient dermatology, including eczema, psoriasis, acne, urticaria, hair loss, children skin issues and other complex medical dermatology. In addition, he has expertise in the use of the latest immunotherapy (biologics) treatment for severe eczema, psoriasis and urticaria.
Background
- UK (Oxford) Fellowship trained Dermatologist, specialising in Skin Cancer Screening and Treatment, Mohs Micrographic Surgery, Advanced Dermatologic Surgery
- UK-educated with more than 25 years clinical experience
- Accredited Dermatologist by Ministry of Health and Specialist Accreditation Board, Singapore
- Former Senior Dermatologist in private dermatology group practice
- Former Consultant Dermatologist and Head of Dermatology Surgery Services and Eczema Clinic at Changi General Hospital, Singapore
- Former Visiting Consultant Dermatologist at Military Medical Institute Specialist Centre, Singapore Armed Forces
Fellowship & Accreditation
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, University of Glasgow, UK
- Member of the Royal College of Physicians, UK
- Member of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, UK
- Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, UK
- Fellow of the Academy of Medicine (Dermatology), Singapore
- Fellowship in Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Advanced Dermatologic Surgery, University of Oxford, UK
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Contact Information
Our Locations
- Suite #04-04 Parkway East Medical Centre 319 Joo Chiat Place Singapore 427989
- 1 Scotts Road #03-02 Shaw Centre Singapore 228208
Contact Numbers
- Whatsapp: +65 9159 2824
- Phone: +65 6539 9365
- Fax: +65 6539 9465
Email Address
- contact@stratumskin.com.sg
Book an Appointment
Please fill in this form and we will give you a call back to arrange an appointment with our dermatologist.
Our Locations
- Suite #04-04 Parkway East Medical Centre 319 Joo Chiat Place Singapore 427989
- 1 Scotts Road #03-02 Shaw Centre Singapore 228208
Contact Numbers
- Whatsapp: +65 9159 2824
- Phone: +65 6539 9365
- Fax: +65 6539 9465