Health

Treatment Methods For Severe Acne

Published

4 years ago

October 27, 2020

Acne, a nuisance causing skin condition, not only leaves you with blemished skin but also causes an emotional toll. Patients with severe acne experience frequent skin breakouts that affect different parts of the body, such as the face, back, and neck. They are caused by hormonal changes or genetic makeup.

In extreme cases, these breakouts penetrate deeper into the skin and are referred to as cysts or nodules. This form of acne is typically more painful, and even when it clears up, unsightly scars are often left behind. Dealing with severe acne can be overwhelming and is known to have a negative effect on self-esteem. However, there are a few proven ways through which you can manage the breakouts.

Treatment Options

Are you struggling with severe acne? Below are some recommended treatment options:

Dietary Changes

Your diet can have a direct impact on your susceptibility to severe acne. The food you consume affects the functioning of various body organs, including the skin. When the skin fails to function normally, it may produce excess oil, known as sebum, that clogs the pores. In turn, clogged pores are more likely to become infected with bacteria, which leads to acne breakouts. Therefore, to prevent such breakouts, you can make some dietary changes, which include;

• Going on a low-carb diet

• Hydrating

• Ditching dairy products

• Adding lots of green leafy vegetables into your diet

Effective Skincare

It is advisable to adopt a healthy skincare routine to reduce the frequency and severity of acne breakouts. A healthy skincare routine helps maintain its proper functioning giving it a smooth, youthful, and glowing look. If you are not sure of the skincare routine to adopt, here is a summary:

• Wash your face at least twice a day using a mild soap or a gentle cleanser and warm water.

• Shower after any strenuous activity to remove excess sweat and dirt.

• Apply sunscreen before going outdoors under the scorching sun.

• Avoid using harsh skincare products.

• For dry skin, apply a moisturizer before going to bed.

• Avoid touching your face regularly to reduce contamination.

• Seek help from a qualified dermatologist.

• Exfoliate regularly.

Lifestyle Changes

Your lifestyle can also contribute to regular breakouts. How? The acne on your skin may be a sign of an underlying issue. Your physical, mental, and emotional well-being all affect the general functioning of your body. Therefore, your skin’s health calls for holistic treatment. You should start by addressing any issue concerning the functioning of your body. Listed below are some lifestyle changes you can adopt:

• Exercise regularly to increase blood flow throughout your body. This helps in the elimination of oils and other toxic substances that may trigger acne breakouts.

• Get enough sleep to control your cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone related to stress, which is not good for your skin.

• Avoid stress. Though it’s hard to do away with stress completely, it is vital to learn how to manage it. Elevated stress triggers the production of glucocorticoid, which can affect the structure and functioning of the skin.

• Hydrate: Replace alcohol and carbonated drinks with water. Water helps your body flush out toxins that may affect the health of your skin.

Medications

If none of the above treatment options seems to work for you, your doctor may recommend some medications. The medication will typically be either topical creams/lotions or pills.

They include:

• Antibiotics: These work by killing excess bacteria on the skin, reducing skin reddening and inflammation. Antibiotics may be taken orally or used as topical ointments.

• Retinoids: Also called vitamin A derivatives, retinoids work by affecting how your skin grows and sheds.

• Oral contraceptives: These are used on women, and they reduce severe acne outbreaks by counteracting the hormonal effects of periods.

• Other medications used to treat severe acne include dapsone, azelaic acid, and spironolactone.

Conclusion

Severe acne can affect you mentally, physically, and emotionally. If you have been struggling with this condition, you can adopt the treatment methods above to reduce the impact of severe acne breakouts.

Health

How Telehealth Works for Addicts in Recovery

Published

7 days ago

March 6, 2025

Michelle Langton

Technology has been shaping healthcare for decades, and these days, tech advancements for the health sector are happening faster than ever before. Telehealth has emerged as one advancement that has touched every healthcare discipline, from cancer care to pediatrics. The innovative approach of telehealth is breaking down barriers to care and even reaching those who are struggling with substance abuse.

By leveraging digital platforms, recovery specialists can offer better access to therapy sessions, support groups, and medical consultations. These breakthroughs in accessibility are significant for people in healthcare deserts who are languishing under increased addiction rates and a lack of reliable treatment options.

Nick Padlo, founder and CEO of Sophros Recovery in Florida, has seen the benefit of telehealth for recovering addicts firsthand. “Individuals struggling with addiction can now find support and guidance if they do not have access to a treatment center near their home,” he explains. “These virtual programs are designed to provide comprehensive care, similar to traditional in-person treatment, but with the added convenience of digital accessibility.”

Here, we explore the benefits of telehealth for recovery and how clinicians and other professionals in the field can best utilize it for better outcomes.

An increased need for comprehensive recovery

The United States saw over 107,000 overdose deaths in 2023. This was a notable increase from previous numbers. The emergence of fentanyl as the drug of choice for many and the perpetuation of alcohol and other drug abuses have made access to comprehensive recovery even more important than ever.

“Understanding the options available can be the first step to recovery,” says Padlo. When people have easier access to help, they may be more apt to seek sobriety.

The pandemic saw a marked increase in substance abuse, laying bare the need for digital access to recovery resources. During the COVID shutdown, the crucial need for an alternative to in-person treatment was evident, and the benefits of such treatment options allowed clinicians and other professionals to carry this digital access to recovery care through the pandemic and into the post-COVID world.

In addition, those living in rural areas or areas with a lack of access to comprehensive recovery care often have needs on par with those in larger urban areas. Telehealth allows people to access the same professionals that those in big cities rely upon.

Studies have shown that continuity of care is critical to the success of addiction recovery. Telehealth can facilitate ongoing engagement with those in recovery, securing continuity of care and leading to better recovery outcomes.

A modern approach

“Online addiction recovery typically involves a combination of individual therapy, group therapy, educational sessions, and support groups, all conducted via video conferencing or other online tools,” explains Padlo. The flexibility of these programs allows participants to schedule them around their availability and considering their other commitments.

“We aim to mirror the effectiveness of traditional methods,” says Padlo. “We are providing the same level of care and support through a virtual format.”

Padlo stresses that online recovery can also reduce stigmas that are associated with seeking help for one’s addictions. When those in recovery can participate from the comfort of their own home, they may be more apt to commit to the recovery process.

People will need to consider their personal circumstances when determining if telehealth for addiction recovery is right for them. They may want to evaluate how comfortable they are with technology and whether they have a stable internet connection. Also, it helps to have a strong support system to keep one accountable since it can sometimes be easier to ignore digital meeting commitments.

However, Padlo cautions that those with severe addiction issues or co-occurring addictions may fare better with in-person detox and recovery.

Telehealth can be a powerful tool in the fight against addiction. The option offers a range of benefits, including easier access, privacy, and even savings for some. According to a recent study by the Oregon Health and Science University, telehealth may be just the solution to overcoming the stigma of rehab and recovery and radically reducing barriers for people who need it the most.

While telehealth for addiction recovery may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, and some people may require more intensive care and medical intervention, it has broken barriers for those in areas of limited access to recovery or seeking an option that offers more privacy.

As the field of virtual health delivery continues to evolve, the benefits of telehealth for addiction recovery will become clear. Telehealth provides comprehensive, discrete, and effective care for those starting or continuing their recovery journey.