Keratosis Pilaris Treatment Ireland

Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a genetic disorder of keratinization of hair follicles of the skin. It is an extremely common benign condition that manifests as small, rough folliculocentric keratotic papules, often described as chicken bumps, chicken skin, or goose bumps, in characteristic areas of the body, particularly the outer-upper arms and thighs. Although no clear etiology has been defined, keratosis pilaris is often described in association with other dry skin conditions such as ichthyosis vulgaris, xerosis, and, less commonly, with atopic dermatitis, including conditions of asthma and allergies. •Keratosis pilaris may be treated with topical immunomodulators . Although these products are approved for atopic dermatitis and eczema, their use would be considered off label for keratosis pilaris. These may be used in more resistant cases or when the patient has considerable skin redness or inflammation. •Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using a 2-step combination of a topical photosensitizer and a light source may be used in off-label fashion for the temporary treatment of keratosis pilaris. Available photosensitizers include aminolevulinic acid or methyl levulinate. Light sources include sunlight, blue light (417 nm), red light (630 nm), and multiple laser devices. PDT has been anecdotally reported as effective, but this successful use of off-label photodynamic therapy requires confirmation. •Laser hair removal (LHR) has been used in keratosis pilaris to decrease hair growth in affected areas. Theoretically, LHR may help decrease the portion of bumps in keratosis pilaris caused by small, coiled, ingrown hairs. There are no studies showing a cure of keratosis pilaris with LHR. •Laser therapies including more aggressive resurfacing lasers, carbon dioxide, fractional lasers, and other aggressive laser therapies have been used in limited cases for keratosis pilaris. There are no studies showing a cu

Dr. Treacy our resident Dermatologist is Chairman of The Irish College of Cosmetic Doctors and is Irish Representative of The British Association of Cosmetic Doctors. He is a member of The British Medical Laser Association, The American Society for Aesthetic Medicine, The American Society for Lasers in Medicine and Surgery, The European Society of Laser Dermatology, The European Society for Dermatological Surgery (ESDS), The International Society for Dermatologic Surgery, The International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology

Treatments at Ailesbury Clinic fall into three main categories: 1) Topical treament is adequate for mild acne. This works by exfoliating the skin and de-plugging the folicles. These treatments include: Agera Salicylic Wash which contains Salicylic acid and special hydrating agents, Agera Acne Shield which contains 2% Salicylic acid, 12% ascorbic acid and prostaglandin inhibitors to counteract the infection and inflamation associated with acne, Agera Peptide Antibac which contains and microbial enzyme to counteract infection, Topical Antibiotics e.g Arethromycin to kill bacteria in mild to moderately severe acne, RetinA Cream to reduce the number of comedomes - acne lesions. 2) Oral treatment with antibiotics, retinoids or hormones is prescribed for moderate or severe acne: Antibitoics i.e.The Clinic sometimes used during the infective phase of an outbreak, Anti-androgen is used in females resistant to antibiotics, with moderate to severe acne, treatment to reduce sebum production, inhibits bacteria and is anti-inflammatory and is used if the condition is severe or unresponsive to normal treatment. 3) Aurora Laser system, recently approved by the FDA for treatment of moderate acne vulgaries. This treatment is very safe. Recent advances in laser technologies mean this laser can now be used for acne in all skin types and in the treatment of acne scarring.