Acne

The newest FDA-approved treatment for weight management and type 2 diabetes.

Includes tirzepatide, a medication that acts on two important hormones: GLP-1 and GIP.

This dual-action approach helps suppress appetite while also supporting better blood sugar regulation.

Intended to deliver improved results when used alongside lifestyle modifications.

Approved for weight management in adults who are overweight or obese.

Contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist medication.

Works by mimicking a natural hormone that influences the brain’s appetite regulation centers.

Supports reduced hunger and calorie consumption to encourage long-term weight loss.

Although oral and injectable weight loss medications can contain the same active ingredient (like semaglutide), their chemical formulations are specifically tailored to their method of delivery. Injectable medications are administered directly into the bloodstream, while oral medications must withstand the digestive process, resulting in different designs to maintain their effectiveness.

Key distinctions include:

• Injectables bypass the digestive tract, allowing for more efficient absorption; oral medications often require absorption enhancers.
• Oral tablets are formulated with protective coatings and carriers to withstand stomach acid.
• Injectables are often chemically more stable, especially for peptide-based drugs.
• Injectables generally allow for higher drug levels in the blood.
• Oral tablets contain more excipients (binders, coatings, etc.) than injectables.

Oral weight loss medications can be effective, but they don’t always function identically to injectable treatments. Even when containing the same active ingredient, oral medications are absorbed differently, which can slightly impact how much of the drug is available to work in the body.

That said, for many individuals, oral options offer a convenient and clinically effective alternative.

Key points:

• Oral medications may deliver lower drug levels into the bloodstream compared to injectables.
• Higher oral doses are often used to make up for reduced absorption.
• Clinical trials show that oral semaglutide (like Rybelsus) can produce weight loss comparable to injections in some individuals.
• For those who prefer to avoid injections, oral treatments provide an effective option when taken as directed and consistently.

The causes of acne are multifaceted and may include:
Excess Oil Production: Overproduction of sebum (skin oil) by the sebaceous glands can clog hair follicles.
Clogged Pores: When dead skin cells are not shed properly, they can mix with sebum and clog pores.
Bacterial Overgrowth: The presence of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) bacteria in hair follicles can lead to inflammation and the formation of acne lesions.
Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can influence acne development.
Diet and Lifestyle Factors: High-glycemic diets and certain lifestyle factors, like stress, can contribute to acne.
Genetic Predisposition: Family history of acne can increase one's susceptibility to the condition.

The diagnosis of acne is usually straightforward and often based on visual examination by a healthcare provider or dermatologist. Key aspects of diagnosis include:
Clinical Assessment: Healthcare providers assess the type and severity of acne lesions and inquire about medical history, lifestyle, and diet.
Physical Examination: Dermatologists may perform a physical examination to determine the extent and severity of the condition.
Skin Analysis: Advanced technologies like dermoscopy can be used to examine the skin and assess the presence of acne.
Rule Out Other Conditions: In some cases, skin conditions that mimic acne, such as folliculitis or rosacea, need to be ruled out.

The management of acne involves various approaches depending on the type and severity of the condition:
Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter or prescription creams, gels, and lotions containing active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids can help clear acne lesions.
Oral Medications: For moderate to severe acne, oral antibiotics, oral contraceptives (for hormonal acne in women), or oral isotretinoin (a powerful retinoid) may be prescribed.
Procedural Treatments: Dermatologists may perform procedures such as chemical peels, laser therapy, or drainage and extraction of cysts or nodules for severe cases.
Skin Care Regimen: Establishing a consistent and gentle skincare routine is essential. Avoid harsh cleansers and abrasive scrubs, which can exacerbate acne.
Lifestyle Changes: Dietary modifications, stress management, and lifestyle changes can contribute to acne management.
Comedone Extraction: In some cases, a dermatologist may perform comedone extraction, a procedure to remove stubborn blackheads or whiteheads.

Preventive measures can help minimize the risk of acne and manage its severity:
- Cleanse and Exfoliate: Use a mild cleanser and gentle exfoliation to keep pores clear of excess oil and dead skin cells.
- Avoid Harsh Products: Avoid abrasive or irritating skincare products that can worsen acne.
- Dietary Choices: Maintain a balanced diet with whole foods, avoid excessive dairy and high-glycemic foods, and stay hydrated.
- Stress Management: Incorporate stress-reduction techniques like yoga, meditation, or mindfulness to manage stress, which can exacerbate acne.
- Avoid Touching and Picking: Avoid touching or picking at acne lesions to prevent the spread of bacteria and scarring.

Read more about Acne on the NHS website, following the link below:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/