Dermatologists need special techniques and equipment to treat Middle Eastern skin

The overall cost of healthcare related to the treatment of acne exceeds $1 billion annually in the United States alone. Middle Eastern patients, due to their skin type, seem to have a longer and slightly more challenging treatment and recovery period which makes the treatment procedures on offer in this region ever more pertinent. Post acne scars can not only have a visual effect on a patient, but also social, psychological, emotional and financial effects.

Post acne scar management techniques are to be discussed at this year's International Congress in Aesthetics, Anti-Ageing Medicine and Medical Spa (ICAAM) 2013 from 6-7 December at the Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa.

Plastic surgery and dermatology experts from the Middle East and around the world will be present at the two-day congress and will tackle the region's most pertinent topics in the fields of cosmetic dermatology and surgery. Dr Sharad Mutalik, Head of the Department, Dermatology, Dermatotherapy and Cosmetology Center, Maharashtra Medical Foundation, Pune, India, and Dr Mahaveer Mehta, Dermatologist and Medical Director, Dr Mahaveer Mehta Medical Centre, Dubai, UAE, and chairman of the Aesthetic Dermatology Congress, will be speaking at about post-acne scare treatment in the Middle East at this year's event.

“We have different skin types here in the UAE. Treating darker skin requires special equipment and experience. As an experienced dermatologist, this does not pose any challenge; however, acne scars are always preventable if one gets proper advice and treatment. Acne scarring is one of the common conditions I treat in my practice. My patient's ages range from 18 to 50,” highlights Dr Mehta.

Acne can affect the face, chest, shoulders, arms, back and even buttocks. Oil producing glands of the skin (Sebaceous glands) are found in large numbers in these areas of the human body. Testosterone (male hormone) has a great impact on the functioning of these glands.

According to Dr Mutalik, “Post acne treatment protocol depends upon the shape, size, depth and distribution of the acne scars. Chemical peels, surgical excision, subcision, microneedling, fractional laser, fractional radio frequency and platelet reach plasma are some of the most common methods used to treat acne scars. These treatments require multiple sessions at the interval of four to six weeks, and the results are appreciable after nine to 12 months post treatment.”

Most of the scars result from inflammation; individuals who suffer from inflamed acne should avoid squeezing their acne. Different factors like hormonal imbalance, infection and dietary habits can contribute to worsening the condition of the acne. Control of inflammatory acne early and for an adequate duration can certainly prevent scar formation. Additionally medication and treatment should be taken and applied meticulously to avoid scar formation.

International Congress in Aesthetics, Anti-Ageing Medicine & Medical Spa (ICAAM) 2013 will host more than 25 exhibitors and 1,000 attendees from across the globe. Running alongside the exhibition, this year's programme also boasts a highly scientific CME-accredited conference agenda featuring two informative tracks: Aesthetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Live surgeries will also take place on the 8 December at the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Hospital, Dubai, UAE.