A Double Punch To Knock Out Acne (NAPSA)-—It’s every teenager’s worst nightmare; looking in the mirror and seeing a face full of pimples. Acne is the most commonly diagnosed skin disorder in the ULS., and is rsost prevalent in the teenage population. According to the American Academy of Dermatolagy, close to 1006 percent of people between the ages of 12 and 17 have an occasional pimple, regardless of race or ethnic background. By their mid-teens, however, more than 46 percent of ado- lescents have acne severe enough to require medical treatment by a physician. Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged by skin cells that block the opening of pores. If the blocked pore is not visible, it forms a whitehead; if the pore is open and visible, it forms a blackhead. Red, inflamed papules and pustules are formed when acne bacteria break through the whitehead or blackhead. The most common form of acne, acne vulgaris, is a constellation of whiteheads, blackheads, papules and pustules. Severe acne can cause scarring and affect a person's self-image, causing insecurity andfeelings of inferiority. An on-line survey of more than 1,100 teenagers, con- ducted in 2000 by Yankelovich Partners for the American Counselig Association, found that rnore than three-quarters of teenage acne sufferers (77 percent) say their condition makes them feel self-conscious, ugly, embarrassed, unhappyor depressed. NewTwo-in-One Treatment Available Aene is commonlytreated with over-the-counter products that eoutrol mild formis of acne; antibi- oties, both topical and oral, are often prescribed to clear up more moderate to severe cases. Now patients have an exciting new treatment option. The Food and Drug Administration has approved BenzaClin™ Topical Gel (chndamycin 1%-benzoyl peroxide 5% gel. This new prescription therapy combines clindamycin, he raost widely prescribed topical antibiotic for acne with benzoyl peroxide, the most frequently used topical treatment for aene. Dectors now have a new treatment option to help teens deal with acne. BenzaClin™is a water-based gel that is applied twice daily, mornimg and evening, or as directed by a physician. Clindamiycin acts to destroy acne-causing bacteria, known as PB acnes, on the skin, while benzoyl peroxide dries the skin and helps prevent the growth of bacteria. “T have studied every topical and systemic antibiotic used in the treatment of acne, and until now, the topical antibiotic with the greatest effect on reducing the inflammation caused by P acnes was Benzamycin,” said James J. Leyden, MD, professor of dermatology, University of Pennsylvania. “BenzaClin™ is a new generation, a step forward in acne treatment. In my experience, I beheve it is more effective, works more rapidly against P. acnes, plus it has Benzamyecin’s benefit of containing benzoyl peroxide, which is a component of fighting bacterial resistance.” The side effect most commonly seen with BenzaClin™ is dry skin, which was experienced by 12 percent of patients in the clinical trials. Diarrhea, bloody diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis have been reported with topical eclindamyciu. Discontinuation is rec- oramended if significant diarrhea develops. If you have acne, seek the advice of a dactor who can help address individual skin care needs and provide appropriate therapy. fo learn more about this condition, log on to www.counseling.org| teenacneor wun. benzaclin.com.
