Favre-Racouchot Syndrome: What You Should Know About It And How To Keep It From Affecting You
Posted on: 8 August 2016
The images that often come to mind when talking about acne, blackheads and pimples are those of teenagers and life before turning 18. However, these symptoms are not reserved for just teens; adults, including those in their later years, can be afflicted with symptoms that mimic acne. One such condition is Favre-Racouchot syndrome, a skin disease that typically appears in the middle-to-late years of life. Below is more information about Favre-Racouchot syndrome as well as treatment options that can help reduce its disfiguring symptoms:
Favre-Racouchot syndrome - an introduction
Favre-Racouchot syndrome is a skin disease marked by the proliferation of blackheads and whiteheads in certain areas of the face. These comedones, as they are known medically, are often fairly large in size and can be accompanied by cysts. Though Favre-Racouchot syndrome can affect anyone, it is primarily a condition experienced by white, middle-aged men.
As with acne, the appearance of plugged pores caused by comedones can lead to skin damage and even disfigurement. That is why an aggressive treatment regimen of Favre-Racouchot syndrome can help prevent permanent injury of the skin.
What can be done for Favre-Racouchot syndrome
Several things can be done to treat Favre-Racouchot syndrome, including consulting with professionals in the field of dermatology. Below are several options that can be helpful to sufferers:
Stop smoking
If you are a heavy smoker, then one of the best things you can do for the health of your skin as well as the rest of your body is to quit. Smoking is implicated as a possible cause or trigger for Favre-Racouchot syndrome, and by ceasing to smoke, you can allow your skin to recover from the negative effects smoking causes.
Avoid sunlight exposure
Another way to reduce the severity of Favre-Racouchot syndrome or prevent its occurrence altogether is to limit the amount of exposure to sunlight. Alternatively, if you must spend time outside, then wear a high-quality, long-lasting sunscreen to minimize the effects of ultraviolet radiation. In addition, keep in mind that harmful exposure to sunlight can happen to truck drivers and others who spend considerable time on the road, so be sure to protect the left side of your body with sunscreen or by using tint or shades.
Comedone removal
Though Favre-Racouchot is similar to acne, it is not caused by the same factors. As a result, not all the standard dermatology treatment techniques are useful, but one such technique, the removal of comedones, can help accelerate the healing time.
Comedone removal can be done at home, but care should be taken not to cause infection of the site by using inappropriate force or nonsterile instruments. Purpose-made comedone extractors and blackhead removal strips are readily available and can be used to eliminate blackheads. Whiteheads, which are closed pores, are more difficult to treat and will require the hand of a physician or aesthetician for removal.
Isotretinoin medical regimen
One of the most significant drugs developed for the treatment of acne, isotretinoin, can also be prescribed for the treatment of Favre-Racouchot disease. Isotretinoin is a powerful formula that has a strong track record of success; however, it is also a potent medication that can contribute to liver damage and requires close medical supervision and testing to ensure it is not causing internal organ injuries.
Laser treatments
A relatively new approach to treating Favre-Racouchet syndrome is the use of carbon dioxide lasers coupled with blackhead removal. To begin, the patient's skin is exposed to the laser which can help shapen and smooth your skin. Following laser treatments, the use of standard comedone extraction and removal tools is still necessary to maximize the treatment.
For more information about Favre-Racouchot or acne surgery, contact a local professional.
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