Acne is a nearly universal experience. While the familiar lesions are most associated with the face, they can appear on any part of the body at any time, and they can have a range of appearances. They can also occur at any age and to different degrees of severity—but there are typically more cases of teenage rather than adult acne. Southwest Dermatology-area men, women, and teens dealing with the problem can sometimes easily control mild outbreaks with over-the-counter products, but the condition more commonly requires treatment by a dermatologist.
Whether your acne is chronic or sporadic, mild or severe, visiting is a great first step toward achieving clear and smooth skin. Each person is unique, which means the treatment that works for one person may not work for another. Our dermatologists and aestheticians are skilled at assessing your individual skin makeup to develop and recommend a strategy that will work for you, from personal skincare regimens to combination treatments.
Acne is made up of two types of blemishes:
Acne is caused by overproduction of oil (sebum) in the sebaceous gland and the trapping of dead cells within hair follicles. This can trap bacteria normally found on the skin inside the follicle, which then leads to inflammation. Outbreaks range in severity from superficial, as with non-inflammatory whiteheads and blackheads, to deep, cystic lesions.
Some people may be more prone to breakouts than others. This is due to a combination of genetics, hormones, stress, exercise, and other environmental factors.
Schedule AppointmentAcne lesions consist of blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, cysts, and nodules. The type of outbreak you experience will depend on a variety of factors. Any number of these lesions can appear all over the body, but the most common locations are the face, chest, and back. They may also appear on the neck, shoulders, upper arms, scalp, and buttocks.
Treating acne is a relatively slow process; there is no overnight remedy. Some treatments include:
