Acne

Acne

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Southwest Dermatology Specialists will Expertly Treat Your Acne

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 the most frequent skin condition in the United States. It is characterized by pimples that appear on the face, back and chest. Every year, about 80% of adolescents have some form of acne and about 5% of adults experience acne.

Acne is made up of two types of blemishes:

  • Whiteheads/Blackheads, also known as comedones, are non-inflammatory and appear more on the face and shoulders. As long as they remain uninfected, they are unlikely to lead to scarring.
  • Red Pustules or Papules are inflamed pores that fill with pus. These can lead to scarring.

Acne Causes

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.

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Acne Symptons

Acne 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.

Acne Treatments

Treating acne is a relatively slow process; there is no overnight remedy. Some treatments include:

  • Benzoyl Peroxide – Used in mild cases of acne, benzoyl peroxide reduces the blockages in the hair follicles.
  • Oral and Topical Antibiotics – Used to treat any infection in the pores.
  • Hormonal Treatments – Can be used for adult women with hormonally induced acne.
  • Tretinoin – A derivative of Vitamin A, tretinoin helps unplug the blocked-up material in whiteheads/blackheads. It has become a mainstay in the treatment of acne.
  • Extraction– Removal of whiteheads and blackheads using a small metal instrument that is centered on the comedone and pushed down, extruding the blocked pore.

Chemical Peel Treatment