Acne is one of the most common skin conditions. It occurs when the hair follicles become clogged with excess oil, if dead skin cells irritate the hair follicles, or if there is a buildup of bacteria underneath the skin. It is often seen on areas of the skin that have a large number of oil glands including the face, the neck, the back, shoulders, and even the chest. Aside from oil and dead skin cells, other factors such as hormones, diet, or drug regimen could affect the development and worsen acne. Depending on the severity of the condition, acne can cause scarring, often in the form of raised lesions or “craters” on the skin.
What are the common forms of acne?
Comedones, or what are more commonly known as whiteheads or blackheads, develop on the skin when the pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and even bacteria.
Papules are red and swollen bumps on the skin surface that may be indicative of infection or inflammation inside the hair follicles.
Pustules, or pimples, are raised bumps that are red and tender with the pus at the tips.
Nodules are large and painful lumps that develop underneath the surface of the skin. These solid lesions are formed by the buildup of follicle secretions
Cysts are boil-like, pus-filled lumps that are painful and develop beneath the skin surface, often causing scars.
What can I expect from acne treatment?
Acne treatment works by targeting the problem areas and reducing oil production, repressing bacterial infection, accelerating skin cell turnover, and reducing the inflammation on the skin. For most types of acne treatments, the results will normally be seen within eight weeks, and it is typical for the skin to break out before it gets better.
Over-the-counter and prescription topical acne treatments can dry up excess oil, kill bacteria, and slough off dead skin cells. Over-the-counter preparations generally contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, salicylic acid, or resorcinol and are useful for mild to moderate cases of acne. Prescription preparations contain vitamin
A derivatives.
Topical and oral antibiotics maybe used for moderate to severe cases of acne
Isotretinoin is used for deep cystic or scarring acne that does not respond to a conventional antiobiotic treatment
Oral contraceptives have been seen to be useful in managing the symptoms of acne in women, especially those containing a combination of ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate
Laser and light therapy repairs the skin from the deeper layers by causing the sebaceous glands to produce less oil and targeting bacteria that causes acne.
Other cosmetic procedures including microdermabrasion, chemical peels and Blue Light laser therapy also help in keeping the symptoms of acne under control.
We offer several types of acne treatments, contact us today to learn which one may be right for you!
