Acne Specialists
Acne Q&A
What is acne?
Acne is a skin condition that typically happens when sebum, or skin oil, and dead skin cells build up to clog pores. Acne is most common in teenagers, but can also affect adults. Acne can look different depending on exactly what type you're dealing with. The three main types of acne are:
Acne Vulgaris
Acne vulgaris is the most common kind of acne. It can cause comedones (blackheads and whiteheads,) large papules and pustules, and sometimes cysts. Acne vulgaris happens when hair follicles grow clogged with oil and dead skin.
Acne Conglobata
Acne conglobata causes comedones, hard nodules, and abscesses. These abscesses can grow together to cause severe skin eruptions. Acne conglobata often happens when there's already acne present, and it may be connected to testosterone. It mainly happens in boys and men in their late teens or older.
Acne Inversa
Acne inversa, also known as hidradenitis supurativa, is a very painful inflammatory condition that causes fluid-filled bumps and lumps under the skin. These growths typically appear in the underarms, below the breasts, and in the groin area. The bumps rupture to leak fluid or pus, and then scars build up in the area.
No matter what kind of acne you've got, it can really hurt your confidence and self-esteem. Fortunately, though, your Pine Belt Dermatology doctor can help.
What causes acne?
Acne causes typically fall into three categories.
- Comedonal acne is caused by excess sebum production
- Inflammatory acne is caused by new acne growing beneath comedones
- Cystic acne develop due to infection around acne outbreaks
Acne treatment depends on the type and the cause of the acne.
How is acne treated?
When acne is mild or moderate, topical creams can work well. Your Pine Belt Dermatology doctor may prescribe both a retinoid ointment and an oral antibiotic. Avoiding certain makeup, soaps, and hair products can also help.
When the condition is hormonal, for example mainly during a woman’s menstrual cycle, oral birth control pills can be an effective treatment. When acne is more serious, your doctor may prescribe a powerful prescription medicine called isotretinoin.
Isolaz therapy uses a vacuum to clean your pores while broadband light kills the bacteria and reduces oil production. Photodynamic therapy combines medicinal serum and a laser to reduce the oil gland size and activity.
Need acne relief now? Book your appointment via the online tool or by phone today.
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