What is acne?
Acne is a common skin condition that occurs as the result of blocked hair follicles under your skin. Dead skin cells and oil can clog your follicles, causing bumps on the skin’s surface.
You can also develop acne as the result of taking certain medications, including corticosteroids, or from the foods you eat, such as dairy products and high-carb foods. Stress can also increase outbreaks of acne.
Acne can affect various areas of your body, especially the areas where you have the most oil glands, including your:
- Face
- Chest
- Forehead
- Shoulders
- Upper back
In some cases, acne clears up on its own without medical intervention. You may also experience persistent outbreaks of acne that can cause you embarrassment and leave your skin with long-lasting scars.
If you don’t have success with over-the-counter cleansers and acne treatments, A to Z Dermatology can help. The team can review the severity of your acne and recommend prescription treatments to clear up breakouts.
What are the symptoms of acne?
Acne symptoms are more than just pimples on the surface of your skin. You may also develop one or more of the following issues:
- Cysts
- Nodules
- Whiteheads
- Blackheads
- Darkened skin patches
- Scars
Besides the physical symptoms of acne, the condition can also cause emotional issues, affecting your self-esteem and self-confidence. You may avoid social situations out of embarrassment of your skin’s condition.
What treatment options are available for acne?
The treatment plans available at A to Z Dermatology focus on clearing up your existing acne, preventing new acne breakouts, and reducing your risk factors for long-term acne scars.
The team uses acne treatments like:
Medications
You might benefit from topical medications that help unclog your pores and dry up excess oils on your skin. These medications are available both over-the-counter and by prescription, depending on the severity of your acne. If you have an active infection, you might also need a course of antibiotics.
Chemical peels
Chemical peels remove the outer layers of your skin to treat acne and improve the appearance of acne scars.
IPL photofacials
Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy uses broad-spectrum light to treat acne and improve the texture of your skin.
MicroPen™ Elite Facials
The MicroPen is a microneedling device that creates small wounds in your skin to trigger increased collagen production. The new collagen fills in areas of recessed acne scars to improve the appearance of your skin.
Don’t let acne reduce your quality of life. Schedule a consultation at A to Z Dermatology using the convenient online booking feature or by calling the office nearest you.
