Acne

What is Acne?

Acne vulgaris is a common skin disease that occurs when hair follicles on the skin surface become clogged with dead skin cells and oil. While it is most common among teens, it can affect people of all ages. In fact, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, it is one of the most common diseases around the world, affecting as many as 85% of adolescents.

Acne vulgaris can occur anywhere on the body but is most common on the face, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders, as these areas have the most oil glands (sebaceous glands). Inflammatory acne lesions can be very painful and embarrassing, especially since acne can be very difficult to treat without professional help.

What Causes Acne?

Certain conditions may cause or worsen acne formation, including hormonal changes, certain medications, diet, and stress. Additionally, severe acne or acne left untreated can cause acne scars or skin discoloration. An assessment by a dermatologist is needed to properly diagnose acne and take steps toward healthy skin.

Acne Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of acne vulgaris vary depending on the severity of the condition, and include:

• Blackheads (open clogged pores)
• Whiteheads (closed clogged pores)
• Small tender, red bumps (papules)
• Large, painful lumps beneath the skin (nodules)
• Pimples (pustules)
• Painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the skin (cystic lesions)

Individuals with acne that causes discomfort, scarring, redness, dark spots, or self-consciousness can benefit from acne treatment. In order to best diagnose and treat your acne, a consultation appointment with one of our dermatologists is needed. Please contact our office today to schedule your appointment!acne treatment. In order to best diagnose and treat your acne, a consultation appointment with one of our dermatologists is needed. Please contact our office today to schedule your appointment!

Diagnosing Acne

During a consultation, a board-certified dermatologist can engage in a deep discussion about your daily habits and lifestyle to determine any possible underlying causes of acne. Your dermatologist will want to know information such as the products you use on your skin and whether you use any hormonal medication. Your dermatologist will examine the affected skin and any inflammatory acne lesions and skin irritation. Once your dermatologist has a complete picture of your acne, you will discuss treatment options.

Acne Treatments

There are many different methods of treating acne that acne can be used depending on the acne severity and type. These include:

Topical Medications

1. Antibiotics: Topical antibiotics kill excess bacteria on the skin, as well as reduce inflammation and redness. These antibiotics are often combined with benzoyl peroxide to reduce the chance of developing antibiotic resistance.
2. Anti-androgen: Winlevi (clascoterone) cream 1% is a prescription medicine used on the skin (topical) to treat acne in people 12 years of age and older.
3. Azelaic acid and salicylic acid: Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid created by yeast, and has antibacterial properties. Salicylic acid can help prevent clogged hair follicles and is available as leave-on and wash-off products.
4. Dapsone (Aczone) 5% – 7.5%: This gel is recommended for inflammatory and severe nodular acne, especially in women.
5. Minocycline Foam (Amzeeq): This tetracycline-type of antibiotic is used to treat inflammatory acne and is the newest of the topical antibiotic therapies.
6. Sulfur/Sulfacetamide: An older antimicrobial compound available as a leave-on lotion/cream or used as a cleanser.
7. Retinoids and retinoid-like drugs: Medications that contain retinoic acids or tretinoin are used for moderate acne, and are available as creams, lotions, and gels. These can increase our skin’s sun sensitivity, so be sure to protect your skin when outdoors.

Oral Medications

1. Antibiotics: Oral antibiotics can be prescribed for moderate to severe acne to reduce bacteria.
2. Anti-androgen agents: Spironolactone may be used for women and teen girls if oral antibiotics are not effective. This medication works by blocking the effect of excessive androgen production in the oil-producing glands.
3. Combined oral contraceptives: Some combined oral contraceptives are approved by the FDA for hormonal acne treatment in girls and women.
4. Isotretinoin: This medication is a derivative of vitamin A, and is prescribed for patients whose moderate to severe acne has not responded to other treatment options.

Therapies

1. Chemical peels: These acne treatments involve the application of a chemical solution, which causes the outer layer of skin to peel away over time. It is often done for mild acne.
2. Drainage and extraction: Your dermatologist can use special tools to remove blackheads, whiteheads, or cysts that do not clear up with topical medication.
3. Steroid injections: Cystic, nodular, and severe inflammatory lesions can be treated with steroid injections for rapid improvement.

What to Expect During Acne Treatment

Acne can be difficult to treat and it may require patience and trial of a few medications or treatments before finding the correct options. Often, the overall goal of acne treatment is to control oily skin and prevent breakouts from occurring rather than reversing existing breakouts. You will check in with our team regularly to ensure your treatment is working and possibly treat any developing acne scars.

Acne FAQs

What to Expect After Acne Treatment

Following proper use of treatment, acne patients should see an improvement in their skin appearance. They will experience less discomfort caused by their acne. Your dermatologist will provide you with instructions on treating acne breakouts properly in the future, as well as how to avoid making acne worse.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are interested in learning more about acne treatments for a clearer complexion, contact HMGS Dermatology today to schedule a consultation! We will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.