Acne

What is acne?

Acne is a common skin condition that is especially prevalent in teenagers as they go through puberty. 

Even though you may think of your teenage years when you think of acne, the condition is appearing more and more in adults, especially women. Acne can appear in many forms, including:

• Red bumps
• Whiteheads
• Blackheads
• Cysts below your skin’s surface

As enticing as the idea may be, it’s important to avoid picking at your acne and popping pimples. Doing so can leave tiny permanent scars on your skin that won’t go away after your flare-up diminishes.

What causes acne?

The underlying cause of acne can be traced to the oil glands connected to your hair follicles within your skin. When the follicle gets blocked, oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria build-up within it and swell to form pimples. 

There are many reasons why an acne flare-up might occur. Possible acne triggers include:

• Stress
• Hormone changes (e.g. puberty, pregnancy, menstruation)
• Certain medications
• A diet full of sugar and other carbs
• Genetic factors

The specific triggers of an acne flare-up aren’t always identifiable, so there isn’t much you can do to prevent it from happening on occasion. If your acne persists or comes back often, it’s time to seek professional help.

What are my treatment options for acne?

At Parkland Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Stephens creates customized treatment plans on a patient-by-patient basis for acne.

Dr. Stephens may include these or other components in your acne treatment plan:

Topical medications and products

There are endless amounts of over-the-counter acne products, but many of them aren’t strong enough to fight recurrent acne. Dr. Stephens can prescribe you with retinoids, antibiotics, and other medications to fight the bacteria buildup and inflammation associated with acne.

Laser acne treatment

Laser treatments are often a great option to kill off some of the bacteria that cause acne flare-ups. They can also be helpful in reducing redness.

Chemical peels

A chemical peel appropriate for your skin type can help to remove some surface-level acne from your skin.

Corticosteroid injections

If you have inflamed cysts associated with your acne, you can avoid a rupture and permanent scar with a corticosteroid injection. A few days after the injection, the cyst should go away entirely.

Acne is a nuisance that can affect your self-esteem at any age. To explore treatments for persistent or severe acne, call Parkland Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery or book a consultation online today.