Acne
Center for Surgical Dermatology & Dermatology Associates is here to help you find relief from acne.
What Causes Acne?
Acne is a multifactorial condition, and the cause is not always the same for every acne sufferer. The four leading causes of acne are:
- Excess oil production
- Oil and dead skin cells clogging the hair follicles
- Androgens (male hormones) and hormonal imbalances from life stages like puberty, pregnancy, or menopause
- C. acne bacteria
Types of Acne
Comedonal acne – Comedonal acne refers to a more superficial form of acne, resulting from plugged pores. This type of acne is commonly seen on the forehead or nose, but can appear anywhere on the skin as tiny, pinpoint bumps. Due to the shallow nature of these acne lesions, this type rarely leaves scars.
Inflammatory acne – Inflammatory acne is a form of acne where sufferers get inflamed, red, painful blemishes. These are deeper than comedonal acne, so they often take several weeks to heal. This kind of acne can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, neck, back, or chest. Resolution of an inflammatory acne lesion will often leave a red or dark mark and can leave a scar.
Nodular/Cystic acne – Nodular/Cystic acne is a severe form of acne with large, pus-filled blemishes. It can be painful because the blemishes grow deep into the skin. This type of acne often leaves scars.
Hormonal acne – Hormonal acne is acne that flares up because of changes in hormones. Increased levels of androgens (male hormones, such as testosterone) cause the skin to produce more oil, which increases the likelihood of developing clogged pores and blemishes. This type of acne can present as whiteheads, blackheads, nodules, or cysts.
Scalp Acne – Scalp acne has the same cause as acne elsewhere on the body — clogged pores. Blemishes on the scalp can be painful and are often caused by excessive oil, dandruff, dead skin cells building up on the scalp, and buildup of hair products. Scalp acne presents the same as acne elsewhere on the body.
Acne Treatment at The Center for Surgical Dermatology & Dermatology Associates
The right type of acne treatment for you depends on the type of acne you have. Some treatments we use are:
- Topical medications — Retin-A (or its generic tretinoin), benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid are effective topical medications for mild or moderate acne. They work by preventing oil and dead skin cells from collecting in hair follicles, thus preventing the development of acne lesions.
- Oral antibiotics — When combined with topical medications, oral antibiotics are effective at treating acne in many patients. They work by reducing inflammation and reducing the growth of the acne bacteria C. acne.
- Hormonal birth control and Spironolactone — In women whose acne is caused by excessive androgens, hormonal birth control and Spironolactone can reduce testosterone production and help regulate hormones to decrease acne breakouts.
- Isotretinoin (the generic form of Accutane) — Isotretinoin is a vitamin A derivative used to treat severe, cystic, and nodular acne when other treatments have failed. It’s the most effective acne treatment available. It works by reducing cell shedding and makes dead cells less “sticky” so that they don’t clog pores.
If you’re suffering from acne, schedule an appointment with the skin experts at the Center for Surgical Dermatology. Clear skin IS possible!
