Adolescents and adults of all ages experience acne, but it’s not something you have to learn to live with. Many very effective treatments exist for acne, and the skin care experts at Specialists in Dermatology, with offices in Houston and The Woodlands, Texas, can identify which therapies are right for you. For relief from a current acne flare and a comprehensive approach that helps prevent future acne breakouts, call the office today to make an appointment. Or take advantage of their convenient, 24/7 online scheduling service.
Request an AppointmentWho gets acne?
Acne is a common skin condition that affects men and women of all ages. While it is most common during adolescence or young adulthood, acne can affect women and men in middle age as well. As adults, women tend to have problems with acne more often than men and may not develop significant issues until they reach menopause.
What causes acne?
Strictly speaking, acne occurs when a skin pore becomes clogged with dead skin. This can happen when an excess of sebum — a naturally-occurring oily substance secreted by your pores — causes dead skin cells to clump together and become trapped inside the pore. Bacteria that live on your skin can also get inside the clogged pore and multiply. This may cause cystic or nodular acne.
Some issues that may trigger acne outbreaks include:
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Emotional stress
- Certain hair and skin products
- Sports activity that requires helmets and other accessories that irritate the skin
Does acne treatment really help?
Yes. There are many effective acne treatments available. Products you buy over-the-counter that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can help improve acne, but it takes three to four months of regular use before you note improvement.
The team at Specialists in Dermatology has a wide variety of prescription-strength topical ointments, creams, and medications to choose from for treating acne. These generally work faster than those purchased without a prescription.
They can also perform numerous procedures that help clear an acne breakout quickly and prevent future issues. Prompt treatment not only relieves the emotional angst often associated with acne, it can also prevent the scarring and pigment changes caused by the condition.
What is the treatment for acne?
Depending on the type of acne and the severity of your breakout, your Specialists in Dermatology expert may recommend topical treatment with medical-grade retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotic, or salicylic acid formulas to reduce oily residue and kill bacteria.
For nodular or cystic acne, oral medications may be recommended, such as antibiotics, birth control pills to balance hormones in women, or isotretinoin (Accutane®) for severe acne issues.
In-office procedures for acne may include:
- Chemical peels
- Drainage and extraction of a large acne nodule or cyst to reduce discomfort and decrease the chance of scarring
- Medication delivered via injection into a large acne cyst for fast resolution