Acne Specialist

What is acne?

Acne is a skin condition often appearing because of hormone fluctuations. It’s especially common in adolescents going through puberty; however, adults can get acne as well. 

Acne breakouts happen when the sebaceous glands in your skin get clogged with oil produced by dead skin cells and bacteria. This forms pimples, which include whiteheads, blackheads, papules, and pustules.

Just one pimple isn’t much of a concern and should go away quickly, but if you get repeated breakouts of widespread or cystic acne, it might be time to consider professional treatment. Acne tends to appear on the face, chest, and back most often, but you can get it anywhere on the body.

What causes acne?

The leading underlying cause of acne is excess oil production in the skin, but this can come from multiple factors. A few common triggers for acne breakouts include:

• Hormone fluctuations (e.g., puberty, pregnancy)
• Certain medications
• Stress
• Carbohydrate-rich foods

There are many myths about what causes acne, but there is no evidence to support the idea that eating chocolate or neglecting to wash your skin results in acne breakouts.

How can I get rid of my acne?

The Dermatology Associates of Texas team welcomes you in for a skin assessment and treatment consultation for your severe or long-lasting acne. If your acne doesn’t respond to over-the-counter products, professional treatments and products are the next steps for you to try.

After reviewing your medical history and examining your skin, the team creates a treatment plan using in-office services and possibly some prescriptions. Your options for treatment include:

Medications

Medications for acne can be topical or oral. Standard options include topical salicylic acid, oral antibiotics, and isotretinoin.

Corticosteroid injections

A steroid injection can treat nodules or cystic acne by reducing the inflammation that comes with it. A single steroid injection offers nearly immediate results and decreases the pain or pressure of cystic acne.

Chemical peels

A chemical peel removes the upper layer or layers of skin. This treatment option is primarily effective for reducing mild acne or acne scars that outlast a breakout.

Laser therapies

Photodynamic therapy is a laser procedure that works against acne by reducing inflammation and killing the bacteria that causes it.

If you struggle to clear an acne breakout or get them repeatedly, call Dermatology Associates of Texas or book an appointment online for acne care today.