Acne is a skin problem where pores clog, producing blackheads, whiteheads, and other forms of pimples. The pimples can be pus-filled, have bumps, and may be painful in some people. Acne can affect anyone, but it is more common in teenagers and young adults undergoing hormonal changes. The condition mostly occurs on your face, forehead, chest, shoulders, and upper back. Some forms of acne, like cystic and nodular, can cause skin scarring, lowering your self-esteem. Acne is treatable. The therapy your Brooks Dermatology P.C. doctor uses depends on your age, type of acne, and severity. Below are effective acne treatments.
Topical medications
Your doctor can recommend topical medications to treat your acne. Your rub these medicines directly onto your skin. Topical acne medications contain various ingredients, and your drug may contain one of the following:
Benzoyl peroxide: This ingredient is an over-the-counter product that targets surface bacteria that usually aggravate acne.
Salicylic acid: Your doctor can recommend salicylic acid to remove the top layer of damaged skin. It dissolves dead skin cells, preventing your hair follicles from clogging.
Azelaic acid: This component kills microorganisms on your skin and minimizes swelling.
Antibiotics: Topical antibiotics like clindamycin can help control surface bacteria that aggravate and cause acne. You can combine antibiotics with benzoyl peroxide for more effective results.
Dapsone: This topical gel has antibacterial properties and treats inflamed acne.
Retinoids: Retinol, like Differin and Tazorac, can help break up blackheads and whiteheads and prevent clogging of pores.
Oral medications
There are various oral medications that can treat acne, including:
Antibiotics
Your doctor can recommend antibiotics to treat acne caused by bacteria. They are best for moderate and severe acne. Some antibiotics can also help reduce inflammation. Bacteria can clog your pores, causing acne. Antibiotics help block bacteria from entering your body, destroy existing bacteria, and prevent bacteria from multiplying. Common acne antibiotics include tetracycline and doxycycline.
Hormone therapy
Hormone therapy can be beneficial if you experience acne flare-ups during menstruation due to excess androgen. Hormone therapy involves using oral pills that contain low-dose estrogen and progesterone that block the effects of particular hormones at your hair follicles and oil glands level.
Other acne therapies
Your specialist can suggest different acne therapies if your acne does not respond well to topical or oral medications. These therapies may also help eliminate acne scars. Other acne therapies include:
Lasers
Lasers can treat acne scars. The treatment involves your provider delivering heat to the scarred collagen under your skin. Your body will respond by creating new healthy collagen, encouraging the growth of new skin to replace old damaged skin.
Chemical peels
Chemical involves your dermatologist using special chemicals to eliminate the top layer of old skin. Removing the top skin layer allows new skin to grow, which is smoother and helps reduce the appearance of acne scars.
Steroids
Your dermatologist can inject steroids directly into large nodules to minimize inflammation. Steroids are best for severe acne.
Acne is a skin condition where your skin pores clog. Your doctor can effectively treat acne through topical medications, oral drugs, lasers, chemical peels, or steroid injections. Schedule an appointment at Brooks Dermatology for acne treatment to prevent skin scarring.
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