Acne - Medical Treatment
Dealing with constant breakouts is frustrating, especially if you don’t know what causes them. Most people experience acne at some point, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer in silence. The doctors at Palm Beach Dermatology Group can determine the cause of your acne and offer solutions that help you feel and look your best. You don’t need to continue trying home remedies or covering uncomfortable spots. When you make an appointment at one of our offices in South Florida, we can recommend various medical and cosmetic acne treatments.
TYPES
Types of Acne Our Doctors Treat
- Fungal acne: Patients may be diagnosed with pityrosporum folliculitis, or fungal acne, when they have a build-up of yeast in their hair follicles. This type of acne may cause itchiness and irritation.
- Hormonal acne: Adults whose bodies produce too much sebum may experience clogged pores, which leads to hormonal acne.
- Cystic acne: This type of acne is characterized by pus-filled pimples that lie deep in the skin. This type of acne may be painful and can cause scarring.
- Nodular acne: Nodular acne causes pimples to appear on the surface of your skin. Sore, nodular lumps appear under your skin. Similar to cystic acne, nodular acne is known to cause scarring.
CONDITIONS
How Palm Beach Dermatology Group Can Treat Acne
We may recommend several topical and oral medications, depending on the severity of your acne. Our team can also create a customized treatment regimen, combining multiple acne solutions. Some of the treatments your doctor may be able to prescribe for your acne include:
- Benzoyl peroxide: This ingredient is found in many over-the-counter face washes. It helps to remove the bacteria that leads to and aggravates acne.
- Salicylic acid: Several types of salicylic acid treatments exist, from lotions to cleansers. Dermatologists often recommend it when the patient’s acne is caused by dead skin cells or clogged hair follicles.
- Azelaic acid: Azelaic acid kills microorganisms on your skin and reduces the swelling often accompanying acne.
- Retinoids: Retinol can be used on your entire face rather than spot treatments, and it helps reduce blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pores.
- Antibiotics: Clindamycin and erythromycin help reduce irritants that trigger acne.
- Dapsone: This topical gel is prescribed when patients experience inflammation caused by acne.
Oral Medications
- Antibiotics: Tetracycline, minocycline, and doxycycline can be used to treat mild or severe acne. These medications are typically prescribed when bacteria causes the patient’s acne.
- Isotretinoin: This oral retinoid helps to reduce the size of oil glands.
- Contraceptives: Some contraceptives may help improve acne in women, as they contain estrogen and progesterone.
- Hormone therapy: This acne treatment combines contraceptives with spironolactone to block hormones that may cause breakouts. This treatment is typically prescribed when women experience acne during menstruation.
Other Acne Solutions Offered at Palm Beach Dermatology Group
Beyond topical and oral medications, your doctor could also prescribe:
- Steroids, which are injected into acne nodules to reduce swelling and irritation
- Chemical peels that remove the top layer of skin and reduce acne scars
- Photodynamic (PDT) therapy, which uses photosynthetic drugs and light to help clear your skin
To schedule your appointment for acne treatment, contact Palm Beach Dermatology Group today at (561) 499-0660.
CAUSES
Causes of Acne
When your hair follicles or pores become clogged, you may develop acne. Sebum, the oil that protects your skin, can sometimes lead to clogged pores and acne. Bacteria and dead skin cells are other common causes of acne. Environmental factors also play a role in acne development. For example:
- Tight clothing, hats, helmets, and headgear can contribute to acne flare-ups.
- High humidity and air pollution might contribute to your condition.
- Oily makeup or skincare products can clog your pores.
- Stress increases the production of the hormone cortisol, which can lead to breakouts.
- Acne may be a side effect of certain medications you take.
- Foods like skim milk and whey protein are known to contribute to acne.
PREVENTING
Tips for Preventing Acne
When your hair follicles or pores become clogged, you may develop acne. Sebum, the oil that protects your skin, can sometimes lead to clogged pores and acne. Bacteria and dead skin cells are other common causes of acne.
Environmental factors also play a role in acne development. For example:
- Using warm water and a gentle cleanser to wash your face at least once daily.
- Staying away from skin care products that use alcohol, toners, exfoliants, and astringents.
- Using an oil-free moisturizer after you have washed your face.
- Letting your skin heal naturally, which means avoiding picking or popping spots.
- Washing your face right after activities that make you sweat.
- Taking off your makeup before going to sleep
Make an Appointment With Palm Beach Dermatology Group for Acne Treatment
When home remedies aren’t doing the trick to clear up your acne, the team at Palm Beach Dermatology Group is ready to offer you a treatment plan. We can prescribe topical and oral medications to help you feel and look your best.
Our doctors stay current with the latest medical and cosmetic dermatology solutions. We will address your concerns and recommend the course of treatment that is right for you.
Call us at (561) 499-0660 to learn more about what our doctors can do for your acne.
