What Causes Acne?
While many people think of acne as a teenage rite of passage, it can be a distressing problem for men and women of any age. Acne has various causes, including hormones, bacteria, inflammation, and as a side effect of certain medicines. Hormones are the biggest cause of acne, hence the typical appearance of acne in the teenage years around puberty.
How does your Practice Treat Milder Acne?
For mild acne, there are some effective over-the-counter products including salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. There are several effective topical medicines that we prescribe in the office. Most patients with acne benefit from using a topical retinoid such as Retin-A (tretinoin) or adapalene. We frequently prescribe topical antibiotics such as clindamycin or dapsone.
Can you Treat More Severe Acne?
There is help available if you are suffering from acne! Most people can achieve clearing or near-clearing of their acne with appropriate treatment.
We usually treat more severe acne with oral medications. Oral antibiotics such as doxycycline have been used for many decades to treat inflammatory acne. Effective treatment for acne in women can include birth control pills or an oral medicine called spironolactone.
Another option for those with more severe, nodular or cystic acne is Accutane (isotretinoin), an oral medicine related to Vitamin A. This can provide dramatic, long-lasting clearing of acne.
Can the Dermatology & Laser Institute Use Chemical Peels or Lasers to Treat Acne?
We often provide chemical peels such as salicylic or glycolic peels to exfoliate the skin, reduce bacteria, and unplug clogged pores. A series of gentle peels done over time can be a low-cost and non-invasive way to improve milder acne.
There are several newer lasers for acne including Aviclear and Accure. While these lasers show promise, we do not currently offer them due to concerns about high cost, painful treatment, and inconsistent or temporary results.
Is it Important to Medically Treat Acne?
It is important to treat acne because left untreated, it can leave marks or scars on the skin which can last a lifetime. It is easier to prevent acne scars by treating the acne than it is to repair acne scars left behind by acne. Acne scars can be very damaging to a person’s confidence and self-esteem. We know how damaging acne scars can be as we have seen thousands of patients who have come to us for treatment of their acne scars.
Can I Pick or Squeeze Acne?
It is important NOT to pick at acne spots since this causes more injury and increases the risk that you will be left with a scar. While it can be tempting to pick or squeeze an acne pimple, please resist this urge! The pimple will usually heal best if left alone.
How does Dr Ort Treat Acne Scars?
We are a regional center of excellence for the treatment of acne scars. Effective treatments that we offer include fractional lasers, microneedling, TCA CROSS, subcision, and fillers. Each person with acne scars is unique. We assess each patient as an individual to determine the best treatment plan going forward. We have helped restore confidence and put a smile on the face of many a patient suffering from acne scars.
