Dermatology Condition of the Month: Answering Questions About Acne
Welcome back to our ongoing Skin Condition of the Month blog series. For anyone unfamiliar, we use these posts to shine a line on a specific skin care condition or issue, in hopes of educating our readers on the subject. For October, we wanted to take time to discuss the single most common skin care issue for adults and adolescents alike: acne. Acne is a complex condition that can affect different people in different ways. That’s why our board-certified dermatology providers thought it would be helpful to answer a few commonly asked questions about it this month.
Question #1: What are the different ways that acne can affect the skin?
While people often associate acne with pimples and small reddish bumps on their face, it can affect the skin in many other ways. There are different factors that can cause acne. Clogged up pores can lead to the appearance of whiteheads or blackheads. Additionally, some people with acne may experience larger, painful lumps under their skin (nodules) or pus-filled bumps under their skin (cystic lesions). And although acne is often thought of as a facial issue, it can occur on the shoulders, chest, and back in some cases.
Question #2: What can I do at-home to reduce potential acne flare ups from happening?
There are things that we recommend to reduce or prevent acne flare-ups from occurring. It’s important to wash your face (in the morning, at night and after sweating) to cleanse the skin and remove bacteria and other irritants. Washing your hair regularly can help reduce natural oil from reaching the forehead and creating new blemishes. It’s also critical to avoid touching your face throughout the day.
Question #3: What cosmetic treatments are effective for treating acne?
There are medications on the market, including antibiotics and even diuretics, that can be helpful in managing or treating acne symptoms. However, we also perform a wide variety of safe and effective acne treatment methods. This includes cosmetic laser treatments like the IsoLaz™ Deep Pore Laser and Vbeam® Prima, as well the Smoothbeam® laser system. We’ve also had success treating acne with microdermabrasion treatments, chemical peels, SYLFIRM X RadioFrequency microneedling, and more.
In order to properly treat acne, it must first be correctly diagnosed by a board-certified dermatology specialist. We have been in practice for over forty years and our experts have many years of experience helping patients clear up acne so they can achieve the healthier skin that they desire. For more information on acne and our available treatment options, contact Dermatology Associates of Atlanta to schedule an appointment today. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more skin care tips and practice updates.