As of January 1, 2020, all Acne Surgery patients must see a provider (Physician or Physician Assistant) at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, P.C. yearly to receive Acne Surgery treatments filed to insurance. After a series of treatments, patients must follow up with a provider (Physician or Physician Assistant) within the practice to determine whether the Acne Surgery is still medically necessary. If you have any questions, please contact the Insurance and Billing office at 404-256-4457 ext. 205.
Acne is not a one-size-fits-all condition. In fact, there are many different kinds of acne that can be caused by a wide variety of factors. On the most basic level, acne falls into one of three different categories; hormonal acne, bacterial acne, and fungal acne.
Hormonal Acne:
Hormonal acne is caused by hormone imbalances (excess production of certain hormones like androgens) which cause the sebaceous glands to produce more oil than is necessary. This excess oil can clog the pores, cutting off the supply of oxygen, and leading to the inflammation that makes the skin look red, puffy, and bumpy. Hormonal acne is very common among teenagers and adolescents during puberty, as well as women who are going through natural hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.
Bacterial Acne:
Bacterial acne can occur when certain types of bacteria enter and infect the pores, creating blemishes on the skin. The combination of bacterial overgrowth, inflammation, and increased sebum production to an inflammatory reaction in the area surrounding the pores and hair follicles. The red, inflamed pimples associated with this type of acne may contain pus. Bacterial acne is more common among people with naturally oily skin, or those who neglect to keep their skin clean.
Fungal Acne:
Fungal acne (also known as Malassezia folliculitis or Pityrosporum folliculitis) can occur when hair follicles become infected with a fungus known as Malassezia yeast. Fungal acne can cause clusters of small, itchy, red bumps (papules) on your skin. Sometimes, these bumps can eventually turn into whiteheads, or pustules. Fungal acne can be itchy and is more common for people who sweat excessively, live in especially hot or humid climates, have a weakened immune system, or have experienced other fungal infections.
Determining the most helpful acne treatment method for your needs depends entirely on determining which type of acne you’re experiencing.
Types of Acne Blemishes:
Blackheads – Occur as a result of a pore being clogged by a combination of excess sebum and dead skin cells. Blackheads appear as small black markings on the skin’s surface.
Whiteheads – Occur when the pore becomes completely blocked with sebum and dead skin, causing the top of the pore to close and leading to inflammation and an eventual rupture. Whiteheads appear as small bumps beneath the surface of the skin.
Papules – Occur when severe inflammation causes walls surrounding the pores to break down, resulting in hardened, clogged pores that are tender to the touch. Papules cause the skin around these pores to appear inflamed and pinkish.
Pustules – Similar to papules, pustules can also occur as a result of when the walls around the pores break down. However, unlike papules, pustules are filled with pus. Pustules arise as reddish bumps on the surface of the skin that often have yellow or white heads on top.
Nodules – Occur when a whitehead becomes severely infected, leading to clogged, swollen pores that become more irritated and grow larger. Nodules appear as large, round bumps beneath the skin’s surface. Unlike pustules and papules, nodules exist deeper underneath the skin and will only respond to more intense treatments like prescription medications.
Cysts – Occur when a pore becomes clogged deep within the skin by a combination of bacteria, sebum, and dead skin cells. Cysts appear as raised red or white lumps that can be sensitive or painful to the touch. Cysts are the largest form of acne, and their development often results from a severe infection.
For more information on acne and our available treatment options, please contact Dermatology Associates of Atlanta today.
