Acne and Acne Scarring
What is Acne?
Acne is a chronic disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Acne causes clogged pores which leads to comedones (“white-heads and black-heads”), pimples, cysts, inflamed abscesses (areas of pus), and, sometimes, scarring. Acne occurs on the face, chest, upper back, shoulders as well as the neck.
What causes Acne?
Acne is caused by many factors:
Who is susceptible to getting Acne?
Acne affects men and women in their teens and can continue for years or decades past puberty.
What treatments are available for Acne?
Acne treatments have evolved and today most cases of acne can be resolved with proper treatment.
The goal of acne treatment is to minimize scarring and relieve symptoms. Treatments for acne include topical medications such as benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, and topical antibiotics. Oral medications which range from antibiotics to oral contraception and oral vitamin A may also improve acne. At Spectrum Dermatology, we will tailor your acne treatment program to your lifestyle, acne type, motivation and tolerance for medications.
Can Acne scarring be improved?
Acne scarring can be mild, moderate or severe depending on the duration and severity of past acne. Bleaching creams, chemical peels, and fillers can be used to improve the appearance of acne scars. For certain patients, lasers or surgical procedures may also be helpful.
Acne is a chronic disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Acne causes clogged pores which leads to comedones (“white-heads and black-heads”), pimples, cysts, inflamed abscesses (areas of pus), and, sometimes, scarring. Acne occurs on the face, chest, upper back, shoulders as well as the neck.
What causes Acne?
Acne is caused by many factors:
- Genetics
- Hormones
- Diet
- Mechanical or frictional factors such as a football player’s helmet strap
- Occlusive oils that lead to plugged pores
Who is susceptible to getting Acne?
Acne affects men and women in their teens and can continue for years or decades past puberty.
What treatments are available for Acne?
Acne treatments have evolved and today most cases of acne can be resolved with proper treatment.
The goal of acne treatment is to minimize scarring and relieve symptoms. Treatments for acne include topical medications such as benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, and topical antibiotics. Oral medications which range from antibiotics to oral contraception and oral vitamin A may also improve acne. At Spectrum Dermatology, we will tailor your acne treatment program to your lifestyle, acne type, motivation and tolerance for medications.
Can Acne scarring be improved?
Acne scarring can be mild, moderate or severe depending on the duration and severity of past acne. Bleaching creams, chemical peels, and fillers can be used to improve the appearance of acne scars. For certain patients, lasers or surgical procedures may also be helpful.
