Acne and Its Treatment
Whether your worst breakouts occurred during your teenage years or you’re still experiencing them today, you might attest that finding effective acne treatments can be tricky. But for our patients at Dermatology Associates, all it takes is a visit to our experts to find a treatment plan that works best for them. Here’s a closer look at the different types of acne and how we go about treating them.
Types of Acne
Acne is more than just a few pimples that pop up during times of stress. There are many different types of acne, and they all take on different appearances and have varying root causes. Some of the major types of acne we treat at Dermatology Associates include:
Acne vulgaris
Also called common acne, acne vulgaris affects approximately 50 million people in the United States. It causes whiteheads, blackheads, comedones, and more – each of which most have likely experienced at one time or another. This form of acne is usually caused when your pores become clogged with oil, dead skin, or bacteria.
Acne mechanica
This type of acne is often referred to as sports acne. It occurs when the clothes you wear or the equipment you use produces friction, heat, or pressure on your skin. For example, wearing a helmet with a chin strap or tightly fitted clothing can cause it. Another reason could be playing a musical instrument that is pressed against the skin for an extended length of time.
Nodulocystic acne
This severe form of acne is characterized by the presence of nodules, which appear as round, swollen lumps and scars. It is often the result of bacteria, oil, and dry skin becoming trapped in your pores. People with oily skin are most likely to develop it, in addition to teens, women, and older adults with hormonal imbalances.
Acne conglobata
Acne conglobata is a form of nodulocystic acne that develops when cysts and nodules grow together deep underneath the skin. These growths can leave lasting scars that vary in thickness and can be caused by many sources, including certain thyroid medications, androgens, and anabolic steroids.
How Can I Treat My Acne?
No two cases of acne are exactly the same. To address your unique case, the team at Dermatology Associates will create a personalized treatment plan especially for you. This plan will take into account the kind of acne you’re experiencing, your skin type, medical history, and known allergies.
Commonly, our dermatologists treat the major categories of acne by recommending one or more of the following methods for each:
- Acne vulgaris – topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and/or oral antibiotics
- Acne mechanica – topical treatments containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, showering immediately after sweating, wearing a cotton t-shirt beneath sports uniforms, and/or choosing loose-fitted clothing
- Nodulocystic acne – oral antibiotics, steroids, and/or hormonal therapy for women
- Acne conglobata – a medication containing isotretinoin (high dosage of vitamin A)
Dermatology Associates Can Help
To aid in preventing acne, be sure to wash your face daily, keep hydrated, and limit your sun exposure. But when acne breakouts happen, the team at Dermatology Associates is here to help. Located in Fayetteville, New York, we’ve been providing reliable dermatology care in our area since 2008, meaning we possess experience you can trust. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and find an acne treatment that is right for you.
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