About Acne

Acne is caused by a combination of bacteria, clogged pores and hormones. Without treatment, permanent scars and dark spots can develop which can affect a person’s self-esteem.

Acne can appear in any of these forms:

• Blackheads (open comedones)
• Whiteheads (closed comedones)
• Papules (red bumps)
• Pustules (whiteheads)
• Cysts (deep painful bumps)

Acne usually appears on the face, but it can also appear on other areas of the body including the back, chest, neck, shoulders, upper arms and buttocks. You can reduce acne by seeing a dermatologist and following the skin care regimen they customize and prescribe for you.

Treatment Options

Acne treatments that you apply to the skin: Most acne treatments are applied to the skin in the forms of washes, creams, lotions, and gels. Topical medicines include retinoids, which work to keep your pores unclogged and antibiotics, which kill bacteria on the skin.  

Acne treatments that work inside the body: Medicine that works throughout the body may be necessary for more severe acne to treat cystic and hormonal acne. Your dermatologist may prescribe one or more of these:

• Antibiotics
• Spironolactone (hormonal acne)
• Isotretinoin (Accutane)

Procedures that treat acne scarring:  After controlling your acne with medicine, your dermatologist may be able to reducing your acne scarring with in office treatments. These treatments include:

• Fractionated CO2 Laser
• Chemical Peels
• Microneedling