Acne

ACNE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. Many people think that the term acne only describes pimples, but someone who has acne can have blemishes, blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules (what many people call pimples), cysts, or nodules.

WHO GETS IT AND CAUSES

Most people who have acne are teenagers or young adults, but acne can occur at any age. Newborn babies, men and women can get acne. Acne appears when a pore in the skin is clogged. This clogging begins with dead skin cells. Normally, dead skin cells rise to the surface of the pore, and the body sheds the cells. When the body starts to make a lot of sebum (see-bum), oil that keeps the skin from drying out, the dead skin cells can stick together inside the pore. Instead of rising to the surface, the cells become trapped inside the pore - and when bacteria also get inside that clogged pore, the pore can become inflamed, red, and swollen. If the inflammation goes deep into the skin, an acne cyst or nodule appears

DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT AND OUTCOME

Dr. Feinstein will first thoroughly examine your skin. If you have acne, our board-certified dermatology team will develop a personalized treatment plan after diagnosing the severity of your acne. Grade 1 is mild, and Grade 4 is severe. Dr. Feinstein will also note what type or types of acne appear on your skin.

There are many safe, effective, and affordable acne treatments available at Feinstein Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery.

Most acne treatments are applied directly to the skin through topical medication. Some topical medications or creams kill the bacteria causing the acne, while others work to reduce the skin's oil production. The topical medication may contain a retinoid, a prescription-strength benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, or even salicylic acid. Dr. Feinstein will work with you, assess your needs, and determine exactly what you need. If necessary, Dr. Feinstein can also treat acne through the following modalities: 

• Antibiotics (help to kill the bacteria and reduce inflammation)
• Birth control pills and other medicine that works on hormones (can be helpful for women)
• Isotretinoin (the only treatment that works on all causes of acne)

Dr. Feinstein may treat your acne with a procedure that can be performed during an office visit. These treatments include:

• Laser and other light therapies: These devices reduce the bacteria that causes acne. Dr. Feinstein can determine whether this type of treatment can be helpful during a consultation.
• Chemical peels: Medical-grade chemical peels can be super effective in treating certain types of acne.
• Kenalog: This is a type of corticosteroid that helps to reduce redness, swelling, and inflammation.
• Acne removal: Dr. Feinstein may perform a procedure called “drainage and extraction” to remove a large acne cyst. This procedure helps when the cyst does not respond to medicine. It also helps ease the pain and the chance that the cyst will leave a scar.

Waiting for acne to clear on its own can be frustrating. Without treatment, acne can cause permanent scars, low self-esteem, depression, or anxiety. To avoid these possible outcomes, treat your acne once and for all. Trust Delray's acne experts at Feinstein Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery.

TIPS FOR MANAGING ACNE

Wash your face twice a day and after sweating or working out. Use your fingertips to apply a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser. Remember: Be gentle with your skin. Scrubbing your skin too hard can make acne worse. Use lukewarm water when washing, keep your hands away from your face unless they've been washed, and wear sun protection.

Acne is the most frequent skin condition in the United States. Every year, about 80% of adolescents have some form of acne and about 5% of adults experience acne. Schedule a consultation at our Delray Beach office to learn more about how you can manage your acne.

It is important to not to pick or scratch at your acne to avoid further inflammation and long-term scarring.

What is acne? What causes acne?

If you’re suffering from acne, you are not alone. Over 5.1 million people seek treatment for acne in any given year, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. Teenagers are specifically prone to acne because of their fluctuating hormones, but acne is common in adults as well. Hormonal changes, stress, environmental factors, a woman’s menstrual cycle, certain skincare products, sweat, or genetics can all play a part in causing adult acne.

What are the different types of acne?

Acne comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Blackheads and whiteheads are the most commonly treated. They are non-inflammatory and appear more on the face and shoulders. As long as they remain uninfected, they are unlikely to lead to scarring. With proper dermatological care and skincare maintenance, most acne can be cured and managed. Other types of acne include:

• Papules - Painful pink or red lumps on the skin.
• Pustules - Lesions filled with pus. At their base they are red and at their peak they are white or yellow.
• Nodules - Structural lesions. Because they penetrate the skin more deeply than papules and pustules, nodules are typically larger and more painful.
• Cysts - Found deep within the skin and usually filled with pus. If not treated by a board-certified dermatologist, cysts can cause scarring.

How does acne cause scars?

Inflammation of acne lesions can lead to acne scars. The pore wall breaks down, causing the acne pore to expand. Some acne lesions are tiny, leaving superficial scars that heal fast. In order to treat the scar, the skin produces new collagen fibers. Other forms of acne can lead to more permanent scarring, especially when extractions are attempted by someone other than a board-certified dermatologist.

We get results others can't.

Contact Feinstein Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery at 561-498-4407 and schedule an appointment today.