It’s the rare individual who doesn’t suffer from a pimple from time to time. For many people, however, acne flare-ups are constant, affecting not only their looks but their self-esteem. While over-the-counter products may sometimes work, if you are dealing with constant acne, seek professional acne treatment from an experienced dermatologist.

Acne

Whiteheads, blackheads, pustules, zits –there are all sorts of names for this skin inflammation. The bottom line is that when sebum from the skin’s oil glands mixes with debris and dead cells, the pore becomes clogged. The bacteria P. acnes grows within the pore, and before long, there is inflammation and redness.

If the skin pore is open, a blackhead, or open comedone, appears. A closed pore develops a whitehead, or closed comedone. Skincare products and makeup labeled “non-comedogenic” are not supposed to clog pores.

Acne Treatment

Acne treatment is highly individualized and depends on the type of acne involved. Of course, some people suffer from both inflammatory and non-inflammatory versions of acne. The latter consists of common whiteheads and blackheads. Those are bad enough, but inflammatory acne is more painful and more prone to scarring.

Cystic acne is one of the most severe inflammatory forms, consisting of pus-filled cysts deep beneath the skin. No over-the-counter product can relieve cystic acne – medical intervention is necessary. Any acne resulting in lesions requires dermatological attention, because prompt treatment may prevent scars.

Topical Acne Treatments

Once we evaluate your skin and acne type, we devise a treatment plan and skin care regimen. That includes determining the cleanser, toner, exfoliator, and other topicals best suited to your skin. While benzoyl peroxide is included in many over-the-counter acne items, we can prescribe a stronger version for patients with severe acne.

While often marketed for wrinkle prevention, retinoids can stop acne from developing by unclogging pores. Because the pores are open, other topical acne medications increase effectiveness. Patients must stay out of the sun when using retinoids, so they are best used at night. Sometimes, the acne gets worse right after commencing retinoid use, but that is usually temporary.

Oral Prescription Treatments

In conjunction with topical treatments, some patients benefit from oral prescriptions. When treatment starts, antibiotics can minimize inflammation and keep bacteria at bay. These medications are not generally prescribed for long-term use.

Birth control pills may help clear up acne in some women, as hormones play a big role in acne development. Another medication, spironolactone, originally used for treating high blood pressure, also works well to quell acne.

Treating severe or cystic acne may require the use of isotretinoin, marketed under the name Accutane. This product decreases oil production.  After several months’ use, most patients see a significant improvement, to the point where acne may never again occur. Because of potentially severe effects, we discuss the risks versus the benefits of this drug, so that patients may make an informed decision.

If a cystic nodule becomes apparent before a big event, we can inject cortisone into it so that it should go away within 24 hours. This “emergency” treatment does not replace regular acne treatment.

Light-based Acne Treatment

We offer various light-based treatments at our offices to help our patients win the battle against acne. Do not use home-based light treatments without consulting a dermatologist, as some products on the market are ineffective and could make matters worse.

Contact Us Today

Is acne the bane of your existence? If you want to banish acne, get started right away by visiting our convenient locations in Stockbridge and Lawrenceville, Georgia. Same-day appointments are available. Call us 24/7 or contact us online to schedule an appointment. We service all skin types, there’s no referral necessary, and our fees are affordable.  We look forward to seeing you and helping your skin look its best.