Acne

Acne is seen in both males and females of any age. Acne is an inflammatory, relapsing skin condition that occurs from a combination of hormones, dead skin cells, and bacteria called P. acnes. When the pilosebaceous opening (otherwise known as the pore) becomes “clogged” with dead skin cells, bacteria proliferates. Sebaceous glands produce oil intended to keep hair and skin lubricated and waterproof. When that sebum “sticks to” or coalesces with dead skin cells, environmental debris and cosmetics, pores become blocked and bacteria will grow. The plugged pores become swollen and inflamed, and sometimes fill with pus. If the pore is ruptured in the process (or from picking and squeezing), discoloration and scarring can occur.

What is acne?

Acne breakouts are have many names – whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, pustules, nodules, cysts, and comedones – depending on their locations and characteristics. Contrary to popular belief, acne isn’t just specific to teenagers. At any one time, between 40 and 50 million Americans, of all ethnicities, suffer from acne. Although acne is common among teenagers, its incidence is increasing in women between the ages of 30 and 50. It commonly occurs on the face, neck, back, buttocks, and chest. Friction can result in worsening of the acne.

What causes acne?

While medical science continues to learn more about the precise causes of acne, we know that it is triggered by hormonal changes. Puberty, menstrual cycles, birth control pills, pregnancy, menopause, and stress are common reasons for acne flare-ups. There is increasing evidence that certain foods (especially those with a high glycemic index) can exacerbate acne. There is often a family history in those with severe or early-onset acne. Acne isn’t generally a threat to your physical health, but it carries a big emotional burden. Medical dermatologist, Dr. Jenna Queller, guides her patients to eliminate it by first addressing current acne, then she prevents future acne and finally addresses and improves acne scars.

How is acne diagnosed?

Dr. Queller will examine your skin to rule out other skin conditions such as rosacea that can look like acne. She will discuss what may be causing your acne; you may have a family history, you may be experiencing hormonal changes, it may be your diet or lifestyle. After a thorough skin analysis and consultation to understand your medical situation, Dr. Queller customizes a treatment program to eliminate existing acne lesions. When Dr. Queller determines you have acne, she will categorize your acne as mild, moderate, or severe. When there are a just a few whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples it is considered mild. Moderate and severe acne include inflammatory lesions and these types typically leave scars and marks. Cystic acne is severe and the most common type of acne that affects teenagers and results in scarring.

How is acne treated?

Treating acne is important for improving self-confidence and preventing scars and skin discolorations. Treatments may consist of topical medications, oral medications, and/or light-based treatments. Medications are often selected based on the type and extent of acne a patient has. Importantly, it can take several weeks for medications to start working, and acne may even become worse before it improves. We understand that acne is stubborn and are committed to creating a personalized treatment plan for you that works. Typically, we begin with an individualized combination of topical treatments (benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or retinol), oral medications (antibiotics, Accutane®, low-dose contraceptives), and/or light-based treatments. An at-home regimen with high-quality products for your specific skin type keeps your complexion soft, refines pores, and minimizes future acne flare-ups.

Professional treatment and excellent home care products greatly reduce the risk of scarring. In addition, we offer a number of minimally invasive revision techniques for patients with acne damage. You don’t have to suffer from acne or risk a lifetime reminder of an acne-prone period in your life. Talk with medical dermatologist, Dr. Jenna Queller, about modern treatment options.

If you need immediate remedy to acne, steroid injections are also available. Combination therapy has been found to be more effective in treating acne than monotherapy. Contact Dr. Jenna Queller in Boca Raton, Florida to schedule a consultation and learn all your treatment options.