Acne is a prevalent skin ailment that affects most people to some degree throughout their adolescent years. However, the condition is not limited to this age range; individuals in their twenties or thirties may suffer from acne.
Just because acne is common doesn’t mean that treatment is unneeded. Waiting to outgrow your acne might be a costly error. Medical therapy can help you regain your confidence and self-esteem while also preventing the formation of permanent scars.
Acne may take on several forms.
- Blackheads: Bumps on the skin caused by an accumulation of excess oil and dead skin cells. There appear to be dirt deposits within the bump, but an uneven light reflection really generates the dark patches off the blocked follicle.
- Whiteheads: Pimples that remain closed due to the presence of oil and dead skin.
- Papules: Inflamed tiny red or pink pimples.
- Pustules: Small bumps that contain fluid or puss. Pustules resemble whiteheads encircled by red circles. If plucked or scraped, they can leave scars.
- Fungal acne: Caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the hair follicles prone to becoming itchy and irritated.
- Nodules: Pimples that are solid and located deep into the skin. They are colossal and extremely painful.
- Cysts: Pimples containing puss that may result in scarring
All of these types of acne might harm your self-esteem. It is essential to get assistance from Buckeye Dermatology as soon as possible to determine the best treatment option(s) for you.
Acne’s Causes
Acne is the result of several factors:
- Increased hormone levels throughout adolescence result in the growth and hyperactivity of the skin’s oil glands.
- Keratin accumulates in the channels that carry this oil to the surface (a protein that is part of the skin).
- When these oil glands become too active and the canals get clogged, germs that typically reside on the skin and oil become trapped. They then reproduce, causing inflammation and discomfort.
Acne is primarily a hormonal disease triggered by androgen hormones, which peak in adolescents and young adult years. Sensitivity to these hormones, combined with germs on the skin’s surface and fatty acids within oil glands, can cause acne.
Certain factors can contribute to the development of acne and/or exacerbate it:
- Pollution of the air and specific meteorological conditions, most notably excessive humidity.
- Headgear and clothing, such as hats and sports helmets.
- Hormone levels fluctuating around the time of a woman’s cycle.
- Genetics
- Certain medicines
- Stress, which elevates the hormone cortisol, can also trigger an outbreak of acne.
- Using personal care products that are too oily or greasy
Acne Treatment
At Buckeye Dermatology, we have many therapy methods available.
For milder types of acne, topical treatments are utilized. Oral medications may be used in more severe instances. Bluelight is another FDA-approved therapy option. Bluelight is a safe and effective treatment that targets acne-causing bacteria. Peels (chemical peels) can be used to help decrease acne-related blemishes, discoloration, and scarring.
Contact us soon to schedule an appointment if you are concerned about acne. Call (602) 754-6075.