About Acne
Teens are no strangers to the unfortunate experience of acne. Inflammation and irritation of the skin around the face can be persistent and challenging to treat. For many teens, the issue only lasts a couple of years.
But, for others, the struggle can persist into adult years, or start for the first time later in life. Acne regularly proves to be a significant obstacle to building self-confidence and accepting your appearance. Extreme cases can make individuals feel helpless in a fight against their own bodies.
At Liu Dermatology, we have seen many teens and adults struggle unnecessarily with the emotional toll of chronic acne. If you are ready to resolve the problem of acne, schedule a consultation with Dr. Liu.
Common Causes of Acne
A common misconception is that an affected individual is at least partly to blame for his or her condition. We see this as trying to put the burden on the victim. True, certain factors can increase breakout frequency. But, much is beyond the individual’s control.
In reality, the cleanliness of the skin is a minor trigger for acne breakouts. As much as you wash your face or body, there are other determinants that might slide under the radar.
Contributing factors for acne include:
- Bacteria
- Clogged pores
- Genetics
- Stress
- Hair and makeup products
- Nutrition
- Hormones
Types of Acne
Acne may look different in every person. Some of the usual lesions that we see in the acne patient include:
Blackheads
These are clogged pores that have a dark surface. These “pimples” are open. These most commonly appear on the face, especially the nose, chin, and forehead.
Whiteheads
These are closed “pimples” also formed from clogged pores. These can be found on many parts of your body, such as the face, chest, back, and even your shoulders.
Pustules
These are fluid-filled pockets that look red and irritated. They also can appear anywhere on the body.
Papules
These often feel tender to the touch and are raised red bumps.
Cysts
These deep, fluid-filled sacs may cause scarring. Treating them should be left to a professional.
Acne Treatments
Treatment options can depend on the type and severity of the acne. Some forms are easier to address than others, while others might demand a more extensive treatment regimen.
Treatment plans can become more complex if there are multiple forms of acne to address. The first step in fighting acne is understanding which type you are suffering from.
Non-inflammatory Acne
This category includes blackheads and whiteheads. For very mild cases, a salicylic acid cleanser may help. It removes dead skin cells naturally, which are one of the culprits in clogging pores. For more severe cases, a prescription medication is often necessary. At Liu Dermatology, we offer custom-made prescription topical medications that target mild to moderate acne from multiple angles.
Inflammatory Acne
When an acne lesion is inflamed, it can become tender or painful to the touch. Inflammatory acne includes pustules, papules, and cysts. Clogged pores play a role, but the source of the inflammation is often bacteria and/or hormones. Oftentimes, inflammatory acne can result in scarring, which is why it is important to get it under control quickly. Typically, the management of inflammatory acne requires a multi-faceted approach. Treatment regimens may consist of topical medications, oral antibiotics, hormonal medications, isotretinoin (Accutane), or AviClear™ laser treatments. If you have inflammatory acne, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Liu for a personalized treatment regimen.
