Acne impacts millions of people in the United States. In fact, it is the most common skin condition. Most people experience acne during puberty due to the hormonal changes that occur during that time. However, many adults also experience acne for a variety of reasons. The skin condition can impact your self-esteem due to the impact it has on your appearance. Avoid these issues by seeing a dermatologist. Below you will find how dermatologists treat acne.
How Dermatologists Treat Acne
The type of acne treatment depends on the type and severity of your acne. It can involve one or more treatments to help you effectively address your acne. There are two categories of acne, non-inflammatory and inflammatory. Each category has various types of acne, including blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, papules, and cysts. Acne looks different for everyone and treatment requires an approach based on your unique skin care needs. The first step in addressing your acne is setting up a consultation with a dermatologist in Tampa.
Non-Inflammatory Acne
Non-inflammatory acne includes blackheads and whiteheads. Blackheads are clogged pores that are dark on the surface. They are open pimples that are often found on your face. Whiteheads are clogged pores that are closed pimples. These are common and can be found all over your body.
Treating non-inflammatory acne can involve over-the-counter treatments or changes to your skin care routine. However, some patients do require more serious intervention so it’s important to consult with a dermatologist before you make any changes to your routine.
Inflammatory Acne
Inflammatory acne includes pustules, papules, and cysts. This type of acne requires treatment from a dermatologist as they are much more serious as compared to non-inflammatory acne. Pustules are red, irritated, fluid-filled pockets that can appear on your face and body. Papules are small, raised lesions that are tender and cysts are deep fluid-filled sacs. These can be found anywhere on your body, but are most commonly found on your face.
Treating inflammatory acne is slightly more complex due to the risk of infection and scarring. Unlike non-inflammatory acne, this type of acne is often caused by bacteria. However, clogged pores can also exacerbate the issue. Inflammatory acne often requires topical and oral medication. This can help reduce swelling caused by inflammation and address any infection. Addressing these can help treat your current acne and reduce the risk for future breakouts.
Acne Treatment Factors
Your acne treatment in Tampa depends on a number of factors. This is true for those with non-inflammatory and inflammatory acne.
- Location of your acne (face, body, or both)
- Previous treatments
- Duration of breakouts
- Age
- Presence of dark spots or scarring caused by acne
We consider these factors in combination with the type of acne you have (non-inflammatory, inflammatory, or both). Once a dermatologist has physically examined your acne and assessed the relevant factors, a treatment plan will be curated based on your needs.
Acne Prevention
While you can’t prevent acne entirely, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk for the skin condition. Hormonal changes, certain medications, diet, and stress can all exacerbate and worsen your acne. Consider addressing those issues right away if you suffer from acne, as a dermatologist can help get you on the right track. Hormonal changes occur during puberty, but women can also experience issues during pregnancy and menopause. Certain medications can exacerbate your acne so talk with your medical provider about alternative treatments if your acne gets substantially worse. Lastly, focus on eating a healthy diet and effectively managing your stress. This can be helpful for your skin, in addition to your overall health.