Acne Treatment Delray Beach FL
Although most common among teens and young adults, acne can affect anyone at any stage of life, from newborns to seniors. Girls and boys, women and men are equally subject to acne outbreaks. While acne develops most frequently in teenagers because of hormonal changes, hormone imbalances associated with menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can also trigger acne.
Acne occurs when the pores of the skin become clogged with dead skin cells, oil, and debris. The result can be any combination of pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, nodules, and more. If bacteria get inside these clogged pores, the area may also become red and inflamed.
Acne most often occurs on the face, but may also appear elsewhere on the body such as the back, chest, arms, shoulders, and buttocks.
Why You Should Treat Acne
Contrary to what you may have heard, it’s not always best to let acne “runs its course.” Left untreated, your acne may clear but then leave permanent scars or dark spots in its wake. So how do you know if your particular case of acne needs treatment?
The first step is a visit to your dermatologist, who will examine your skin, determine the type of blemishes present, and grade your acne on a scale of 1 to 4 (from mild to severe).
Patients with acne have a number of treatment options. These include:
- Prescription and over-the-counter creams, ointments, or other products
- Laser treatment
- Drainage and extraction
- Dermatologist-grade chemical peels
- Punch excision
Products used to treat acne usually work in one of three ways: by killing bacteria, reducing oil levels, or clearing the skin. For the latter, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids are popular choices to help unclog pores. Occasionally, hormone therapy may be needed to relieve acne symptoms caused by hormonal imbalances, and corticosteroids may be recommended for inflammation.
Not all treatment options work for all patients, and it could take weeks for some medications to take effect. But, almost all cases of acne can be controlled in some manner. Even after the acne clears, ongoing skin-care treatment may be necessary to stop the blemishes from recurring, depending on the type, severity, and cause of your acne.
Make an Appointment for Acne Treatment
Don’t let pimples, blackheads, and other blemishes have you running for cover. Treat your acne now and keep it from coming back by making an appointment to see board-certified dermatologist and family medicine physician Dr. Yvette Tivoli at Atlantic Derm in Delray Beach, Florida. Call (561) 802-SKIN (7546) today or use our convenient online appointment request form.