Are you suffering from acne? Baton Rouge residents know that The Dermatology Clinic can help. No matter your age, having blemishes on your face, chest, back, or other area of the body can be uncomfortable and unsightly. We want to help you gain your confidence back by developing a treatment plan that will help your skin become clear and beautiful again. At our clinic, we know that every acne treatment we perform should be designed to fit the patient’s exact needs. We’ll prescribe various regimens, including face washes, lotions, and other procedures, until we find something that works for you. We offer both general dermatology and cosmetic dermatology options to help treat our patients.
The most common skin problem in America, acne affects far more than just teenagers. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, growing numbers of adults are suffering from acne later in life, but the reasons for the trend are unclear. Individual cases of acne occur when pores in the skin become clogged, typically with dead skin cells. The oil that keeps skin from drying out becomes trapped when pores are clogged by cells. When clogged pores are infected with bacteria, the result is redness and inflammation.
If you are susceptible to acne, then hormones, stress, and certain medications can trigger or worsen an outbreak. A family history of acne may also make you more susceptible. Scientific studies have indicated that dairy and carbohydrates seem to trigger outbreaks. Greasy foods and oil-free makeup do not seem to affect acne, despite myths to the contrary. There are many misunderstandings about acne, and because many people experience temporary outbreaks in their teenage years, they may believe that some dietary choice or other behavior cured the acne that was already clearing up on its own.
Many people believe in scrubbing and aggressively washing the affected areas, but washing only twice a day with a gentle cleanser should be enough. If you sweat, especially when wearing a hat, then washing as soon as possible is helpful. Over-the-counter cleansers may help remove excess oil, but abrasive cleansers and scrubbing pads can irritate the skin. If you have naturally oily hair, then using shampoo on a daily basis is recommended. Resist the temptation to squeeze or pick at acne because this can result in scarring and opens up more potential for infection.
If over-the-counter remedies seem to have little effect, or if the acne is leaving scars or darkening the skin, then it may be time to talk to a professional dermatologist. This common problem can make people feel self-conscious and embarrassed, even to the point of impacting social relationships and work performance. You deserve to experience the confidence that comes with clear skin. If you have persistent acne that spreads to your armpits, groin, or buttocks, then you may have a more serious skin condition called hidradenitis suppurativa. Found in areas of the body where skin rubs against itself, hidradenitis suppurativa is one of many medical conditions where the primary symptoms may resemble acne to the untrained eye. If your acne persistently fails to respond to over-the-counter treatment, then it’s a good idea to see a doctor.
Based on your individual circumstances and symptoms, a variety of treatment methods are available. Topical medications may include products that specifically address the buildup of oil or bacteria. Certain oral medications like antibiotics, birth control, and isotretinoin may be taken to control acne. Finally, chemical peels, lasers, and light therapies, as well as manual drainage and extraction are options available to professional dermatologists. One of the advanced treatment options at The Dermatology Clinic is photodynamic acne treatment or PDT, where a special photosensitizing agent is applied to the skin and then activated with a certain wavelength of light. As there are different types of acne, and the severity of an outbreak can be graded from mild (Grade 1) to severe (Grade 4), a board-certified dermatologist is best equipped to assess which treatment methods would be appropriate for a given patient.
The timeline for medical acne treatment depends on the severity of your case and the treatment method used. Our dermatologists can explain how soon you should expect to see results for your treatment. More importantly, they will also explain long-term techniques to get the most lasting improvement. While over-the-counter skincare options are not sufficient to curb every person’s acne, a daily routine makes a big difference in maximizing the results of medical acne treatment.
If you are seeking acne treatment, the physicians at The Dermatology Clinic are here to help and answer your questions. We have all of the latest technology, including laser treatments, photodynamic therapy, peels, prescription medications, and topical treatments. We even provide acne scar treatment. We’ll use all of the wonderful tools at our disposal to help you look and feel your best. Call us today to learn more about our services and request an appointment.
