Acne

Acne impacts more Americans than any other skin condition, with as many as 50 million people looking for solutions every year. Fortunately, help is available from board-certified dermatologists Andrew Nesterovitch, MD, and Kathleen Herne, MD, at Integrated Dermatology of West Palm Beach in West Palm Beach, Florida. They offer a range of effective solutions to give you clearer skin. For a skin evaluation and personalized acne care, call the office or use the online scheduling tool today.

What is acne, and what causes it?

Acne is far more common than most of us would like. It primarily arises from an overproduction of oil (sebum) in your skin’s sebaceous glands. When skin and hair follicles get clogged with oil and dead skin cells, the resulting bacterial growth leads to acne lesions and inflammation, which can take the form of:

Blackheads and whiteheads

Also called comedones, these bumps mostly appear on the face and shoulders.

Red pustules or papules

These are pus-filled pores, and the inflammation can lead to scarring.

Hormonal changes can make your body produce more sebum, which is why acne is more prevalent during puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy. While many tend to think of acne as an adolescent issue, it impacts people of all ages, resulting in lingering insecurities, scarring, and pain.

How is acne treated?

Integrated Dermatology of West Palm Beach considers every patient’s unique needs — no cookie-cutter solutions. After a thorough evaluation, your provider may recommend:

Over-the-counter products

Acne medications with active ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide may sufficiently control your acne. Your dermatologist can recommend a good fit for your skin issues.

Topical and oral prescription medications

For more severe acne, your provider may prescribe medications, such as doxycycline, minocycline, or tretinoin, for acne that isn’t responding to other methods.

Hormonal treatments

Hormonal therapy can effectively clear acne since it addresses potential underlying causes.

Extraction

You can promote healing with professional extraction, where your dermatologist carefully removes whiteheads and blackheads to free the blocked pore.

How can I experience less acne?

With consistent treatment that is personalized to your skin’s needs, you can effectively manage acne and keep it from damaging your complexion. You can also support better skin health by:

• Managing stress levels
• Avoiding cosmetics and environmental hazards that might clog the pores
• Maintaining a diet rich in nutrients

Around 80% of young people between the ages of 12 and 24 experience some form of acne, so Integrated Dermatology of West Palm Beach also offers pediatric dermatology to address the unique needs of youthful skin.

If you struggle with acne, call the office or book an appointment online with Integrated Dermatology of West Palm Beach today.