We hear it every day at our practice – a concerned, and desperate call from a worried parent, an adult patient who suddenly doesn’t recognize their skin. The pesky culprit: Acne.
Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans annually.¹ When left untreated, it can cause skin irritation, discomfort, permanent scarring and a toll on someone’s self-esteem. Fortunately, acne is considered very treatable. Being that June is acne awareness month, this is the perfect opportunity for us to further educate our patients on the variety of acne treatment options available at Southern Marin Dermatology.
Embarking on the journey to clear, healthy skin is an empowering decision and SMD is here to support you every step of the way!
TYPES OF ACNE
Acne manifests in various forms, each presenting its own unique set of challenges. By understanding the different types of acne, you can better identify and address your specific skin concerns. At SMD, we specialize in diagnosing and treating the following common types of acne:
WHITEHEADS (Closed Comedones): Whiteheads occur when pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. They appear as small, white or flesh-colored bumps on the skin’s surface and are typically non-inflamed.
BLACKHEADS(Open Comedones): Blackheads are similar to whiteheads, but the clogged pores remain open. The dark appearance is not due to dirt but rather the oxidation of melanin when exposed to air. Blackheads can also be non-inflamed and appear as small, black dots on the skin.
PAPULES: Papules are small, raised, red bumps without a visible center or pus. They occur when the walls of hair follicles break down due to inflammation and are a result of the immune system’s response to bacteria.
PUSTULES: Pustules are inflamed lesions characterized by redness and a visible pus-filled center. They often resemble whiteheads with a yellow or white tip and can be sensitive or tender to the touch.
NODULES: Nodules are larger, deeper, and more severe acne lesions that extend beneath the skin’s surface. They are often painful, firm to the touch, and can persist for weeks or even months. Nodular acne typically requires medical intervention.
CYSTS: Cystic acne is one of the most severe forms of acne. It is characterized by large, inflamed, pus-filled lesions that are deep within the skin. Cysts can be painful, prone to scarring, and may require professional treatment to prevent complications.
TREATMENTS
It’s important to note that acne can vary in severity and may consist of a combination of acne types. Understanding the specific type(s) of acne you are experiencing can help guide treatment decisions and enable our dermatology and acne experts at SMD to develop a customized plan for your skin.
Effective acne management involves a comprehensive approach that combines medical treatments, skincare routines, and, when appropriate, esthetic services. With our expertise and personalized care, we are committed to helping you combat acne and achieve the clear, healthy skin you desire. During your appointment, we may recommend one or several of the following:
ACCUTANE (Isotretinoin): Accutane is an oral medication prescribed for severe acne cases. It works by reducing oil production, minimizing clogged pores, and decreasing inflammation. Although it can have side effects, Accutane has proven highly effective for severe acne and can often provide long-term relief. In fact, one study found that at 12 months’ follow-up out of 180 patients, 97.4% of the patients reported that their acne was improved and 1.72% of the patients required a second course of treatment. ²
TOPICAL CREAMS: Topical creams, including retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and antibiotics, are commonly used for milder forms of acne. These medications work by unclogging pores, reducing inflammation, and killing acne-causing bacteria. Topical creams are often used in combination to maximize their effectiveness. As medicine improves, there are new topical prescription creams coming to market all the time and we stay abreast of new treatments to provide the safest and most effective care.
PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY (PDT): PDT involves the application of a photosensitizing agent to the skin, which is activated by specific wavelengths of light. This treatment targets and destroys acne-causing bacteria and reduces sebum production. PDT can be effective for moderate to severe acne and can help minimize inflammation and improve skin texture.
INTRALESIONAL INJECTIONS: For individuals with cystic acne or large, inflamed acne lesions, dermatologists may use intralesional injections of corticosteroids. These injections help reduce inflammation, speed up the healing process, and minimize the risk of scarring.
ORAL ANTIBIOTICS: In some cases, oral antibiotics may be prescribed to control acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation. They are often used in combination with topical treatments and are typically recommended for moderate to severe acne or when other treatments have not provided sufficient results.
BIRTH CONTROL PILLS: For individuals who experience hormonal acne, dermatologists may recommend certain types of birth control pills that contain estrogen and progestin. These pills help regulate hormone levels and reduce sebum production, leading to improved acne control.
COSMETIC TREATMENTS WITH LASERS AND ESTHETIC SERVICES:
CHEMICAL PEELS: Involve the application of a chemical solution to the skin, which exfoliates the top layer, unclogs pores, and promotes skin regeneration. Chemical peels can help improve acne by reducing inflammation, minimizing acne scars, and unclogging pores.
MICRODERMABRASION: A minimally invasive procedure that uses a handheld device to gently exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores. It can be beneficial for mild acne, reducing acne scars, and improving overall skin texture and tone.
HYDRAFACIALS: Advanced, non-invasive facials that cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate the skin. These treatments help unclog pores, remove dead skin cells, and reduce oil production. HydraFacials can improve overall skin health and provide a fresh canvas for acne treatments, enhancing the effectiveness of topical medications.
LASER GENESIS: A non-ablative laser treatment that stimulates collagen production and improves skin texture. It helps reduce acne scarring, minimizes redness, and promotes healing. By targeting the root causes of acne, Laser Genesis can complement other acne treatment modalities and enhance long-term results.
CONCLUSION
Acne is both an extensive diagnosis, yet very treatable. Consulting with a board-certified physician assistant or Dermatologist is crucial to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific needs. Southern Marin Dermatology can provide personalized recommendations tailored to your skin concerns and guide you towards achieving clearer, healthier skin.
Written by Evita Ortiz and ChatGPT with fact checking and editing by Ashley Smith, MD
Sources:
- Bickers DR, Lim HW, Margolis D, Weinstock MA, Goodman C, Faulkner E et al. The burden of skin diseases: 2004 a joint project of the American Academy of Dermatology Association and the Society for Investigative Dermatology. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2006;55:490-500.
- Blasiak RC, Stamey CR, Burkhart CN, Lugo-Somolinos A, Morrell DS. High-dose isotretinoin treatment and the rate of retrial, relapse, and adverse effects in patients with acne vulgaris. JAMA Dermatol. 2013 Dec;149(12):1392-8. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2013.6746. PMID: 24173086.