Acne

Despite its reputation as a medical condition for adolescents, acne affects teenagers and adults alike. It develops when dirt, oil, and dead skin cells plug your hair follicle.

Acne can appear on your forehead, chest, back, and shoulders. You might notice whiteheads, blackheads or pimples as a result of a blocked hair follicle. The team at Dermatology Associates of Central NJ explains the causes of acne and how to prevent it.

Myths have led to much confusion about the cause of acne. Greasy foods, bad hygiene, and wearing makeup don't cause acne, so what does? Overactive oil glands, bacteria, and hormones lead to acne. Some factors that worsen acne are:

• Stress
• Diet
• Some medications
• Hormones

Speaking with the experts at Dermatology Associates of Central NJ provides you a chance to discover your acne triggers and receive a personalized treatment plan for clearer skin.

Acne appears on the skin in several ways, most commonly as whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples. Whiteheads look white or light yellow and are the result of a closed clogged pore. A blackhead is an open clogged pore with the bacteria turning dark brown or black when exposed to air.

Pimples happen when your hair follicle becomes irritated and inflamed from bacteria or infection. Pimples have three categories:

• Pustules
• Nodules
• Cystic lesions

Pustule pimples contain pus. Nodule pimples are painful, large, solid lumps beneath the skin without pus. Cystic lesions are painful, large bumps containing pus deep beneath your skin. If your acne worsens or is taking too long to clear up on its own, speak with Dermatology Associates of Central NJ.

If over-the-counter remedies aren't working for you after several weeks, the group at Dermatology Associates of Central NJ will help. Sometimes, you can use a stronger version of over-the-counter medication and find relief. Topical creams or gels and antibiotics reduce excess oil and bacteria on your skin. Most prescriptions have noticeable results in less than six weeks.

Laser and light therapies work in combination with topical solutions or antibiotics for some cases. Other cases require the extraction of whiteheads and blackheads by your doctor if the original treatment isn't working. A steroid injection directly into particularly difficult and deep nodules and cystic lesions reduces pain and quickly heals the area.

Your provider helps you decide which treatment option is best for you. Because acne is persistent, you need persistence, too. Strictly adhere to your daily cleansing routine for best results.

Dermatology Associates of Central NJ fades unsightly scars from bouts of acne. Microdermabrasion and chemical peels erases the scarring on your skin. Microdermabrasion exfoliates your skin, removing dead or damaged skin. Chemical peels erases the top layer of skin, allowing replacement by new skin. Both procedures are safe and provide effective results.

If you would like more information about treating acne or removing acne scars, get in touch with the experienced team at Dermatology Associates of Central NJ. Schedule your appointment over the phone or book online today.

*Individual results may vary