Acne And Its Treatment Options

Many teenagers and adults alike suffer from acne. These frustrating skin blemishes not only mar your appearance but can also diminish your self-confidence and your perceived attractiveness. Here are some of the most common types of acne and some of the ways our specialists at Colorado Skin & Vein can effectively treat acne and revitalize your skin.

Comedonal Acne

Comedonal acne is characterized by small bumps, typically on the forehead and chin. Comedones may be called blackheads or whiteheads and arise from clogged or blocked hair follicles. Increased production of sebum in response to dirt or debris blocking the follicle can lead to comedonal acne. Other influencing factors include overhydrating the skin, sun damage, poor skin care, smoking, abrasive skin treatments, and consumption of certain dietary components such as dairy products and sugars.

Treatment

• Topical retinoids such as Retin-A® (tretinoin), Differin® (adapalene), and TAZORAC® (tazarotene): unclog hair follicles to reduce the formation of comedones, especially in combination with topical antibiotics
• Topical antibiotics such as ACZONE® (dapsone), clindamycin, erythromycin: kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation and redness
• Sodium sulfacetamide: removes dead skin, unclogs pores, and kills acne-causing bacteria
• Benzoyl peroxide: dries out oily skin and kills acne-causing bacteria

Hormonal Acne

Hormonal acne is characterized by deeper acne cysts around the jawline and mouth. Caused by hormonal activity and hormonal imbalances, this type of acne most often affects teens and women, especially pregnant or menopausal women.

Treatment

• Spironolactone: reduces sebum excretion and may lower androgen levels
• Oral contraceptives: reduce androgens to balance hormones
• Topical retinoids and/or antibiotics: unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and kill acne-causing bacteria

Inflammatory Acne

Inflammatory acne is characterized by small red bumps and pustules. This type of acne is caused by the body’s immune response to kill bacteria and repair damaged skin. For example, if a hair follicle is damaged, the body will send white blood cells to the area, and this can cause visible inflammation and inflammatory acne. Stress hormones may also lead to inflammatory acne.

Treatment

• Topical and/or oral antibiotics: kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation and redness
• Topical retinoids: unclog pores and hair follicles to reduce inflammation
• Sodium sulfacetamide: removes dead skin, unclogs pores, and kills acne-causing bacteria
• Benzoyl peroxide: dries out oily skin and kills acne-causing bacteria

Severe, Cystic Scarring Acne

Severe, cystic scarring acne is characterized by nodules that are formed by the buildup of fluids, oils, and white blood cells beneath the surface of the skin. While rarer than other types of acne, cystic acne is still common and is often painful. Nodules will extend deep into the skin, which often means that without early treatment, they may not fully recover and can leave scars.

Treatment

• Accutane® (isotretinoin): reduces secretion of sebum and assists in skin renewal
• Photodynamic therapy: minimizes acne scars and kills acne-causing bacteria, even for deep, cystic acne

As skin quality and type are different from patient to patient, treatment for acne is personalized for each individual. Our dermatological experts will work closely with you to determine the best course of treatment for your unique skin type to eliminate your acne and restore your complexion.

Schedule your consultation at Colorado Skin & Vein to learn about appropriate acne treatments for you. Call (303) 683-3235 today or fill out our online contact form at your earliest convenience.