Acne

Acne can range from mild pimples to severe cysts. Any form of blemish can indicate acne, including:

• Papules
• Pustules
• Cysts
• Nodules
• Blackheads and whiteheads

You may have these blemishes appear on your chest, face, back, neck, shoulders, buttocks, or arms. The team at Atlantic Dermatology can treat acne, regardless of its severity or location.

Acne can lead to low self-esteem and depression, and you may end up with scars and dark spots on the skin. Some of the scarrings can be permanent, primarily if you don’t seek dermatologic treatment during flare-ups. Treating acne before you get cysts or nodules means you can prevent scars.

Acne is incredibly common, and not just among adolescents. Adult women can get acne in middle age and infants can also form pimples.

Acne occurs due to pores that clog with oil and dead skin cells. When your body overproduces skin oil or sebum, the dead skin cells accumulate within the pores, rather than rising to the surface and exfoliating, and acne develops. When the infection penetrates deep into your skin, it can cause nodules and cysts.

Letting your acne grow without treatment can cause serious side effects, including dark spots and permanent scarring. Seek treatment to boost your self-esteem and have brighter, smoother skin. Many effective treatments are available, including laser care and medications that clear up acne more effectively than treatments did in the past.

Although almost 100% of children between 12 and 17 get some form of acne, you should seek a doctor’s care if you feel any of the below statement fits your situation:

• My acne makes me shy
• I am embarrassed by my acne
• My outlook on life is less optimistic since I developed acne.
• None of the over-the-counter products and/or remedies l’ve tried have worked.
• I am beginning to see scars after acne lesions clear.
• I have painful, pus-filled lesions in addition to blackheads and whiteheads and
  reddened spots on my skin.
• I have dark skin, and a patch that is darker than my skin appears when an acne lesion clears.

Acne is usually a normal part of adolescence and most teenagers will get some form of acne, but poor hygiene and diet are not direct causes of acne. In most cases, if you vigorously scrub your skin to eliminate excess oils and dead skin, you can further irritate your skin. Numerous studies show there is no direct link between diet and acne; however, eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables is always recommended. If you have adult acne, it is best to consult a dermatologist to determine the cause and the best treatment options.

We offer several treatment options to reduce the appearance of acne scars. Options for skin resurfacing may include fractional laser skin resurfacing, micro needling, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion.