Acne is the term used for pimples and complexion problems that occur in many young people and some adults. Approximately 90% of all people will have acne at some point in their lives. Pimples usually occur on the face, but may extend to the neck, chest, upper arms, back and legs. Acne is not only a skin concern but can have psychosocial concerns in many, which is why we take the treatment of acne so seriously. We also have the tools at our disposal to successfully treat most acne scars, a common occurrence seen in those who suffer from acne.
What Causes It?
Acne usually begins at puberty and may continue for many years. Teenagers get acne as the body matures and produces hormones that stimulate the sebaceous (oil producing) skin glands to make more sebum or oil. Sebum lubricates the skin. Sebaceous glands within the hair follicles or pores become plugged when oil secretion occurs faster than the oil and skin cells can exit the pores. Sometimes the plug causes the wall of the pore to rupture causing redness, swelling, and pus. Plugged oil glands may form blackheads and whiteheads. Blackheads are not caused by dirt; rather there are bacteria that normally lives on the skin and thrives on the sebum produced by oil glands. Sometimes the bacteria multiply and cause inflammation and acne.
Helpful tips:
- Wash your face twice daily with a gentle skin cleanser to prevent oil build-up.
- Do not scrub your face with a harsh washcloth or sponge. Scrubbing may actually make it worse by irritating the skin. Try gentle cleansing with your hands.
- Topical astringents can be used to remove excess oil after cleansing.
- Don’t squeeze, scratch, or pick the lesions. This can leave tiny, permanent scars on your face.
Regular cleansing and topical prescription medicines are often used to keep the pores clear. In persistent cases, oral medications including the use of oral antibiotics may be prescribed. Based on the need and your condition, the practitioners at Gold Skin Care Center may recommend that we also use other treatment options to improve your acne condition. This may involve chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser or light therapy, or acne photodynamic treatment. Isotretinoin, a Vitamin A oral pill, may be used in severe, or recalcitrant cases.
The following are a few of the laser and light based treatments offered at Gold Skin Care Center:
- Aerolase Neo®
- ADVATx™
- IPL treatments including Stellar M22™, BBL, and Lumecca
- Blue Light
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT)
Every patient responds differently so Dr. Gold and his staff will work with each patient individually to design a treatment program that will be best for each patient they see.
Contact an Expert Dermatologist Today
Tennessee Clinical Research Center (TCRC), the research arm of the Center, routinely conducts clinical research studies for acne with some of the newest medicines and procedures in the industry. For more information call TCRC at 615-383-9660 or visit www.tnclinicalresearch.com to view the current list of studies. To learn more about how the dermatologists at Gold Skin Care in Nashville can help you overcome your acne, get in touch with us today by contacting us online.
