Acne Specialist
-
- Tweet
Dermatology Specialists of Gainesville
Dermatologists located in Newberry, FL & Chiefland, FL
Acne is the most common skin issue in America and affects an estimated 50 million people each year. Dr. Christina Mitchell of Dermatology Specialists of Gainesville in Newberry, Florida, understands the toll that acne can take on your skin and your confidence. She works with you to determine the best possible treatment path for your needs and continues working with you as you progress through your treatment journey. If you’d like to learn more, schedule a visit with Dr. Mitchell today, online or over the phone.
Acne Q & A
What is acne?
Acne is a chronic skin condition marked by inflammation. It most commonly occurs during puberty but also can affect adults. As many as 85% of Americans experience acne at some point between the ages of 12-24.
Acne causes a range of blemishes, including:
- Whiteheads
- Blackheads
- Papules
- Pimples
- Pustules
- Nodules
- Cysts
Some cases clear up on their own, but many cases require professional treatment to avoid extensive breakouts and eventual scarring.
What causes acne?
To understand acne it helps to think about your hair follicles, which are tiny sacs located all over your skin. These sacs contain the hair roots that create your hair. They also connect oil glands that produce sebum to your pores.
Your hair follicles also allow excess sebum and dead skin cells to exit your body. In some cases, those substances can clump together with hair and form a plug. If that plug becomes infected with bacteria, swelling follows. As the plug begins to break down a pimple forms near the surface of your skin.
Numerous things can trigger acne, including:
- Hormones
- Certain medications
- Pore-clogging cosmetics
- Menstruation
- Emotional stress
- Genetic factors
What can be done to treat acne?
Dr. Mitchell performs a thorough skin exam and discusses your health history before creating your customized treatment plan. That plan may shift over time depending on how your body responds to treatment.
Treatment options might include creams and lotions that help break down existing whiteheads and blackheads, unblock pores, speed cellular turnover, and reduce inflammation. Some topical treatments require a prescription.
Corticosteroid injections can treat acne cysts. This approach can reduce inflammation, prevent scarring, and boost healing.
Oral antibiotics can help by clearing up the bacteria that creates acne. Oral contraceptives can help control acne in some women by regulating hormonal balance.
Prescription medications can treat severe cases of acne that don’t respond to other treatment efforts. These medications carry a risk of serious side effects.
Additional treatment options include chemical peels, microneedling, and certain types of light therapy. These efforts can also reduce the appearance of acne scarring.
To learn more about options for treating acne, schedule an appointment with Dr. Mitchell today, online or by phone.
