Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the U.S., affecting roughly 60 million people each year. While many cases are mild and can be controlled with medication and a consistent at-home cleansing program, many individuals have it so severely that scarring may occur. Acne generally is a combo of pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, small cysts, and other red, itchy, and inflamed areas on the skin. Caused by a blend of dead skin cells, bacteria, and clogged pores, it is most frequently seen in teenagers but can affect adults well into their 40s. Acne most often appears on the face, chest, and back. To return the skin to a healthy, glowing appearance, Rachel Epstein, D.O. at Clear Skin Dermatology in Clearwater, FL and her team of practitioners can offer numerous treatment choices, ranging from custom at-home cleansing systems to medications and laser treatments.

A flare-up of acne can occur for a number of different reasons, including hormonal fluctuations associated with puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Additionally, certain medications and drugs (such as birth control pills) can cause acne, as well as stress and a poor diet. Once the precise cause of acne is diagnosed, a proper treatment plan can be established.

Acne symptoms can vary in conjunction with the kind of acne you have and its severity. Blemishes are a common, obvious symptom of acne and present in many diverse forms, such as blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, pustules, papules, and nodules. Each form of blemish ranges from mild to severe and will need to be treated accordingly. Studies have shown that acne can also create emotional symptoms, like low self-esteem and depression. Other symptoms associated with acne are dark spots on the skin and permanent scars.

Research indicates that over-the-counter medications don't treat acne effectively. Clear Skin Dermatology offers numerous treatment alternatives to control and manage acne and clear its symptoms. For milder cases of acne, prescription medications, such as topical solutions and creams that contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, and retinoids, might help. There are also oral antibiotics, such as minocycline, doxycycline, or tetracycline, that are effective to use. Along with topical and oral prescriptions, laser treatments have also proven effective. Not only can a laser treatment help deep clean and attack dead skin cells under the dermal layer, but it can also help reduce redness and other pigmentation issues linked with acne. Chemical peels and extractions may also help, depending on the sort of acne you are experiencing.