Acne

What is acne?

Acne is a skin condition that causes red, inflamed bumps to appear on the skin. As an inflammatory disorder, acne occurs when the sebaceous glands in the skin clog with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. The condition is common in teenagers but can continue through adulthood.

Are there different types of acne?

There are multiple types of acne, including:

Blackheads

A blackhead is an open comedo (flesh-colored skin bump) filled with dead skin cells and oils. Blackheads often look like specks of black dirt.

Whiteheads

Whiteheads are closed comedones that form a small white head on their surface. They remain closed with dead skin cells and oils.

Papules

A papule is a red, inflamed bump without a head. You can’t pop a papule, and irritating one can lead to inflammation.

Pustules

Pustules are papules filled with pus. They can be tender and painful, particularly when irritated. Popping pustules can lead to inflammation and scarring.

Nodules

A nodule is a very painful form of acne that develops deep beneath the skin. These large bumps do not contain pus and can take several weeks to resolve on their own.

Cysts

Cysts are extremely painful pus-filled nodules that often require professional treatment to avoid pain and scarring.

What causes acne?

Acne is primarily hormonal. It occurs when estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels become imbalanced. Certain factors can trigger acne flare-ups, including:

• Stress
• Certain medications
• Oil-based skin care products
• Skin picking
• Greasy foods
• Dairy and sugar

Developing a healthy skin care regimen can help curb acne flare-ups, but understanding your skin’s specific needs is critical to prevent negative reactions like dry skin or rashes.

What are the treatments for acne?

Dr. Seeker and her team may recommend multiple types of acne treatments, including:

• Benzoyl peroxide
• Salicylic acid
• Retinoids
• Oral or topical antibiotics
• Isotretinoin
• Steroids
• Laser treatments

Combining several different treatments may help improve your acne and promote clearer skin. Dr. Seeker and her team may also recommend lifestyle modifications, such as a diet change or a new skin care routine, to minimize flare-ups.

Call Seeker Dermatology today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about acne.