Acne: Types, Causes, Treatments & Prevention
At Cedars Dermatology, we understand that skin is the largest organ of the body and it mirrors our health and wellness. Therefore, our team ensures that we provide personalised and holistic care to each patient. We pride ourselves on staying at the forefront of dermatological advancements, utilising state-of-the-art technology and treatments to address a wide range of skin conditions, with acne being one of them.
Acne, a prevalent skin condition affecting millions globally, is one of our primary focuses. Our expertise lies in our comprehensive and multi-dimensional approach towards understanding the types, causes, treatments, and preventive measures associated with acne.
Understanding Acne: An Overview
Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles under the skin become clogged. Oil and dead skin cells plug the pores, resulting in whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples. Often, acne is associated with the teenage years but it can affect people of all ages.
While the skin condition is not a life-threatening condition, it can be painful, particularly if it becomes severe. It can also cause emotional distress and lead to scarring of the skin. The good news is, effective treatments are available — and the earlier they are started, the lower your risk of lasting physical and emotional damage.
Understanding acne and the role of skin care in managing the condition is the first step towards effective treatment. Our team at Cedars Dermatology is committed to providing the necessary guidance and care to help you navigate through the complexity of the skin condition.
Common Causes of Acne
Acne is primarily a hormonal condition driven by androgenic hormones, which typically become active during the teenage years. Sensitivity to such hormones, combined with bacteria on the skin, and fatty acids within oil glands, lead to the skin condition.
Common sites for acne are the face, chest, shoulders, and back — these areas of the skin have the most oil (sebaceous) glands. This skin condition occurs when the pores of the skin become blocked with oil, dead skin, or bacteria. Each pore of the skin is the opening to a follicle, which contains a hair and an oil gland. The oil gland helps remove old skin cells, keeps your skin lubricated, and helps prevent drying of the skin.
While these are the common causes, acne can also be triggered by certain lifestyle factors such as stress, diet, and hormone changes. At Cedars Dermatology, we believe in understanding the root cause of acne for each individual patient and tailoring a treatment plan accordingly.
Types of Acne: A Detailed Look
Acne can be classified into two main types – Non-inflammatory and Inflammatory. Non-inflammatory acne includes blackheads and whiteheads. These are minor forms of the skin condition that are relatively easy to treat. On the contrary, inflammatory acne which includes papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts, can be moderate to severe in nature and can lead to scarring if not treated promptly.
Each type of acne requires a different treatment approach. At Cedars Dermatology, we ensure a precise diagnosis of the type of acne and recommend treatments that are best suited to your skin type and condition.
The Role of Chemical Peels in Treatment
Chemical peels have been recognised as an effective treatment for various forms of this skin condition. This procedure involves the application of a chemical solution to the skin to remove its outer layers. The new skin that replaces it is usually smoother and less affected by the skin condition.
At Cedars Dermatology, we use chemical peels as a part of our arsenal against acne. Our dermatologists are skilled at determining the right type and depth of peel for different skin types and conditions. Chemical peels not only help in reducing the skin condition but also improve the overall skin texture and tone.
Photodynamic Therapy: What it is and How it Helps
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is another innovative treatment method we use at Cedars Dermatology for treating skin conditions. PDT uses a combination of light and a special light-activated solution that targets and destroys acne-causing bacteria.
Photodynamic therapy can significantly improve skin appearance without the side effects associated with stronger oral medications. It also helps in reducing the size and activity of the sebaceous glands, which are often overactive in acnr patients.
The Importance of Professional Dermatological Care for Acne
While there’s no shortage of over-the-counter acne treatments, not all of them are effective for everyone. Moreover, many of these treatments come with side effects that can worsen the condition if not used properly. This is where the importance of professional dermatological care comes into play.
At Cedars Dermatology, we offer expert dermatological care for the skin condition, tailored to the specific needs of each patient. Our team of dermatologists provides comprehensive care, from diagnosing the condition and identifying its causes to prescribing the right treatment and offering advice on prevention. We believe that with the right care and guidance, the skin condition can be managed effectively.