Acne Treatment in Bridgewater NJ
👨⚕️ Double Board Certified in Dermatology and Mohs Surgery
🎓 Fellowship Trained in Mohs Surgery
Acne
Why Does Acne Occur?
– The most common time that acne occurs is when we’re younger (adolescence to teen years), when our hormones are elevated due to puberty.
– Another time this can occur is when females experience flares as a result of hormonal fluctuations throughout the month.
– Lastly, genetics play an interaction with oil glands contributing to acne as well.
Common Types of Acne
- Blackheads: Open pores clogged with oil and dead skin. Dark appearance.
- Whiteheads: Closed pores clogged with oil and dead skin. White or flesh-toned bumps.
- Papules: Small, red, and tender bumps indicating inflammation.
- Pustules: Red bumps containing pus (pimples).
- Acne Mechanica: Caused by friction or pressure on the skin
- Cysts and Nodules: Large, deep, pus-filled, and often painful lesions.
- Acne Scaring: from chronic cystic acne
Less Common: Fungal Acne – Treated by topical and/or oral anti-fungal medications
Acne Treatment
Unclogging the Pores
The two types of medications which help to unclog the pores are retinoids and keratolytics. Retinoids are medicines like over-the-counter ‘retinol’, and prescriptions like tretinoin, Retin A®, and Differin®. They work by changing the rate that skin cells lining your pores are produced which, in turn, helps prevent them from clumping together. Alternatively, salicylic and glycolic acid are the two most common keratolytics. They work by breaking up the clump of skin cells and oil that create the previously mentioned ‘comedones’.
Killing Bacteria
Both topical and systemic antibiotics can be used to kill the P. acnes bacteria. Benzoyl peroxide is the most well-known of the acne-fighting antibiotics and is applied topically. It’s found in a number of over-the-counter products, though it’s also incorporated into many prescription medications. Most patients visiting a dermatologist have found that benzoyl peroxide alone provides only limited relief. At this point, it’s time to consider prescription antibiotics – in either topical (lotions, creams, etc.) or oral form (pills, capsules, etc.).
‘Blocking’ Hormones
Decreasing the ability of hormones to create acne-causing changes in the first place can be an effective treatment. For a variety of reasons, though, this treatment approach is one which is only available to female patients. Examples include oral contraceptives as well as a medication called spironolactone.
Shutting down the oil gland
Systemic treatment with isotretinoin (Accutane, Myorisan, Absorica/Absorica LD, Claravis, Zenatane, Amnesteem) is indicated for acne that is resistant to treatment, produces scarring, or produces significant physical or emotional distress. This medicine is extremely effective and may offer some patients a chance at a permanent acne reduction, however, it requires appopriate monitoring by a professional.
Acne Scarring
Each patients scarring typically needs a multi-modality approach. Dr. Parth Patel can conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the most suitable approach. Treatments include the following:
– Chemical Peels: Superficial or medium-depth chemical peels
– Dermabrasion: Physical scrubbing to remove the upper layer of the skin
– Laser treatment: CO2 Ablative Lasers and Fraxel® Non-Ablative Lasers can be used to stimulate collagen production for fresh, healthier, skin.
– Subcision: a minor surgical procedure that involves a needle-like tool to free up depressed scars
– Fillers: Injectable fillers can be strategically placed to elevate depressed scars
– Corticosteroid injections: The direct injection of corticosteroids into thick raised scars hypertrophic/keloidal scar tissue can help to soften and flatten raised scars.
– Surgical excision: In some cases, surgical removal of the scar tissue might be the best option.