Acne

What is acne?

Acne is a common condition that develops when the pores in your skin get clogged with dead cells and oil. It can take a variety of forms, including raised, swollen pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. 

Acne forms when bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells buildup in hair follicles. The buildup causes inflammation and blemishes to appear on your skin. Acne can develop almost anywhere, but it’s most common on the face, chest, and back because those areas have more oil glands. 

Some types of acne, such as nodules and cystic lesions, are bumps below the surface of the skin that can be large and painful. Severe or persistent acne can be embarrassing and even leave lasting acne scars on your skin. 

Why does acne leave scars?

Acne causes distress to skin. The clog of bacteria, dead skin cells, and excess oil causes inflammation and swelling in the pore. If swelling is severe, the follicle wall can break. When this happens, the infection can spread to nearby tissue and make the blemish larger.

Minor acne and shallow blemishes can leave temporary marks that fade over time. If you occasionally get a pimple here and there, you typically aren’t at risk for acne scarring.

But deep, cystic acne can cause significant damage to the surrounding skin. If skin produces extra collagen as it heals, raised scars, called keloid scars, can form. 

Depressed scars are another common type of acne scarring. Depressed scars develop when, during the healing process, the tissue around the acne is lost.

How is acne treated?

Acne often goes away on its own. Many teens grow out of it as their hormone levels normalize in adulthood. But if you’re a teen or adult suffering severe, ongoing acne, visiting the dermatologist can help.

Acne treatment focuses on the cause of your acne to help reduce breakouts. Topical and oral medications can limit your skin’s oil production, boost skin cell shedding, and reduce bacterial growth. 

The team at Dermatology Associates of the Palm Beaches works with each patient to find an acne treatment plan for their unique situation. Implementing lifestyle adjustments, such as managing stress and limiting your intake of chocolate and carbohydrate-rich foods, can also help keep skin clear. 

Treating severe acne early is also the best way to prevent difficult-to-remove acne scars later on. If you do suffer from acne scars, laser skin resurfacing, or chemical peels can help restore smooth skin.

Let the team at Dermatology Associates of the Palm Beaches help you fight acne. Call the office or book an appointment online to get started.