Dermatologists Acne Treatments

Types & Causes of Acne and How to Treat Them

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with dirt, oil and dead skin cells – causing bacteria to grow – which leads to the formation of pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. However, there are several different types of acne, each with its own causes and treatment options.

The only way to effectively identify the type, cause, and best treatment for your acne is to consult with a board-certified dermatologist – like those at Goldenberg Dermatology in NYC. In this article we discuss the most common types of acne and explain how a dermatologist can help you identify the best treatment for your breakouts.

Most Common Types of Acne

Whitehead and Blackhead Acne

Whiteheads and blackheads are the most common types of acne and are caused by clogged hair follicles. Whiteheads occur when the follicle is completely clogged and closed, while blackheads occur when the follicle is only partially clogged, and the top of the pore remains open.

The best treatment options for whiteheads and blackheads include prescription topical treatments that contain medical grade amounts of benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, as well as AviClear laser acne treatment. Regular exfoliation and maintaining good skin hygiene are also essential.

Papule and Pustule Acne

Papules are small, red bumps that occur when the hair follicle becomes inflamed. They are typically sensitive to the touch and can be painful. Pustules are similar to papules, but they contain pus and are typically larger and more painful.

Prescription topical treatments that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing, while prescription medications such as topical or oral antibiotics may be necessary for more severe cases of papules and pustules. And revolutionary new AviClear laser treatments can shrink the oil-producing sebaceous glands to clear up breakouts and prevent future papules from occurring.

Cystic Acne

Cysts are large, painful bumps that are filled with pus and can cause scarring if left untreated. Nodules are similar to cysts, but they are deeper and more severe. They are caused by a bacterial infection in the hair follicle and are typically treated with prescription medications such as oral antibiotics or isotretinoin. In some cases, drainage or surgical removal may be necessary to prevent scarring.

In many cases, state-of-the-art AviClear laser treatments can be used to treat cystic acne, by killing the bacteria and shrinking the oil-producing sebaceous glands. AviClear can often prevent the need for surgical drainage, as well as help prevent future cystic breakouts from occurring.

Adolescent vs. Adult Acne

Additionally, adolescent acne and adult acne are two different types of acne that have different causes and treatments. Adolescent acne is usually caused by hormonal changes that occur during puberty, which can cause an increase in oil production in the skin. Adult acne, on the other hand, can be caused by a variety of factors including hormonal imbalances, stress, medication side effects, and certain skincare products.

Adolescent acne typically appears on the forehead, nose, and cheeks, while adult acne is more likely to appear on the chin, jawline, and neck. While adolescent acne is typically milder and consists mainly of whiteheads, blackheads, and small pimples, adult acne is often more severe and can consist of deep, painful cysts.

The best treatments for adolescent acne and adult acne will differ based on the severity and cause of the acne. Prescription topical treatments are often effective for mild to moderate adolescent acne. For more severe adolescent acne oral antibiotics or isotretinoin may be necessary. However, adult acne may be caused by other factors such hormonal imbalances (like PCOS), so other therapies may be more effective.

In both teens and adults, AviClear laser treatments can be used to kill acne-causing bacteria and shrink the oil-producing sebaceous glands.

It is important to note that acne treatment is not one-size-fits-all, and the best treatment options will vary depending on the type and severity of the acne. Only a dermatologist can determine the type and underlying cause of your acne and put in place the best treatment plan for your specific acne type and skin type, whether you are an adolescent or an adult.

Dermatologists’ Acne Treatment

A patient with acne should always see a dermatologist to identify the type of acne, the underlying causes, and the best treatment. Treating any medical condition starts with an accurate diagnosis. And because there are several different types of acne – each with their own unique causes and treatment options – a dermatologist is the best doctor to accurately diagnose the type of acne a patient has, which is essential for determining the best course of treatment.

Once an accurate diagnosis is made, a dermatologist can create a customized medical treatment plan that is tailored to the patient’s specific needs. This may include a combination of prescription topical or oral acne medications, as well as non-invasive AviClear laser acne treatments, in addition to skincare and lifestyle changes such as diet modifications.

Remember, acne can cause scarring, which can be permanent and affect a patient’s self-esteem for the rest of their life. A dermatologist can help to prevent scarring by providing early and effective treatment options. Further, in some cases, acne may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A dermatologist can help to identify and manage any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the acne.

Finally, acne treatment can take time, and it is important to monitor progress and make adjustments to the treatment plan as needed. A dermatologist can track the patient’s progress and make any necessary changes to ensure that they are getting the best possible results.

Acne Treatment Dermatologists | NYC

Seeing a dermatologist for acne can provide patients with the best chance for achieving clear, healthy skin. By accurately diagnosing the type of acne, identifying the underlying causes, and creating a customized treatment plan, the dermatologists at Goldenberg Dermatology in NYC can help patients to achieve long-lasting results and prevent scarring.

Only cutting-edge dermatologists like the board-certified dermatologists at Goldenberg Dermatology in NYC have the latest and most advanced acne fighting technologies like the AviClear laser that can be used to kill acne-causing bacteria and shrink the oil-producing sebaceous glands.

If you or your teen are suffering from the frustration and embarrassment of acne, schedule an appointment at Goldenberg Dermatology in NYC for a thorough diagnosis of the cause and type of your acne – and the best acne treatments to give you smooth, clear, scar-free skin now and for years to come.

Acne Treatment Dermatologists | NYC: 212-405-8202