Acne Treatment In Gainesville, FL
Whether it develops during adolescence or adulthood, acne can be both physically uncomfortable and emotionally taxing. The most common of all skin disorders, acne affects both men and women in varying degrees of severity. Through a comprehensive understanding of acne and the utilization of advancements in dermatology for the treatment of acne, Gainesville Dermatology & Skin Surgery provides patients with effective treatment with enduring results. For an all-encompassing approach to acne and other skin conditions, contact a Gainesville dermatologist with our practice today.
Common Types Of Acne
The primary causes of acne are associated with heredity, hormones, lifestyle, personal hygiene, and certain types of foods. There are two primary types of acne, each of which is further split into subcategories. While the most common forms in which acne occurs includes blackheads and whiteheads, it is possible to be affected by more than one type of acne. Contact us to schedule a schedule a skin care appointment with our dermatologists.
Non-Inflammatory Acne
Noninflammatory acne generally responds to over-the-counter treatments and medications, such as those with salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and topical retinoids. Preventative measures include over-the-counter or prescription treatments for reducing the content of oil on the skin’s outer layer as well as the removal of dead skin cells.
Thorough cleansing reduces oil, which may aid in the prevention of blackheads and whiteheads — the removal of these types of acne can significantly reduce the development of inflamed acne breakouts. Gainesville dermatology treatment may also include a combination of pimple extraction and in-office acne treatments.
Microcomedone
Most individuals who suffer from acne have a significant number of microcomedones, but this form of acne is often too small to see with the naked eye. A microcomedone is the initial stage of an acne lesion, which occurs when the sebaceous duct and the pore become blocked with excess oil and dead skin cells. Every type and degree of a pimple begins as a microcomedone. Treatment includes reducing excess oil on the skin as well as regular skin exfoliation treatments to prevent skin cell build-up.
Blackheads
A blackhead is an accumulation of dead skin cells and sebaceous matter, or oil, within the hair follicle of the skin. Also called open comedones, blackheads develop when sebum and dead skin cells clog a pore and the pore remains open, which exposes the clogged pore to air. The dark-tinted appearance of a blackhead occurs due to the oxidation of the pore-clogging substances. Individuals should refrain from attempting to manually extract blackheads, as pressure to the are may cause the clog to depress further.
Whiteheads
Whiteheads appear on the skin’s surface as round and white bumps. This mild form of acne occurs as a result of a pore becoming clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and environmental debris. Also called soft closed comedones, whiteheads are covered with a thin layer of skin, resulting in the appearance of a white center which is soft to the touch. Whiteheads often develop of the face, shoulders, neck, chest, and back. Treatment includes reducing excess oil and dead skin cells.
Milia
Milia, or hard closed comedones, appear on the skin’s surface as round bumps with apparent whiteheads. This type of comedone is not red in color or painful to the touch and they are especially common in the eye region. The development of milia is similar to that of whiteheads, but the milia impaction is hardened. The white matter within the covered comedone is not pus, but an accumulated mass of dead skin cells and sebum. Removal of milia requires a dermatologist to manually extract the plug from the skin.
Inflammatory Acne
Bacteria, sebum, and dead skin cells combine to cause these common types of inflammatory acne. All forms of inflammatory acne begin with comedones, such as milia, whiteheads, and blackheads. Inflammatory acne presents as blemishes that are red, inflamed, and irritated, and they may range from a fairly mild case to severe forms of acne.
Inflammatory acne may occur anywhere on the body, but it commonly occurs on the face, back, chest, and shoulders. Over time, and as oil continues to penetrate through the opening, the pore becomes engorged and allows for the development of bacteria. Treatment for inflammatory acne generally requires medication and treatment.
Papular Acne
Acne papules begin as a microcomedone. Excess oil within the clogged pore promotes the development and spread of bacteria. Severe inflammation causes the pore walls to break down, resulting in pores that are not only clogged and hard but also tender to the touch. Treatment of papular acne exists in a number of different forms. Cases of minor papular acne may require acne spot treatments and over-the-counter products to treat the condition, while more severe cases may require prescription acne medication to treat current papules and prevent recurrence.
Pustular Acne
A pustule, also called a pimple or a zit, is a red, inflamed acne blemish with an apparent white head, which is filled with pus, oil, and debris, resulting in a papule — which, then, develops into a pustule. Non-inflammatory whiteheads are less severe forms of pustules, but pustular pimples may be larger and more irritated than whiteheads. Pus within pustules may be white, yellow, or cream-colored. Treatment requires an acne specialist dermatologist. Manual pressure is not recommended, as it may cause the lesion to become worse or spread to other areas of the skin.
Nodular Acne
Nodular acne is a severe form of acne which causes large, inflamed breakouts that are painful to the touch, known as acne nodules. Acne nodules are larger in size and more severe in degree than typical pimples — they also affect deeper layers of the skin and may appear on the face, the back, and on other parts of the body. Androgen hormones, overactive oil glands, and abnormal buildup dead skin cells all can cause nodular acne to form and spread. Nodular acne blemishes typically remain on the skin for an extended duration and require treatment.
Nodulocystic Acne
Nodulocystic acne, also called cystic acne, is a severe form of inflammatory acne which presents as nodular breakouts and cysts on the skin. These pimples are larger and deeper than average pimples and they are often painful and result in scarring. This form of acne may occur anywhere on the skin and, due to the degree of severity, requires prompt treatment by a dermatologist to avoid permanent skin pigmentation and the overall worsening of the skin condition. The sooner patients begin treatment for nodulocystic acne, the faster the skin will heal.
How To Prevent Acne
Gainesville Dermatology & Skin Surgery shares the following skin care tips for at-home acne treatment in Gainesville. While the majority of acne may be prevented through the following methods, not all forms of acne may respond with at-home treatments. To ensure the health and clarity of your skin, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Be Mindful Of Ingredients
Inspect makeup packaging for terms such as “non-comedogenic,” “oil-free,” and “won’t clog pores.” Avoid makeup items and facial products which contain mineral oils and other common acne-causing ingredients. Always remove makeup and other facial products at the end of each day with a thorough cleansing. If you develop a breakout, use makeup sparingly or avoid it completely until the skin heals. Our dermatologists can provide a list of safe-for-skin ingredients and they can provide recommendations for skin care products.
Avoid Sun Exposure
UV rays exacerbate acne inflammation and redness, resulting in prolonged breakouts. Increased sun exposure can also lead to hyperpigmentation of exposed skin, which may worsen scarring from any acneic conditions. Our dermatologists recommend that all patients wear sun protection on a daily basis to avoid the numerous harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of 35 or higher 20 minutes before sun exposure — apply additional layers throughout the day.
Focus On Diet & Exercise
A diet comprised of fresh fruits and vegetables is great for your overall health as well as your skin’s health. Dairy products and foods with high sugar contents have been known to trigger acne in acne-prone individuals. Exercise, contrary to popular belief, helps control acne by releasing endorphins, which help lower stress levels and reduce the likelihood of a breakout. To prevent irritation to the skin following rigorous activity, shower or bathe immediately following exercise to remove excess oils, perspiration, and pollution.
Keep Your Skin Clean
It’s recommended to wash your face twice each day and bathe or shower once each day to help care for acne-prone skin. Use a mild facial cleanser and replace washcloths or face towels regularly to avoid the transfer of bacteria to the skin. To minimize irritation, avoid using hot water and harsh cleaning agents on the skin, such as body soaps with high chemical contents and oil-stripping cleansers. Cleanse the skin immediately following activities that result in sweating and increased oil production.
Reduce Stress
Numerous medical studies on the connections between stress and abnormalities within the body notes confirm that an increase in stress may cause a considerable increase in the propensity towards cancer, immune system deficiencies, and other health issues. Regarding acne, stress acts as a log on the fire — stress is a worsening factor for acne. When under stress, those prone to acne will likely experience an increase in breakouts, an increase in the severity of acne, and prolonged breakout duration.