Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages. Though there are many over-the-counter (OTC) treatments for acne, Sarika Snell, MD, FAAD, and the team at Integrated Dermatology of 19th Street in Washington, DC, can provide a personalized plan that improves the look of your skin and reduces your risk of scarring. For expert acne care, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

What is acne?

Acne is a skin condition that causes pimples. It’s a common skin concern that occurs when dead skin cells get trapped in your pores due to an overproduction of skin oil. 

When bacteria from the surface of your skin enters the pore, the warm moist environment provides the perfect conditions for bacterial growth, leading to inflammation and the infection that causes pimples.

You can develop acne at any age. However, it’s very common during puberty because of the hormonal changes that cause an increase in sebum production. 

What are the types of acne?

The team at Integrated Dermatology of 19th Street classifies acne into types based on how the blemishes look and affect your skin. Types of acne include:

Blackheads

Blackheads are open pores filled with oil and skin cells. Though blackheads look like they’re filled with dirt, they look dark because of how the light reflects off the open pore.

Whiteheads

Whiteheads are covered pores that appear as white bumps on the skin.  

Pimples

Pimples, also called papules, are inflamed pores. 

Pustules

Pustules are pimples filled with pus.

Nodules

Nodules are hard, painful pimples that form deep in the skin.

Cysts

Cysts are nodules filled with pus. This type of acne also causes pain.

When should I seek dermatology care for acne?

Seek dermatology care from the team at Integrated Dermatology of 19th Street if you have mild acne that fails to improve with at-home care or moderate to severe acne. 

Acne is a common skin condition, but it is treatable. With advances in treatment options, the highly skilled medical dermatology team can design a plan to improve the look of your skin.

When you come in for acne care, your dermatologist reviews your medical history and examines your skin. They may take a sample of your blemish to rule out other skin conditions. 

What are the treatments for acne?

Integrated Dermatology of 19th Street customizes your acne treatment plan based on the type of acne you have and the severity of your skin condition. Treatment might include:

• An at-home skin care routine
• OTC topical acne creams
• Prescription acne products
• Oral antibiotics
• Isotretinoin
• Laser treatments
• Chemical peels

For acne nodules, the team may provide cortisone injections. These types of injections reduce pain and inflammation. 

To find out more about your acne treatment options, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.