What Causes Acne?
The causes of acne vary, but genetics is thought to play a major role. Acne primarily affects skin with a greater number of oil glands, particularly on your face, upper chest, and back. During puberty, in both sexes, acne is often brought on by an increase in androgens, such as testosterone.
Types of Acne
Some of the types of acne we treat at Clearlyderm include:
- Whiteheads – These are tiny white or flesh-covered bumps that appear when your pores close up, trapping excess oil, bacteria or dead skin cells inside.
- Blackheads – When the pore is clogged, but remain open, they might look like little black dots.
- Papules – Sometimes, the excess oil, bacteria and dead skin cells push deeper into the skin. This can cause little red bumps that feel hard.
- Nodules – Large, inflamed bumps, nodules develop deep within the skin and can be painful.
- Cysts – These can look similar to boils and are filled with pus.
Scarring can sometimes occur after acne heals, which makes it all the more important to see a dermatologist for acne treatment sooner rather than later.
Clearlyderm Acne Treatment Services
At Clearlyderm, there are three main ways we treat acne: topical medications, oral medications and different forms of therapy.
- Topical medications – The most common type of topical medication includes retinoids and antibiotics. Retinoids come in the form of creams, gels and lotions. They are derived from Vitamin A and include Retin-A, Differin and Tazorac. Antibiotics work by killing excessive skin bacteria and reducing redness. Many times, topical antibiotics and retinoids are used simultaneously, applying one in the morning and the other at night.
- Oral medications – Oral antibiotics are sometimes used to treat acne. Sometimes, there are side effects, such as an upset stomach or dizziness. Combined oral contraceptives are useful in treating acne in women and adolescent girls. The Food and Drug Administration approved three products that combine estrogen and progestin (Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Estrostep and Yaz).
- Light therapy – Clearlyderm uses the Isolaz System, which combines a broadband light with pore cleaning.
- Chemical peels – Effective in treating acne, chemical peels remove the top layer of skin. This procedure can be repeated multiple times.
- Blackhead and whitehead extraction – Clearlyderm uses the DermaSweep extraction system. DermaSweep can effectively remove blackheads and whiteheads using various liquids during the procedure. Our aestheticians perform the DermaSweep procedure.
- Steroid injections – Certain types of nodular and cystic lesions can be treated with steroid injections. This improves the appearance, but still requires extraction.
A Clearlyderm dermatologist for acne can help determine the best treatment plan for your needs.
Virtual and In-Person Visits
Clearlyderm offers two convenient ways to be seen by one of our board-certified dermatologists. First, you can schedule an appointment at any of our six South Florida locations in Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, and Fort Lauderdale.
Alternatively, you can schedule a virtual visit (teledermatology). Meet with us from anywhere, including your couch, by using video chat on your phone or computer.
Our board-certified dermatologists look forward to helping you feel beautiful and confident in your own skin.
Contact us today for a dermatology consultation.
Why We’re Different
Clearlyderm is a family-run business with all of the advantages of a large medical office. Our providers take the time to understand your needs and history, in order to develop a treatment plan that’s tailored to you. If you need a prescription, we will work to find one that’s covered by your insurance. We also offer holistic options for skin care, when possible. It’s our way of showing you that we care about you as a patient — and a person.
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