Acne Specialist

What is acne?

Acne is a highly common skin condition that develops because of pores clogged with sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria. It’s the result of a complicated interaction between hormones and bacterial buildup, which can lead to inflammation. 

Normally, the sebaceous glands in your skin produce an oil called sebum to hydrate and protect your skin’s surface. The sebum travels through the hair follicles in your skin to reach the surface. When dead skin cells clog the follicles, it blocks the sebum and attracts bacteria. The result is various pimple types such as:

• Whiteheads
• Blackheads
• Papules 
• Pustules
• Nodules 
• Cysts

When you get many of these at once, you have an acne breakout. Most acne breakouts go away on their own, often because your hormones level out. Other breakouts are severe or long-lasting and require professional care. 

Who gets acne?

Individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and races can get acne. However, the condition is especially common in teenagers because of the major hormone fluctuations they go through as they grow and develop. 

Acne isn’t limited to teenagers. Sometimes, small children and even babies can get acne. Additionally, acne can last into adulthood or reappear in adulthood after years of not having it. Your diet may play a role, and so can various medications. 

How can I manage my acne?

The team at Medical Dermatology Associates of Chicago specializes in treating severe or long-lasting acne using a variety of approaches. They typically start with conservative suggestions for treatment and move on to stronger approaches if the simpler options don’t offer great results.

After a review of your skin, the team at Medical Dermatology Associates of Chicago recommends one or more of these acne treatments:

Gentle washes 

Some cleansers contain acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. You can get them over-the-counter in most cases, and your dermatologist is happy to make recommendations. 

Dietary changes

Altering your diet might help clear some of your acne. Specifically, reducing your intake of carbohydrates like white bread, pasta, and sugar helps regulate the skin. 

Topical treatments

Topical medications l such as topical antibiotics or retinoids can treat acne-causing bacteria, reduce inflammation, or help with cell turnover to unclog pores. 

Oral medications 

The physicians at Medical Dermatology Associates of Chicago prescribe oral medications for severe cases of acne. Common prescriptions include oral antibiotics, oral contraceptives, and isotretinoin.