Acne Treatment
Acne is a very common skin condition that affects people of all ages. Contrary to popular belief, acne is not usually caused by poor hygiene or eating certain foods. It’s also not a skin problem that you must suffer through, with the expectation that it will simply "run its course."Acne is treatable through a variety of proven procedures and medications. If you’re suffering from acne, Dr. Michalak can recommend a variety of treatment options at his Issaquah practice.
Acne Treatment Options
The first line of defense against acne is a daily medical cleanse treatment. At Dr. Michalak’s office, patients can receive a custom program to address acne – whether it’s the occasional pimple or severe acne.
The best acne treatment plan is chosen based on factors such as the acne type, severity, and severity, skin type and area(s) affected.
Popular acne treatment options include:
- Oral medications – Isotretinoin and oral antibiotics
- Topical medications – Retinoids, topical antibiotics, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide
- LaserDynamic Therapy
Most acne treatments are quick, painless and noninvasive. Results are further improved when you add effective medical grade skin care products.
Once your acne breakouts are resolved, additional acne scar and hyperpigmentation treatments may be performed to further improve the appearance of your skin. This may include laser treatments such as Fraxel Laser.
What are the Different Types of Acne?
Based on characteristics, acne is divided into the following types:
- Comedones
- Pustules
- Papules
- Cysts or nodules
Comedones are either open (blackheads) or closed (whiteheads). Blackheads appear when oil, bacteria or dead skin cells partially block a hair follicle. They often take longer to clear. Blackheads appear black in color not because of dirt, but because skin cell pigment reacts when exposed to oxygen. Whiteheads appear when the pores are blocked completely. They usually clear away faster than blackheads and exhibit a white surface.
Pustules (pimples or zits) are inflamed lesions that appear due to clogged pores. Papules are also inflamed, red and tender but do not exhibit a head.
Cystic acne (acne nodules) is associated with more severe acne and results in large, painful bumps beneath the skin's surface. Nodules are known to cause acne scarring.
What Causes Acne?
Acne occurs when pores and hair follicles become clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells or bacteria. If you have naturally oily skin, you may be predisposed to acne. For others, greater exposure to bacteria is the cause of their acne.
Hormones also affect the skin and may also lead to acne development. Thus, onset of puberty, pregnancy, menstruation and hormonal birth control methods may trigger an acne breakout.
Do you have questions about acne treatment? Contact the Issaquah dermatology practice of Dr. Victor Michalak to learn more about the options available. We frequently meet with patients from Issaquah, Bellevue and the greater Seattle area. Please dial 425-391-2500 to make an appointment.
