Acne

Up to 50 million people in the United States experience acne yearly, making it one of the most common skin conditions. Still, you might have a challenging time eliminating it. The board-certified Z-Dermatology & Skin Wellness Center team in Huntington Beach, California, can help. Call the office or book a consultation online to explore professional acne treatments.

What does acne look like?

Acne is common and can affect you at any age. That said, it’s especially prevalent among adolescents during puberty. Pimples and other acne lesions are easily recognizable, although they’re sometimes mistaken for other inflammatory skin conditions. 

Your acne might feature the following:

Pimples

Pimples (or papules) are red bumps on your skin’s surface. 

Pustules

Pustules are similar to pimples but are filled with white or yellow pus. Many pimples turn into pustules during acne breakouts. 

Whiteheads

A whitehead looks like a typical pimple but with a visible white cap. 

Blackheads

Similar to a whitehead, a blackhead is a clogged pore with a black top. 

Cysts and nodules

Cysts and nodules are deeper in your skin than other acne lesions. They’re often tender to the touch or painful. 

You might have just one or several spots or a breakout with many acne lesions. 

How did I get acne?

Acne occurs when the pores in your skin become clogged with excessive oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria. Bacteria that collect in a clogged pore cause inflammation, which is why acne often appears red and feels tender. Bacteria naturally live on your skin, but too much in a clogged pore can cause inflammation. 

Many people experience acne because their skin produces too much oil. That can happen because of an underlying hormone imbalance. That is why acne is common during puberty, pregnancy, and other times when hormones fluctuate. 

Beyond hormone imbalances, factors that can worsen or trigger your acne include stress, certain medications, a high-sugar diet, and greasy cosmetics. 

What are my treatment options for acne?

Z-Dermatology & Skin Wellness Center provides personalized medical dermatology care to manage acne and prevent future breakouts. While most acne resolves independently with time, severe or recurrent acne requires clinical treatment. 

After examining your skin and reviewing your medical history, the Z-Dermatology & Skin Wellness Center team might recommend or prescribe one or more of the following acne treatments: 

• Over-the-counter topical products
• Prescription topical therapy
• Retinoid therapy
• Isotretinoin
• Hormonal contraceptives
• Steroid injections
• Extractions
• Chemical peels
• Laser therapy

Sometimes antibiotics are a critical part of acne treatment because they reduce bacteria in your pores and prevent them from multiplying. Antibiotics help reduce inflammation associated with acne. 

Call Z-Dermatology & Skin Wellness Center or schedule an online acne treatment consultation.