Acne Specialist

What are the different kinds of acne?

Acne can occur in many forms, including all of the following:

• Blackheads or whiteheads
• Papules: inflamed small red bumps that may turn into pustules
• Pustules: pus-filled bumps
• Nodules: large bumps that start deep below the skin
• Cysts: similar to nodules, but filled with pus

Blackheads and whiteheads are the noninflammatory forms of acne. While they're frustrating, they're less serious than inflammatory acne, such as papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. It’s common to have a mixture of acne types at one time.

What causes acne?

Acne usually happens when your body produces too much oil. The oil combines with dead skin cells to plug your hair follicles and create bumps. Sometimes bacteria gets trapped below your skin to make acne more severe. Hormone fluctuations are another reason for acne, especially in teenagers.  

Certain things can make acne worse, including heavy moisturizers, oil-based makeup, stress, and picking at your face.

How does the dermatologist treat acne?

At Humble Dermatology, dermatologist Dr. Egesi evaluates your acne and designs a plan to eliminate it. Common treatment approaches include:

Topical medication

Topical medication can be solutions, creams, or gels that you apply directly to your face. They can include retinoids, azelaic acid, antibiotics, or salicylic acid-based formulas

Oral medication

Oral medication options include antibiotics, antiandrogen drugs to block hormone production, and oral contraceptives. For severe chronic acne, Dr. Egesi may prescribe isotretinoin drugs like Amnesteem®, Claravis®, or Sotret®.

Other treatments

Humble Dermatology offers a variety of other acne treatments, including chemical peels, laser treatments, and MDPen™ microneedling for acne scars.

Your treatment may include several of these options. For example, chemical peels to smooth your skin and topical or oral medications to keep it that way in the future.

What can I do to prevent acne?

Dr. Egesi customizes tips for acne prevention depending on your situation. Recommendations may include:

• Never picking at your acne
• Using a gentle cleanser
• Using noncomedogenic or water-based makeup
• Showering after physical activity to eliminate oil and sweat buildup

If you combine Dr. Egesi's lifestyle tips with customized acne treatment, you can eliminate current breakouts and prevent future ones as well.

Use the online booking tool or call to schedule your acne treatment at Humble Dermatology now.