Acne

If you have acne, you know just how disruptive and uncomfortable the condition can be. Thankfully, help is available through the care of the skilled dermatologists at Adult & Pediatric Dermatology Specialists with offices in Trumbull, Westport, and Derby, Connecticut. If you’re ready to explore treatment for acne, schedule a visit online or by phone today.  

What is acne?

Acne is a common skin condition characterized by breakouts. While acne is more common during the teenage years, anyone can develop the condition at any time. Regardless of your age, dealing with breakouts and the skin damage they cause is never easy. 

Your skin is covered with follicles, tiny channels that allow hair to exit your skin. Acne develops when your follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. 

Your body might respond to this blockage with inflammation, which creates pus, swelling, and redness. In other cases, blocked follicles remain relatively small but might be visible as white, black, or red spots on the skin. 

Cystic acne is a painful condition in which large, pus-filled lumps develop beneath the surface of your skin. This form of acne can cause noticeable scarring that remains long after the acne itself has cleared. 

When should I seek treatment for acne?

Everyone experiences occasional skin breakouts, and mild acne is usually not a cause for concern. However, if you have widespread outbreaks or large, painful blemishes, it might be time to seek professional care. 

Numerous over-the-counter products that promise to help clear your skin and reduce the frequency of outbreaks. None of these options, however, can match the power of professional dermatology treatments. 

It’s important to avoid trying to “pop” or drain pimples or cysts. Doing so is likely to only push the bacteria and other debris more deeply into your skin. You can also damage the surface of your skin or cause scarring. 

Relying on a trained dermatologist is the best way to improve acne and move closer to clear skin. 

How do dermatologists treat acne?

Adult & Pediatric Dermatology Specialists is one of the most highly sought-after practices in Fairfield County for acne treatment. The dermatologists at the practice have extensive training and experience with all kinds of acne treatments. 

In some cases, mild topical treatments are all that’s needed to control breakouts and create a more clear complexion. Retinoid medications are also a good option and help clear existing black and whiteheads and prevent additional acne from developing. Some people rely on oral retinoids to control outbreaks, but these medications carry certain risks. 

Steroid injections can help reduce the size of large acne cysts but won’t help prevent further outbreaks. If you have acne scarring, laser therapy can prompt your body to create new collagen to smooth the appearance of pitted scars. 

To learn more about acne treatment and prevention, schedule a visit online or by phone today.