What is Acne?
Acne is among the most widespread skin ailments in the U.S., affecting approximately 60 million people annually. While many cases are mild and can be controlled with medication and a consistent at-home cleaning regimen, many patients have it so severely that scarring may happen. Acne is typically a combination of pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, and little cysts, and other red, itchy, and inflamed areas of the skin. Caused by a mix of clogged pores, dead skin cells, and bacteria, it is most commonly seen in teens but can affect adults as old as 40. Acne most often shows up on the face, chest, and back. To regain a healthy, glowing look, Dr. Marc I. Epstein and the team at Mountain View Dermatology and Aesthetics in Tucson, AZ offer numerous treatment alternatives, from personalized at-home cleaning methods to prescription drugs and laser treatment.
How do you treat acne?
Research shows that over-the-counter medications often fall short in effectively treating acne. At Mountain View Dermatology and Aesthetics, we offer many treatment options to help manage and control acne symptoms, helping you on your path to clearer skin. Depending on the severity of your acne, you might benefit from prescription drugs, such as topical creams and solutions containing active ingredients, like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, and retinoids. For individuals experiencing persistent issues, oral antibiotics, such as minocycline, doxycycline, or tetracycline, could be a valuable part of your treatment regimen. Patients who suffer from severe cases of acne may benefit from Accutane®, a potent type of retinoid medication that can diminish or clear severe acne and discourage new acne scars.
Another promising solution comes in the form of AviClear® laser treatments, which clean and eradicate dead skin cells beneath the dermal layer and diminish redness and pigmentation issues associated with acne. For those with a history of acne, addressing the lingering scars can be a crucial aspect of the healing journey; targeted acne scar treatments could be instrumental in revitalizing your skin. Additionally, we offer chemical peels and extractions, tailoring each treatment to your unique needs to provide the most beneficial results.
What are the Risk Factors for Acne?
While anyone can develop acne, certain factors can increase your likelihood of breakouts. These include:
- Hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause
- Family history of acne
- Certain medications
- Oil-based cosmetics and skincare products
- High levels of stress
- Diet high in refined sugars and carbohydrates
Understanding these risk factors can help individuals in Tucson, AZ, take preventative measures to reduce the frequency and severity of acne breakouts. Our team at Mountain View Dermatology and Aesthetics can also provide personalized recommendations to help manage these risk factors.
What are the symptoms of acne?
The symptoms of acne can vary significantly, depending on the specific type and its severity. It is not just physical but can also encompass emotional symptoms. A hallmark symptom is the appearance of different kinds of blemishes, including but not limited to:
- Blackheads
- Whiteheads
- Cysts
- Pustules
- Papules
- Nodules
Apart from these, individuals may also experience dark spots on the skin and permanent scars. Recognizing the variety of symptoms can aid in seeking tailored treatment in Tucson, AZ to address acne's physical and emotional impacts.
How Is Acne Diagnosed?
Generally, a diagnosis of acne will begin with a thorough assessment of your skin around the affected areas. We'll also want to know about your family history, symptoms, any current or past medications, and — if you are female — your menstrual cycles. In some cases, we may need to order lab work in order to identify if an underlying disorder or condition may be causing the acne
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To me Dr. Marc I. Epstein is the best, he's my son's dermatologist and really help him with he's acne problems.
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What Causes acne?
Acne outbreaks may happen for a number of different reasons, including hormonal changes related to pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. Certain medications and drugs (like the birth control pill) can also cause acne, in addition to anxiety and an unhealthy diet. Once we've established the root cause of your acne flare ups, we can devise a suitable treatment plan to help you manage them.
What can personalized at-home treatment methods do for my acne?
Personalized at-home treatment methods are tailored to your specific skin type and acne severity. They often include a regimen of cleansers, toners, and topical medications designed to target and reduce acne breakouts. This approach allows for a flexible and convenient way to manage your acne with products that are specific to your skin's needs.
How do prescription drugs, including Accutane, work to treat acne?
Prescription drugs for acne, such as Accutane (isotretinoin), work by reducing oil production, fighting bacterial infection, and decreasing inflammation. Accutane, in particular, is known for its ability to treat severe acne by targeting the root causes. However, it's important to discuss potential side effects and the course of treatment with your healthcare provider, as prescription drugs can have more profound effects and require monitoring.
What is AviClear laser treatment, and how does it help with acne?
AviClear is a cutting-edge laser treatment specifically designed to target the sebaceous (oil) glands in the skin. By selectively targeting these glands, AviClear effectively reduces oil production, a primary contributor to acne, leading to long-term clearance of the skin. It's a noninvasive procedure that offers a promising alternative for those seeking a drug-free approach to managing their acne.
Schedule Your Appointment
If you're tired of covering your acne using cosmetics or enduring the physical pain, embarrassment, and psychological affliction that could come from this skin condition. We invite you to contact Mountain View Dermatology and Aesthetics to schedule a consultation. We will provide a comprehensive skin analysis and create a customized treatment plan to help clear your complexion as soon as possible.