My Acne Is Embarrassing: Can You Help?
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions: Over 9% of the global population has it. Many acne sufferers live with a combination of physical and emotional pain as they struggle to find an answer.
That’s where we come in.
We at Sanford Dermatology know exactly how frustrating pimples, pustules, and the like are. That’s why treating acne is our top priority.
Let’s dive into the why behind acne and the how behind our comprehensive treatments.
Acne explained
Your skin is covered in tiny holes called pores. Every now and then, those holes can become blocked by oil, bacteria, dead skin cells, and dirt. When that happens, a pimple results.
Some people get away with an occasional pimple here and there; others get so many they have full-blown acne.
Acne looks different for everyone and can appear virtually anywhere on your body. The most common types of acne are:
- Blackheads
- Whiteheads
- Papules — small, red, raised bumps
- Pustules — red pimples with pus at the tips
- Nodules — painful lumps that develop below the surface of your skin
- Cysts — large, painful, pus-filled lumps beneath your skin
The most popular pimple hangouts include your face, neck, back, shoulder, and chest.
In addition to bumps and blemishes, acne can also cause skin discoloration, redness, swelling, inflammation, pain, and even scars.
You’re most at risk for acne if you:
- Have oily skin, experience hormonal changes
- Have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Smoke
- Don’t sleep enough
- Are chronically trees
- Use skin care products with high oil content
- Take certain medication
- Have a family history of acne
What you eat can also impact your skin. The foods and diets that impact acne include a low glycemic index diet, milk production, fat, fatty acids, and vegan and vegetarian diets.
Whatever combination of factors has gotten you to this point, we want to be your first call.
Getting over acne
Acne treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all, so when you come to us for solutions, we guarantee you won’t walk away with a fad or an empty promise.
We always begin with a careful examination of your skin and a detailed discussion of your medical history, symptoms, habits, and treatment goals.
Based on our discussion and the severity of your acne, we recommend one or more of the following treatments:
- Prescription-strength salicylic azelaic acid ointments
- Removal of whiteheads or blackheads (extractions)
- Topical or oral retinoid medications
- Oral contraceptives (for women)
- Chemical peels
- Oral antibiotics
- Laser therapy
We also walk you through at-home remedies and prevention strategies to avoid future breakouts. Our patients are able to keep their skin clear by adhering to their treatment plan and following simple skin care rules, like daily cleansing, using gentle products, removing makeup before bed, cleaning skin after sweating, and living a healthy lifestyle.
Acne doesn't have to be a life sentence, especially when you team up with us at Sanford Dermatology. When you’re ready to get started with treatment, call or click to schedule a consultation at any of our three conveniently located offices serving Greater Sanford, Pittsboro, and Lillington, North Carolina.