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Acne

Discover clear skin with effective acne treatment
at Dermatology of Southeastern Ohio.

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Acne

Discover clear skin with effective acne treatment at Dermatology of Southeastern Ohio.

Acne

What is Acne?

Acne is the most frequently diagnosed skin condition in the United States and one of the most common skin problems our board-certified dermatologists at Dermatology of Southeastern Ohio. 

Acne arises when hair follicles under the skin become plugged with the skin’s natural oil (otherwise known as sebum), dead skin cells, bacteria, and other impurities. This causes inflammation and mild to severe blemishes, such as blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and cysts. It can appear anywhere on the body but is usually found on the face, back, and chest.

A dermatologist inspecting a patient's back acne
Questions

Acne FAQs

Find out more about acne, such as the different types, prevention tips, and how our dermatologists treat acne in Zanesville, by reading our comprehensive FAQs section below. If you have any further questions or would like to receive a personalized acne treatment plan from one of our experienced providers, contact us today by calling (740) 454-7546 or reach out online

Yes, there are many different types of acne that you may experience over the course of your lifetime, including:

  • Comedonal Acne – Superficial acne caused by clogged pores. Comedonal acne looks like small blackheads and whiteheads. Because this type of acne is typically close to the top of the skin, and less inflamed than other types, it generally causes no scarring.
  • Inflammatory Acne –  Typically deeper than comedonal acne, these blemishes can be red, swollen, and sore. Inflammatory acne can show up anywhere on the body and may leave a scar.
  • Nodular/Cystic Acne – Cystic or nodular acne forms as pus-filled sacs under the skin. It is usually much deeper than other forms of acne and can be painful. Cystic acne can cause extensive scarring if not treated correctly.
  • Hormonal Acne – Hormonal changes can increase oil production in the skin. This can lead to an increase in clogged pores forming whiteheads, blackheads, bumps, and cysts.

The board-certified dermatologists at Dermatology of Southeastern Ohio can help you identify the type of acne you are experiencing and form an effective acne treatment plan. Contact us to learn more by calling (740) 454-7546 or reach out to our dermatology practice online.

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States and affects nearly every person at some point in their life. Acne can be an issue at any point in your life, from infancy into your adult years, but it is most common in adolescence. 

Every year, about 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24 percent have some form of acne, and an estimated 25 percent of women and 12 percent of men in their 40s report having acne.

While most cases of adolescent acne will resolve on their own before adulthood, some will persist. Hormonal and cystic acne cases can last for many years, with hormonal acne being more common among women than men. 

Acne can be bothersome and leave behind lasting scars, which is why the skilled providers at Dermatology of Southeastern Ohio recommend personalized acne treatment that delivers long-lasting results.

The inflammation from deeper forms of acne, such as cystic or nodular acne, can cause damage to your skin’s tissue. Additionally, picking and popping your acne blemishes and bumps can rupture the skin, causing even more damage. 

During the healing process, the skin develops new layers of collagen to fill in the skin, but these new layers are not always smooth. Sometimes the healed skin can be uneven and discolored, as well as raised or depressed.

If you have acne scars, there are certain treatments available that can improve their appearance. At Dermatology of Southeastern Ohio, our experienced aesthetician offers chemical peels, medical grade facials, dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, and personalized skin care regimens. These cosmetic treatments can revitalize your skin and reduce the visibility of acne scars over time.

Though anyone can have acne—most people will experience it at some point in their life—it is more likely it be an issue if one or more of your parents have had severe acne. This is because genetics play a role in how much sebum your skin produces, your skin’s natural microbiome, and your hormones, all of which can influence the development of acne.

Hormonal acne is a type of acne that often arises in adulthood, usually affecting people from their 20s to 30s. It is caused by changes and imbalances in hormones, which can cause an overproduction of sebum and clog pores. Because its caused by hormone changes it is often seen in women experiencing menstruation, pregnancy, changes in birth control, and menopause. 

There are no foods scientifically proven to cause acne, there is some limited research that suggests certain foods can trigger or exacerbate breakouts. High glycemic foods, like bread, rice, and sugary sodas, can spike blood sugar, causing an insulin response that may increase inflammation and disrupt hormone levels. Cow’s milk has also been linked to increased acne breakouts. 

Adopting a low glycemic diet and reducing the consumption of cow’s milk, as well as a personalized acne treatment plan from our board-certified dermatologists at Dermatology of Southeastern Ohio, can help improve your skin.

At Dermatology of Southeastern Ohio, we personalize our acne treatment plans for each patient depending on the severity of their acne and the needs of their unique skin. We typically use a combination of the following treatments.

  • Benzoyl Peroxide – Used in mild cases of acne, benzoyl peroxide reduces the blockages in the hair follicles.
  • Salicylic Acid – A common acne treatment, salicylic acne exfoliates the skin to unclog pores and eliminate buildup.
  • Azelaic Acid – A naturally occuring acid that cleans bacteria from your pores which causes acne.
  • Retinoids – Unclog pores by boosting the production of new skin cells.
  • Oral and Topical Antibiotics – Antibiotics for acne can help to reduce the type of bacteria that causes acne.
  • Hormonal Treatments – Targets certain hormonal issues that may be influencing the development of acne.
  • Tretinoin – A derivative of vitamin A, tretinoin helps to unclog the blocked-up material in whiteheads/blackheads. It has become a mainstay in the treatment of acne.
  • Corticosteroid Injections – Used for deep, painful cysts and nodular acne. These injections can rapidly relieve the pain and the size of the breakout.
  • Extraction – Removal of whiteheads and blackheads using a small metal instrument that is centered on the comedone and pushed down, extruding the blocked pore.
  • Dietary Changes – Certain shifts in your diet can help to reduce the frequency and severity of acne breakouts and blemishes.

This list is by no means exhaustive. Our dermatologists have a broad spectrum of acne treatment options at their disposal to help you improve your skin. To start your acne treatment in Zanesville, Ohio, contact Dermatology of Southeastern Ohio by calling us at (740) 454-7546 or requesting an appointment online.

Photos

Acne Photos

The appearance of acne can differ depending on the acne type and the skin that it’s on. Take a look at our example photos to see what some spots can look like.

Acne Near The Mouth
A Young Man With Acne And Pimples On His Face, Biting His Nails.
A Woman With Acne On Her Forehead
A Woman With Acne
Contact

Find Personalized Acne Treatment in Zanesville, Ohio

Don’t let acne keep you down! If acne is affecting your self-esteem or quality of life, the board-certified dermatologists at Dermatology of Southeastern Ohio are here to help with industry-leading acne treatment in Zanesville, Ohio. We look forward to helping you discover clean, clear skin that you love to look at in the mirror.

Schedule your acne treatment at Dermatology of Southeastern Ohio by requesting an appointment online or by calling our clinic at (740) 454-7546.

Contact Us Today

Have questions or concerns? Please call us at 740.454.7546.

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