Do Dermatologists Help With Acne?

Acne seems to hit some people worse than others. These acne-sufferers deal with consistent breakouts that won't seem to go away, no matter what they do. If this sounds like you, then you're likely looking for answers other than over-the-counter treatments that haven't worked for your acne.

The Causes of Acne

Acne is largely caused by influxes of hormones in the body. These hormones stimulate the amount of oil produced by the sebaceous glands. The more oil in the skin, the easier it is for the oil to become trapped and cause acne breakouts. Acne is known to occur during adolescence when androgen hormones become active in the body. The primary and most well-known of the androgen hormones is testosterone, which stimulates the production of sebum. The more sebum produced, the more this can cause blockages in the hair follicles. Adult acne can be attributed to fluctuations in hormones brought on by menstruation, pregnancy and menopause.

Types of Acne

Severity of acne ranges from minor to severe. Minor acne consists of whiteheads and blackheads, and most people suffer from these at some point during their life. Severe acne includes papules (red, inflamed pimples), pustules (pimples with white centers) and nodules (pus-filled lumps) that can cause scarring if not treated effectively.

How You Can Help Your Acne

It's a good idea to start a regular skin care routine to assist your dermatologist in your fight against acne. A good cleansing system consists of a cleanser, toner and moisturizer, plus acne treatments formulated with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid that work to eliminate oil and bacteria.

How a Dermatologist Can Help

Dermatologists can prescribe powerful oral acne antibiotics or topical treatments that will help clear the skin. Acne antibiotics work to decrease the amount of bacteria in the hair follicle and the amount of sebum the skin produces to prevent acne from forming. Dermatologists also commonly prescribe antibiotics for acne, including Erythromycin, Minocycline and Accutane, among others.
Accutane is prescribed for severe nodular acne that hasn't responded well to other antibiotics and is formulated in part with a large dosage of synthetic vitamin A. Accutane reduces the body's ability to produce sebum, thus decreasing the amount of oil in the skin able to cause acne.

Finding a Good Dermatologist

Treat your search for a dermatologist like you would search for a primary care physician. Ask for referrals from friends who have had success fighting with their acne and they will likely be willing to share their acne experiences with you as well.

Also, make sure the dermatologist you see is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology. This ensures that she has had the proper training in the field of dermatology. It also guarantees that she receives continuing education to learn the latest in acne-fighting techniques.

A dermatologist who is an expert in acne care understands the problems that acne breakouts cause in your life. With professional assistance, you can decrease your acne breakouts and alleviate some of the challenges and self-esteem issues that come with them.

References

• AcneNet
• AcneDermatologist.com

Resources

• Treating and Preventing Acne Breakouts