Chronic acne and acne scars can have a debilitating effect on teenagers. Adolescence is a time of maturing and becoming comfortable in your own skin, which can be difficult when you are embarrassed by its outward appearance. For many, by the time their acne finally goes away, they often bear the scars of years spent with pimples and blackheads.
Acne Scars
Acne and acne scars are difficult to ignore. Breakouts are common among many during the teen years. When it goes beyond a pimple or two and does not respond to over the counter solutions, it’s time to seek the assistance of an experienced dermatologist. At Southeastern Dermatology in Knoxville, we offer a variety of solutions that can help put a stop to breakouts and rejuvenate skin previously plagued by acne. We do our very best to help avoid acne scars, but can also help patients already experiencing scars by minimizing their appearance.
Dr. Doppelt and his team have years of experience treating acne, and the first step in that process is properly identifying the type of acne.
Types Of Acne
Blackheads: blackheads are known as open comedones because the head of the pore remains open, while the rest of the pore is clogged.
Whiteheads: also known as closed comedones, whiteheads happen when pores are clogged all the way through. The length of the pore and the head of the pore are closed, creating a little white bump on top of the skin.
Pustules: Pustules are small, bulging bumps with a white center and red, inflamed skin surrounding them. They are usually found in clusters on the chest, face, or back. Pustules form when a blocked pore gets infected, but they can also be caused by hormonal changes in the body. They are similar to papules, except pustules contain pus.
Papule: Papules are small red bumps that form when oil or excess skin cells block a pore and mix with bacteria on your skin. The contents of this blocked pore spill out, which allows the bacteria to escape into the surrounding skin tissue. The bacteria then create an inflamed lesion. They do not contain pus.
Cyst: Cystic acne is the most severe form of acne and is also the result of an infection deep within the skin. Acne cysts are large, red, inflamed, painful, and pus-filled. Cysts are softer than nodules because they are pus-filled and often burst, infecting the surrounding skin.
Nodule: Nodular acne consists of flesh-colored or red bumps that are deep under the skin’s surface. Nodular acne is usually a result of the acnes bacteria causing a painful infection deep within the pore.
Mild Acne
This type of acne is consistent with the occasional breakout and can usually be controlled with over the counter measures. Patients should avoid excessive face washing to prevent irritation. Popping or picking at spots can cause acne scars, so that should be avoided as well. If breakouts do not respond to over the counter products after four to six weeks, it’s time to see a dermatologist.
Moderate to Severe Acne
This type generally includes more inflammation and papules may contain fluid. Hard lumps or inflamed pimples are a sign that acne should be treated by a professional.
Scarring can happen with any type of acne. Everyone’s skin is different, and as such, we work with you to devise a treatment plan that is unique to your situation and skin-type. We have had years of experience treating hundreds of patients who are suffering from chronic acne. Some of our proudest moments are watching our patients regain their confidence and self-esteem as their skin clears up. If you are having problems keeping your breakouts under control, call us today to schedule a consultation.
