Acne Specialist

What causes acne?

You develop acne when naturally occurring skin oils and dead skin cells clog hair follicles and pores in your skin. Bacteria become trapped in these pores, causing acne to form. Diet, hormones, some medications, and genetics all play a role in whether you develop acne.

Acne may show up as whiteheads, pimples, blackheads, cysts, or nodules. You may have acne appear on your face as well as other parts of your body, including:

• Neck
• Chest
• Back
• Upper arms
• Buttocks

Men and women of all skin types experience acne.

What are the symptoms of acne?

Acne symptoms vary widely. You may have a smattering of pimples or other blemishes on your face, or it may be chronic and comprehensive. Symptoms include:

• Whiteheads and blackheads
• Papules, or red tender bumps
• Pimples occur when papules develop pus at their tips
• Nodules, which are large, solid lumps beneath the surface of the skin
• Cystic lesions are pus-filled lumps that sit beneath the surface of the skin

You may experience acne as local outbreaks or in large patches on various areas of your body.

Who can get acne?

Acne affects 50 million Americans, making it one of the most common skin conditions in the country. Worldwide, acne affects about 650 million people. While adolescents often suffer from acne due to heightened production of hormones that trigger enlarged oil glands, adults – particularly adult women who use oral contraception or are pregnant – can also experience acne.

How is acne treated?

Acne may be treated with chemical peel treatments, which also offer the benefit of promoting the look of younger, healthier skin. At Knight Dermatology Institute, prescription acne medications, both oral and topical, can help control acne.

Laser treatments and blue light therapy are also possible treatments for acne available at Knight Dermatology Institute. Your provider reviews your symptoms and skin type to determine the ideal light source and dose.

If you have acne, the skin experts at Knight Dermatology Institute can develop a treatment plan that is safe, effective, and personalized for your health needs and the condition of your skin. Call one of the offices or book a consultation using the online tool.