Acne
Acne occurs when buildup, caused by oil, skin cells, or bacteria, clog a pore and the sebaceous gland oil secretions become trapped. Acne can be triggered by poor sleep, stress, smoking, hormone changes, and medical conditions like PCOS. Our doctors commonly prescribe acne medications like doxycyclin and tretinoin.
Acne is the most common skin condition that persists well past the teen years for many people. Acne occurs when the pores on the skin become blocked with oil, bacteria, or dead skin. Hormones, poor sleep, stress, smoking, and medical conditions like PCOS can trigger acne.
What Causes Acne?
There are tiny holes in the skin called hair follicles. Attached to the hair follicles are sebaceous glands near the skin’s surface. These glands lubricate your hair and stop it from drying out fully by producing an oily substance called sebum. In acne, too much sebum can form a plug in the follicle, which blocks the pore.
Symptoms of Acne
Acne most commonly affects the face, back, and chest. There are different types of spots that are caused by acne. Symptoms of acne include:
- Whiteheads
- Papules (small red bumps)
- Pustules (small red bumps with yellow or white pus)
- Redness around skin outbreaks
- Cysts
- Nodules
- Swelling and inflammation
- Pain and tenderness
Acne Treatment
Often, the first recommendation for acne treatment is to avoid picking or squeezing your acne, as this can cause irritation and result in permanent scarring. To treat and manage your acne, speak to one of our licensed medical providers who can formulate a treatment plan, including prescription medication, tailored around your individual skin concerns.
