Acne Treatment Specialist Questions and Answers

Acne can occur due to several different reasons, but the main reason that acne occurs is due to blocked pores or hair follicles from oil, dead skin cells, or bacteria. Your pores are openings to hair follicles and oil glands, also known as sebaceous glands. The sebaceous glands produce oil, or sebum, to lubricate your skin, keeping it soft and moist. However, if the follicles and glands produce too much oil, acne can occur.

An overproduction of sebum leading to acne is typically caused by hormonal imbalances or changes, such as those that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or puberty. Other things that can cause acne include medications that contain corticosteroids, lithium, or testosterone, diets rich in carbohydrates, and stress.

In some cases, the bacterium known as Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), which lives in the oily regions of your pores, can lead to acne or infected pimples.

There are several different types of doctors who can treat acne. Often, the kind of doctor needed to treat a case of acne depends on the severity and cause of acne. With that in mind, the types of doctors who can provide acne treatment include dermatologists, obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYNs), or primary care providers, like a family medicine physician, internal medicine doctor, or a pediatrician.

For severe cases of acne, your primary care provider will likely refer you to a board-certified dermatologist. Some signs that your acne requires the specialty of a dermatologist include:

– It feels like you have tried everything with no success at clearing up acne
– Frequent acne breakouts, even after previous breakouts clear up
– Pimple-like bumps appear in unusual areas, such as the armpit, groin, thighs, or the back of your upper arm
– Deep acne cysts and nodules that cause you pain
– Have had acne for years without knowing why
– Acne on your back or chest that will not clear up no matter what you try

For less severe cases of acne, your primary care provider can usually provide sufficient treatment. If your primary care provider specializes in acne treatment, there is a good chance they will be able to treat moderate to severe cases of acne effectively. In cases where the acne is caused by hormonal imbalances or changes associated with pregnancy, menstrual cycles, or puberty, an OB/GYN may also be a good choice.

Acne treatment usually begins with over-the-counter (OTC) or non-prescription products, including both topical and oral options. However, if such medications fail to improve your condition, your primary care provider or dermatologist may recommend prescription-strength medications.

The type of medication used in acne treatment typically depends on the cause of the acne. As such, if a bacterial infection causes acne, antibiotics may be necessary to clear up the infection. If excess oil production is the culprit, your doctor may recommend or prescribe retinoid medications, azelaic acid, or salicylic acid products. For acne caused by hormonal changes or imbalances, some options include combined oral contraceptives or anti-androgen agents.

Our acne treatment specialists at Catalyst Medical Clinic can provide you with high-quality acne care if you have trouble with acne! For an appointment with us or more information, we welcome you to call us, or you can schedule an appointment with us through our website. We serve patients from Edinburg TX, McAllen TX, San Juan TX, Alamo TX, Pharr TX, Palmhurst TX, Mission TX, Alton TX and Palmview TX.