Acne is a common skin condition that manifests when hair follicles are plugged with oil and dead skin cells. This process then results in darkened spots and pimples on the face, neck, chest, back, and upper arms. Acne is a skin disease that affects millions of people of all ages and ethnicities. Although it most commonly occurs during puberty, it can affect adults well into their 30s and 40s. TruDerm is a leading dermatological practice in Allen and Plano, TX that offers a variety of treatments to improve and manage acne. Call our front desk staff to schedule a private consultation with one of our physician assistants.
"I brought in my son for a consult to discuss acne treatments, and Dr. Adler and Kim did a great job explaining options to him and making him feel comfortable."
Acne can cause a variety of symptoms including red pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, and elevated bumps on the surface of the skin. These physical alterations to the skin can cause itchiness, redness, inflammation, and tenderness. The severity of these symptoms will vary per patient case. Acne can also create emotional symptoms as well such as depression and low-self esteem.
There are several key factors that can contribute to the cause of acne. Most often the rise in stress, poor food choices or diet, and environmental factors such as pollution; dust or dirt can cause a flare-up of acne. However, the main cause is typically a change in hormone levels. During puberty, the body begins to increase its levels of androgen and estrogen. This process usually causes the oil glands under the skin to enlarge, which can leave the skin vulnerable to accumulating dirt and bacteria. The buildup of oil, debris, and bacteria results in skin blemishes like pimples or zits. Other stages of hormonal fluctuations include pregnancy and menopause.
At Truderm, we offer a variety of treatments for mild, moderate, and severe cases of acne.
For milder cases, we usually recommend topical ointments, gels, and soaps that contain active ingredients such as resorcinol, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, azelaic acid, and salicylic acid.
Moderate to severe cases typically require stronger topical treatments and/or an oral antibiotic such as doxycycline, minocycline or tetracycline. In addition to topical and oral prescriptions, laser treatments and chemical peels have been known to bring significant improvement.
While there are proven treatments for acne, each case is unique. Our team will perform a thorough skin exam and create a treatment plan that is uniquely designed just for you.
For many patients, even though their acne has subsided they may still experience scarring that is left behind. At TruDerm, we utilize PicoWay laser technology to nonsurgically reduce the appearance of acne scarring, offering you a smoother, even complexion. Without damaging the outer layer of the skin, the PicoWay laser is able to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin from within the skin in order to promote healing. During your consultation, we can discuss the many benefits of laser acne scar treatments and determine whether you are an ideal candidate. For many patients, a series of 3 – 4 treatments is necessary for optimal results.
If you are tired of wasting time on over-the-counter products that don't work, call our dermatology office in Allen, TX to schedule an appointment today. Our goal is to help you obtain healthier, clearer skin that accentuates your beauty.