Acne

Did you know that acne is the most common reason why people seek a dermatologist’s expertise?

It affects 80% of people at some point in their life.Acne is familiar to most of us, affecting a large percentage of people at some point. That annoying pimple that pops up before a big work presentation or an exciting date can put a definite dent in the day. Breakouts can be frustrating, especially if they replay regularly and are difficult to control. Fortunately, dermatologists can successfully treat acne. If you are suffering from acne, it is helpful to have a grasp on some basics about the skin condition.

How does acne form?

There are three main culprits: oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. When hair follicles become clogged with an accumulation of oil (sebum) and dead skin cells, bacteria can thrive. This leads to the formation of non-inflammatory lesions on the skin’s surface, commonly known as blackheads or whiteheads. Acne can also appear in the form of inflammatory lesions, such as red tender bumps that can have a white pus tip (pimple) or a painful, boil-like infection (cysts). Acne eruptions occur most frequently on the face, but blemishes can commonly appear on the neck, chest, and back. In severe cases, acne, particularly the cystic type, can potentially lead to skin damage and cause deep scarring.

What causes acne?

*Individual results will vary.

Although it is difficult to pinpoint an exact cause for acne, factors such as hormonal changes and diet can trigger flare ups and exacerbate active acne. Hormonal fluctuations can cause sebum production to go up, which explains why many adolescents and adult women are prone to breakouts. Greasy foods and chocolate may be the legends of acne-causing foods, but there is little scientific evidence to support that claim. However, studies do indicate that dairy and carbohydrate-rich foods may aggravate acne. Foods such as bread, pasta, and corn chips increase blood sugar, which may have an impact. Heredity seems to play a leading role as well; some people may simply be more likely to have the skin condition because of their family medical history.

So what can you do to get acne under control? The good news is that virtually all types of acne can be successfully treated! The first step is to visit an experienced skin doctor. Dr. Kim Nichols, a cosmetic dermatologist practicing in Greenwich, CT, enlists a variety of treatments to address acne. Depending on how responsive your skin is, Dr. Nichols may attack the problem from several angles at once. A typical course of action may consist of a combination of different therapies, including:

• Topical and oral medications to clear up active acne
• Chemical peels for active acne and mild scars
• Laser treatments to improve skin tone and texture and smooth out scars

If you suffer from acne and want to clear up your skin, schedule a consultation with NicholsMD of Greenwich at our Connecticut practice at (203) 862-4000. Dr. Nichols will evaluate your skin and recommend a personalized treatment to help you get rid of acne and put you on the path to a better complexion!