Acne Treatment in Flemington, NJ
Acne is one of the most common skin problems in the US. Acne isn’t just a rite of passage that happens to teens. We’ve seen everyone from children to older adults still dealing with acne. It impacts health, appearance and self-esteem that can last for years past adolescence. If this is you, our dermatology team at Hunterdon Dermatology, LLC in Flemington, NJ can provide you with a customized plan to get your acne under control.
When to See a Dermatologist
Seeing a dermatologist just because you have acne isn't always necessary. Of course, there are certainly moments when you should call us. These moments include:
- If you’ve never actually been diagnosed with acne
- If acne is getting worse even with at-home care
- If you have severe acne or inflammatory or cystic acne
- If acne isn’t responding with treatment
- If your acne is impacting your self-esteem and quality of life
Acne Products Take Time to Work
It’s essential to remember that any acne product you use, whether over-the-counter or prescription, takes time to work. There are no miracle treatments or quick fixes when it comes to acne. It’s important to give even your at-home acne products up to 12 weeks to be fully effective. If you don’t see results after that, it’s time to try something else.
We Need to Find Out What’s Causing Your Acne
It’s important to understand that there are different reasons why you may be dealing with acne. Figuring out the cause of your acne is our number one priority, as this will determine the most effective treatment options to reduce the severity and frequency of your breakouts. Our team can help you with this when you come in for a consultation.
Causes of Acne
Acne can develop because excess oil, debris, and bacteria are clogging up your pores. It can also develop from bacteria causing an infection on your skin. Acne breakouts can also happen because of hormonal changes occurring during puberty.
Who Suffers From Acne?
Acne is a common problem for teenagers and young adults, but older adults can be affected too.
What Acne Looks Like
Acne can form as small black bumps, which are known as blackheads. Whiteheads are another type of acne which appear as raised white bumps. The most serious and painful type of acne is cystic acne which appears as large, inflamed, pus-filled cysts. Acne blemishes typically appear on your face, neck, chest, shoulders, and back.
How You Can Prevent Acne
You can do a lot to manage acne, but prevention is a difficult concept. Remember to wash your hands and face regularly and try to avoid picking at your face, to prevent scarring and the spread of bacteria. Drink plenty water to help flush out toxins from your skin and avoid sugary drinks and dietary choices. Use non-comedogenic make-up to help keep pores clean.
Treating Your Acne
Those with minor acne breakouts can often get their symptoms under control with simple at-home cleansers and other products; however, our dermatology team can prescribe stronger cleansers and even topical medications to help target acne-causing bacteria. Common topical acne treatments include:
- Retinoids
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Salicylic acid
- Azelaic Acid
- Dapsone
Women whose acne is due to hormones can benefit from certain oral contraceptives designed to reduce acne. Sometimes oral antibiotics can be prescribed to help kill the bacteria responsible for acne or to reduce inflammation. Those with severe inflammatory or cystic acne may require stronger medication such as isotretinoin (formerly known as Accutane). This pill is used to treat severe acne and prevent further acne scarring.