Is Acne Ever a Health Concern?
People often shrug off acne as a minor inconvenience that should pass like all the other awkward stages of puberty. However, it can be a far more concerning issue, especially if it’s severe or strikes in adulthood.
While people often associate acne with teenagers, this skin condition can affect anyone, and it can be a chronic problem. It causes growths to appear on the surface or underneath the skin, ranging from whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples to painful lumps and cysts.
If you have acne, here are a few reasons to schedule an appointment with Juan-Carlos Caballero, MD, and his team at Warrenton Dermatology & Skin Therapy Center in WARRENTON, VIRGINIA.
Understanding acne
Most people get pimples, whiteheads, or blackheads from time to time. They occur in response to clogged pores or inflamed oil glands. Even having a surge in pimple-causing bacteria on your skin can trigger an outbreak.
If breakouts become persistent or occur frequently, you could have a skin condition known as acne, which affects nearly 10% of people worldwide. And while it’s not a threat to your overall health, this can be far from comforting.
Acne can vary in severity, causing breakouts anywhere on the body, especially the:
- Face
- Neck
- Chest
- Back
- Shoulders
In addition to the changes acne can cause to your skin texture, it can also lead to patches of discoloration and redness.
When acne becomes a problem
Once any type of pimple develops, it can take days or weeks to clear up.
When you have acne, these breakouts can last even longer and become more severe, putting you at risk for permanent scarring and discoloration. As a result, this condition can often cause significant emotional distress and take a toll on one’s self-confidence.
On top of that, breakouts can lead to swelling, pain, and tenderness. Due to these issues, some people try to combat the problem by squeezing their pimples. Unfortunately, this can cause more harm than good because it can increase the chances of scarring.
Instead, Dr. Caballero recommends recognizing your risk factors for acne, such as:
- Hormonal issues from puberty, pregnancy, or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, poor diet, lack of sleep, and stress
- A family history of the condition
- Skin care products with high levels of oil
- Certain medications
If you recognize these risks for acne, an expert like Dr. Caballero can help create a treatment strategy to manage your condition.
Solutions for acne
Unlike that inconvenient zit that makes an appearance at the worst time, you often need an experienced dermatologist to effectively manage a skin condition like acne.
Based on your symptoms, Dr. Caballero can provide personalized recommendations for the best skin care products and cleansing regimens to help keep breakouts at bay. And depending on your diet, he can offer suggestions on foods to avoid or supplements to add to help promote skin health. He also has a variety of medical treatment options, such as:
- Topical or oral prescription medications
- Targeted corticosteroid injections for large and inflamed growths
- Photodynamic (light) therapy
- Cosmetic therapies, such as Hydrafacials or chemical peels
- AviClear - the newest acne treatment technology and the first FDA-cleared energy device for the treatment of mild to severe acne in all skin tones
AviClear is a NEW type of laser treatment that specifically targets the source of most acne, the oils (sebum) on the skin, by down-regulating production from the sebaceous glands. It is safe for all skin types, tones, and acne severities and requires no medication, chemicals, or harsh topical products. Long-lasting results are achieved in just three 30-minute treatment sessions spaced 1 month apart, with no downtime after. This new technology is considered the future of acne therapy and is providing clear skin to many acne sufferers (adults and teens) who have tried everything else unsuccessfully.
It all starts with a professional diagnosis from dermatology specialists like Dr. Caballero and his team, which will determine your treatment options. To get a thorough skin evaluation and customized help, call 540-701-4656 or request an appointment online with Warrenton Dermatology & Skin Therapy Center today.