If you are struggling with appearance of acne and breakouts, you are not alone. Both men and women are susceptible to experiencing acne at any stage in life. However, it is most commonly found in adolescence due to hormones that occur during puberty. During adulthood, women are most susceptible to acne that can persist over an extended period of time. Depending on the severity of your acne, it can potentially cause scars if not treated properly. Luckily, there are ways to manage acne and prevent it from getting worse or causing skin damage in the future.
What is it?
Acne is a skin concern that is caused by hair follicles and pores becoming clogged with oil, dead skin cells, or outside invaders and debris. When this happens, the skin develops whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples. Breakouts commonly occur on the face, forehead, and chin area. Breakouts can also occur on other parts of the body such as the chest, shoulders, and back.
Symptoms
There are two main types of breakouts. The first type is referred to as common acne, the second type is known as cystic acne. Signs and symptoms caused by acne include:
- Whiteheads
- Blackheads
- Red sensitive bumps
- Pimples
- Large, solid painful lumps beneath the surface
- Lumps beneath the skin that are painful and full of puss
Worsening Factors
Variables that can trigger acne and cause in to worsen can include:
- Hormones- either during puberty or pregnancy can trigger breakouts
- Certain medications- these can include drugs composed of corticosteroids or testosterone
- Diet
- Stress
Treatment and Prevention
Maintaining an effective skin care regimen is a preventative measure for managing clean and healthy skin. Cleansers, exfoliators, and moisturizers can help to remove dirt, oil, and potentially harmful debris. If your daily skin care regimen and self care is unsuccessful at managing your breakouts, you should seek a consultation with a medical professional. A dermatologist can accurately assess your skin to determine the best route for treatment. They may either prescribe an oral prescription, or possibly a medical grade topical that you can massage on your skin daily.
Contact Us
If you are struggling with the appearance and management of your acne, we here at Atomic Dermatology can help. Reach out to us here to learn more and schedule your consultation today!
