Acne

In most cases, breakouts are multifactorial, meaning a combination of factors triggers the acne. The most common causes of acne include excess sebum production, C. acnes bacteria, hormone imbalances, and excessive androgenic (male) hormones.

The cause of your acne may differ from others, which is why it is important to visit a board-certified dermatologist for a professional evaluation, diagnosis, and acne treatment plan. If you are in the Wilmington area of North Carolina, contact our clinic to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced providers!

It’s estimated that up to fifty million people in the United States are affected by acne every year, making it the most common condition in the country. Furthermore, approximately 85 percent of people between the ages of 12 and 24 experience at least minor acne.

If you’re struggling with acne, just know you aren’t alone! And we’re here to let you know that clear skin is possible with the right treatment.

There are several different types of acne, including whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts.

• Whiteheads: clogged pores that have closed on top, resulting in a small bump or pimple that looks white or flesh-colored.
• Blackheads: clogged pores that have stayed open, despite being clogged, and have filled with debris, resulting in a small bump that is black in the middle.
• Papules: clogged pores that have caused deep inflammation, resulting in a hard bump that is tender to the touch. Papules have no visible pus.
• Pustule: similar to papules, pustules are tender blemishes caused by clogged pores and inflammation. However, unlike papules, pustules are filled with pus.
• Nodules: infected lesions beneath the skin caused by clogged, swollen pores that grow deeper into the skin, triggering additional irritation and inflammation.
• Cysts: fluid-filled sacs caused by a build-up of dead skin cells, sebum, and bacteria. Cysts grow deep into the skin and result in red or white bumps that are painful to the touch.

To determine which type of acne you have, it is best to visit a board-certified dermatologist for a professional consultation.

Non-inflammatory acne—whiteheads and blackheads—are superficial and typically do not cause scarring. Inflammatory acne, on the other hand, affects the deeper layers of skin and can cause scarring, especially when picked at. Inflammatory acne includes papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts.

When you pick at a blemish, especially with your fingers, there’s a good chance that you’ll accidentally rupture the follicle (pore) wall. If the damage is minimal, it will heal quickly.

However, bacteria can leak into the wound if the damage is severe, further irritating the skin and damage. As the skin heals, it creates new collagen. Unfortunately, sometimes the new collagen doesn’t lay smoothly, which creates unevenness and scarring.

In most cases, acne scars are permanent. However, with the right acne scar treatment plan, you can achieve soft, clear skin. At The Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center of Wilmington, our board-certified providers are experts in treating acne scars to help our patients restore a soft, smooth complexion.

There are several ways to treat acne and achieve clear skin. At Wilmington Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center, our board-certified dermatologists create personalized acne treatment plans that typically include a combination of the following:

• Topicals
• Antibiotics
• Isotretinoin (Accutane)
• Personalized Skin Care Regimen

If you have any questions about treating acne or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our providers, please contact us online or give us a call at (910) 782-0028.

At The Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center of Wilmington, our experienced providers use several methods to minimize the appearance of acne scars, including:

• Retin-A
• Microneedling
• Chemical Peels
• Dermal Fillers

To learn more about how we treat acne scars in Wilmington, read this helpful article. And when you’re ready to treat your acne scars, give us a call at (910) 782-0028 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.