Active Acne & Acne Scarring Treatments

Oil glands in your skin reside at the bottom of hair follicles. Normally, the oil that’s produced in the glands flows up and out of the follicle, where it lubricates and protects your skin. Acne develops when the opening gets blocked. Then oil and bacteria accumulate in the follicle, where the bacteria cause inflammation.

The different types of acne include:

• Blackheads and whiteheads: Clogged pores
• Papules: Small pimples
• Pustules: Small, pus-filled pimples
• Nodules: Large, painful pimples
• Cysts: Deep, pus-filled bumps

While over-the-counter treatment from your local pharmacy may heal mild cases of acne, don’t hesitate to visit Dr. C. if your acne doesn’t clear up. It’s also a good idea to get a professional consultation if you see swelling or you have nodules and cysts, because untreated inflammatory acne can lead to scarring and skin discoloration.

Acne treatment often includes topical and oral medications to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.

Additional options that Dr. C. may recommend include:

• Hormone treatment: In some adults, a hormone imbalance triggers acne or worsens existing acne. This is especially likely to happen in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome because they have high levels of androgens (male hormones). Hormonal acne also tends to develop during pregnancy and perimenopause. When a hormonal imbalance causes acne, you may need hormone treatment to restore the balance.
• Gut health and detox: Research continues to support the connection between gut microbes and acne. An overabundance of unhealthy gut bacteria is linked to systemic inflammation and more severe acne.

Treatment to heal your gut may include a detox to eliminate toxins and probiotic recommendations to restore healthy gut microbes.