Acne Specialist

Acne is the most commonly seen skin condition at Cleaver Medical Group Dermatology. About 80% of people seen at the practice for acne are younger than 30 years old. Whether your outbreaks are mild or severe, it’s always a good idea to consult with the dermatologists at Cleaver Medical Group Dermatology to get the right treatment to clear up your blemishes. Getting professional help for acne can prevent acne scarring. Call the office,in Alpharetta, Canton, Cumming, Dahlonega, Dawsonville, Gainesville, Johns Creek and Toccoa, GA, today, or schedule your acne consultation online.

What is acne?

Acne is triggered when the pores in your skin become plugged up with dead skin cells, sebum (skin oil), and bacteria. These blockages create blemishes that affect the look and texture of your skin.

Acne breakouts most often affect the face, chest, back, and buttocks.

You can get acne at any age, but it’s most common during puberty because of the hormonal changes that increase the size of the glands that make sebum. Too much oil on the skin weighs down the dead skin cells inside your pores. Dirt, hair, and bacteria fall into the pore, creating the blemish.

Women are also prone to acne as adults because of hormonal changes related to their menstrual cycle.

What kinds of acne are there?

Pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads are only a few types of acne. These blemishes take many forms.

Types of acne include:

Blackheads

Blackheads are open pores filled with oil and dead skin cells. They look dark because the light reflects off the open, clogged pore.

Whiteheads

Closed pores filled with oil and dead skin cells create whiteheads.

Papules

Papules, or pimples, cause closed, inflamed, small, red bumps.

Pustules

Inflamed bumps filled with pus cause pustules.

Nodules

Nodules are large, hard, painful blemishes deep in the skin.

Cysts

Cysts are pus-filled pimples prone to scarring.

What happens during an acne consultation?

When you visit Cleaver Medical Group Dermatology for help with your acne, your dermatologist completes a thorough exam. They ask detailed questions about your outbreaks and the treatments you’ve tried at home.

They review your medical history and examine your skin to determine how severe your acne is.

What treatments can improve my acne?

Your dermatologist at Cleaver Medical Group Dermatology customizes your acne treatment plan based on the kind of blemishes you have and how severe the condition is.

Your dermatologist usually recommends over-the-counter (OTC) facial cleansers and moisturizers if your acne is mild. For moderate to severe acne, your dermatologist could recommend topical prescription agents, antibiotics, or Accutane®, a prescription medication that reduces oil production.

No single treatment works for all kinds of acne. The Cleaver Medical Group Dermatology experts work with you, creating a plan that clears up your skin and reduces your risk of acne scarring.

There’s no need to let your acne “run its course” when the dermatologists can design a plan to improve your skin. Call Cleaver Medical Group Dermatology today or schedule your acne consultation online.