Why Do I Keep Getting Acne?

Whether you’re a teenager or an adult, acne can cause distress. In fact, acne can actually be psychologically traumatizing as well as physically painful. Although acne is a challenging problem, the experts at Jordan Valley Dermatology know how to treat this distressing issue.

Professional dermatologist Douglass Forsha, MD, at At Jordan Valley Dermatology, treats both active acne and long-term acne scars so you can feel confident again.

Acne basics

Clogged pores cause skin conditions such as acne due to the buildup of oils and dead skin cells. Your sebaceous glands produce oil, and each pore has its own gland. This oil is called sebum, and it can cause problems in some people if they make too much of it.

Bacterial growth and the production of too much hormone are other factors that contribute to acne. Due to the vast number of pores on the skin, acne is a frequent and prevalent problem.

Different kinds of acne

The first step in treating acne is figuring out its cause and type. There are even several different types of acne you might be experiencing, including: 

Whiteheads

A whitehead forms when a pore becomes clogged with sebum and dead skin cells. Pores seal themselves at the top, giving the appearance of bumps on your skin.

Blackheads

A blackhead is the same as a whitehead, but the pore remains open when clogged. As a result, little black bumps appear on the skin.

Pustules

An infection causes the walls of your pores to break down, causing pustules. The bumps that come to the surface are usually red, swollen, and filled with pus.

Papules

Papules occur when the walls surrounding your pores become inflamed, just like pustules. You may have pink spots on your skin where your pores are clogged and hardened, and they may feel tender to the touch.

Nodules

While pustules and papules form on your skin’s surface, nodules form deeper. Consequently, clogged pores swell. Treating nodules at home is impossible due to their depth below the skin. Fortunately, there are many ways we can treat skin problems.

Cysts

Acne cysts are painful. Often they leave scars behind since they are the largest kind of acne. Whenever dead skin cells, sebum, and bacteria clog your pores, cysts form. Cysts appear deep beneath the surface of the bumps they create, unlike blackheads or whiteheads. Professional treatment is required for this type of acne.

Treating your acne

Dr. Forsha and the Jordan Valley Dermatology Center team specialize in treating acne according to your individual needs. You can also treat acne scarring with cosmetic treatments like microneedling or laser therapy. 

Acne treatment may include:

• Benzoyl peroxide
• Antibiotics, either oral or topical, for infections
• Tretinoin
• Hormonal birth control
• Physical extraction

The Jordan Valley Dermatology Center prescribes Accutane at the highest rate in the nation. Accutane is a prescription vitamin A medication for severe acne that’s often the last resort for acne that hasn’t responded to other treatments. 

When designing your acne treatment, the dermatology team at Jordan Valley Dermatology Center considers medical, cosmetic, and research factors. Get professional acne treatment by calling our office today.