How Will a Dermatologist Help with My Acne Problem?
Among the most common issues reported at dermatology offices – from people of all ages – is acne. While acne can wreak havoc on your self esteem and social life, it doesn’t have to run the show. And you don’t need to exhaust yourself trying treatment after treatment to no avail. Here’s how a dermatologist can help you get to the bottom of your acne issues and clear things up.
What Are the Primary Causes of Acne?
One of the biggest contributors to acne is a period of changing hormones. When hormones fluctuate, the sebaceous glands on the skin (also known as pores) produce excess sebum (also known as oil). When this sebum mixes with dirt, sweat, bacteria, and dead skin cells, it can cause the pore to become clogged, resulting in a pimple, pustule, or full-blown breakout. This happens particularly during adolescence, but it can occur at any time – especially for women during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.
Additional causes of acne might include unrelated illness, genetics, adverse reactions to chemicals in personal care or cleaning products, and certain medications. Physiological or emotional stress can also contribute to the manifestation of acne.
What Can I Expect at a Dermatologist Appointment?
A dermatology specialist will inspect your skin, often with specialized lighting and tools, in a private exam room. He or she will ask you questions about your lifestyle, your skin type, and the duration and severity of your acne. It’s important to be honest with your dermatologist as you answer any questions, as this will help him or her devise an acne treatment plan that will work for you.
Once the doctor is finished with the examination, he or she will provide you with a diagnosis, which many patients find to be very relieving. It can be tiresome to search online for images and descriptions to try to sort out what type of acne you’re struggling with. A dermatologist can help pinpoint the diagnosis right away.
How Can a Dermatologist Treat My Acne?
After a thorough exam and a diagnosis of the specific type of acne you’re dealing with, your doctor can make treatment recommendations that are suited to your specific skin type and needs. For example, some patients have extremely sensitive skin that may not respond well to certain skin care products. A dermatologist can make recommendations for acne sufferers whose skin won’t tolerate harsher products. Others might be dealing with deeper cystic acne and need oral antibiotics to fully clear up their skin concerns. A dermatologist can create an acne treatment plan that’s right for you.
One of the best reasons to see a dermatologist, especially if you’ve tried all manner of over the counter treatment options, is that these board-certified medical providers can write prescriptions when needed. Occasionally, creams, gels, or ointments are necessary to fully treat ongoing acne issues, especially when infection and severe inflammation are present. These can only be obtained through a medical professional at your dermatology office.
Contact Vanguard Dermatology
Need help diagnosing and treating your acne? If you’re located in the greater New York City area, contact Vanguard Dermatology today for an appointment with one of our board-certified specialists. We can get to the bottom of what’s causing your breakouts and provide you with treatment options suited for you.