If you suffer from acne, you’re not alone. Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. At Unique Dermatology & Wellness Center in Valrico, Florida, Dyan Harvey, DO, provides expert dermatological care for acne. Call the office or request an appointment online to clear up your acne for good.

Why does acne occur?

When a pore in your skin becomes clogged with dead skin cells, acne can occur. The natural oil (sebum) you produce then causes the dead skin cells to cling together and get trapped in the pore. Bacteria then gets inside the pore, resulting in inflammation and redness. The deeper the inflammation, the more likely an acne eruption is to appear.

When should I seek acne treatment?

Acne affects not only adolescents but adults as well, particularly women in their 30s and 40s. Your acne may require treatment if you have:

• Cysts and nodules
• Blackheads and whiteheads
• Papules and pustules

Acne may appear on your face, neck, chest, back, upper arms, buttocks, and shoulders. If you’re bothered by the appearance of acne or if outbreaks cause swelling and severe redness, seek treatment. You may also require treatment if you suffer scarring following an outbreak.

What acne treatments are available?

Dr. Harvey can offer prescriptions for topical medications that help control bacteria exacerbating your acne. Oral medications can also help treat acne and are particularly effective when you have red, swollen pimples and cysts. Medications may include:

• Antibiotics to control bacteria and inflammation
• Hormonal birth control
• Isotretinoin, a prescription ingredient for severe acne under the name brands Accutane® and Claravis®

Dr. Harvey may also recommend intralesional corticosteroid injections, which are administered directly to large papules or cysts. They cause the lesions to shrink and even disappear within a few days.

How do chemical peels work as an acne treatment?

In some cases, Dr. Harvey recommends chemical peels to help reduce the appearance of your acne, improve the look of scarring, and reduce outbreaks. The peels accelerate the production of new skin cells by exfoliating the skin, sloughing off the older skin cells, and lowers oil production, inflammation, redness and swelling caused by acne.

Dr. Harvey is experienced in administering chemical peels and recommends just the right strength to give you the results you want when it comes to alleviating your acne.

destroys certain acne causing bacteria, tends to swollen acne lesions and targets overactive oil glands in the skin.

How does light therapy work as an acne treatment?

Dr. Harvey may also recommend light therapy for your acne. Light therapy can reduce acne inflammation, and accelerate healing. The low-level laser therapy helps target acne-causing bacteria and relieve the swelling and redness associated with breakouts.

If you have scarring due to acne, IPL (intense pulsed light) uses multiple wavelengths of light to rejuvenate the skin and smooth its tone and texture. Dr. Harvey evaluates your acne and scarring to help you get the best treatment possible.

Dr. Harvey provides the most comprehensive and compassionate care in acne treatment. Call the office or request a consultation online.