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Acne Acne is a term used to describe a number of conditions including blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and deeper lumps such as cysts and nodules. Acne most often affects teenagers but adults can also be affected by severe to moderate acne. Most teenagers will eventually outgrow less severe acne on their own, but it often leaves deep scars if left completely untreated. Acne is caused by oil or sebum which becomes trapped in the opening of hair follicles and creates a plug in the follicle opening. Bacteria grows in these warm, dark areas and causes redness, inflammation and pus. This is called a pimple. Most dermatologists agree that acne is not caused by foods such as chocolate or candy, but in some people certain foods will create aggravating factors and should be left alone. Sun tanning does not cure acne, it simply masks the outbreaks. Always use nongreasy gels or lotions as sunscreen to protect from the serious dangers of skin cancer due to sun damage. Occasionally acne-like breakouts are caused by makeup (always use oil-free products), or oral medications. Dermatologists treat moderate to severe acne in several ways. Your dermatologist may prescribe certain topical creams, lotions or gels which contain benzoyl peroxide or Vitamin A acid to unclog pores and protect against bacteria. It is important to follow your dermatologists direction completely when using these products because there is a danger of drying the skin if used improperly. Many dermatologists will prescribe antibiotics for severe to moderate acne, especially for acne on the back or chest. Women on birth control pills usually find their acne is less severe, and sometimes dermatologists will prescribe them specifically for acne. However, women on both antibiotics and birth control should use another method of birth control as antibiotics will often decrease the effectiveness of the pill. In cases of extremely severe acne, dermatologists may prescribe other drugs such as female hormones or another drug called isotretinoin. Patients taking isotretinoin must be closely monitored as this drug has some side effects. It should not be taken by anyone planning a pregnancy, as it could cause birth defects. Acne scarring can be treated in several ways. Chemical Peels in combination with other treatments are a good way to eliminate acne scarring. Dermatologists will also use such techniques as dermabrasion, electrosurgery, or laser resurfacing to flatten acne scars. Call our offices or click below to set up an appointment for the treatment of acne or acne scars. Rosacea This common skin disease is often called adult acne because it causes redness and swelling on the face that resembles acne pimples. Rosacea can affect anybody, but women between 30 and 50 seem to be affected more often. Rosacea often begins as a tendency to blush easily and progresses to a persistent redness in the middle of the face eventually spreading to the cheeks, chin, forehead and ears. As the condition develops, tiny bumps like small pus filled pimples and small broken blood vessels occur. When these pimple-like bumps and blood vessels become visible, it is recommended to consult your dermatologists. The exact cause of rosacea is still unknown but it has several aggravating factors which should be left alone. The biggest of these factors is to avoid becoming flushed. Avoid becoming hot, drinking hot drinks, caffeine and alcohol. Don't become overheated, and avoid irritating makeup and cosmetic sprays. As with many skin disorders, treatment is tailored by your dermatologists for each individual case. With careful combination treatment, progress of the rosacea disease can often be stopped and sometimes reversed. Severe rosasea can be treated by laser surgery, but less serious rosacea can be treated with creams, gels, and oral antibiotics. Rosacea can be controlled if it is diagnosed and treated early. See our dermatologists if you have questions about rosacea or any other skin problem.