Treatment for Acne in Ocala, FL
Get Treated for Chronic Acne Today!
Acne is an extremely common skin condition where the pores become clogged with dead skin cells and oil. Acne is most common in teenagers going through puberty, but it can flare up at any point in life. The cause and type of acne can determine the best treatment for you.
Dr. Locke is a board-certified and fellowship-trained dermatologist. She specializes in treating acne by developing an individualized treatment plan for each patient. Dr. Locke will perform a full skin evaluation to determine which treatment option is best for you.
Learn about the causes, symptoms and treatment options for acne and schedule your appointment with Dr. Locke today.
Question and Answer with Dr. Locke about Acne:
What are the Symptoms of Acne?
Acne blemishes can appear as:
- Blackheads
- Whiteheads
- Papules
- Pustules
- Cysts
- Nodules
Depending on the type of blemishes you have, you could experience inflammation, redness, or tenderness. The most common areas to have acne are the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders, upper arms, or buttocks.
What are the Common Causes of Acne?
The main causes of acne are excess oil, bacteria, dead skin cells, and hormones. Normally, dead skin cells are shed at the surface of the pore, but excess oil can cause the skin cells to stick together and become trapped inside the pore. For this reason, acne most commonly appears in areas where there are more oil glands.
Certain factors that have been known to make acne worse including:
- Hormones. Acne can worsen during puberty when the level of androgen, a hormone in both boys and girls, increases. Other causes of hormone fluctuation, like pregnancy or taking oral contraceptives, can cause or worsen acne.
- Stress. Stress can be linked to the severity of your acne.
- Diet. Some studies have indicated that certain foods, including carbohydrate-rich foods, can worsen acne.
- Medications. Certain medications can trigger or aggravate acne.
What are the Treatment Options for Acne?
Topical Treatments
- Benzoyl peroxide comes in a cream, lotion, wash, or gel that works to destroy the bacteria associated with acne.
- Salicylic acid can come in a lotion, cream, or pad that works to unclog pores.
- Retinoids decrease the swelling and inflammation, but a prescription is typically needed.
Medications
- Topical or oral antibiotics can be prescribed to kill the skin bacteria and reduce redness.
- Medication that affects your hormones, like birth control pills, can be prescribed to help acne.
In-Office Treatments
- Laser or light therapies can reduce the bacteria on your skin and work to improve acne.
- Chemical peels can treat blackheads and papules and encourage the sloughing of dead skin cells.
- Your dermatologist may recommend other treatments including facials specifically for acne or extractions of whiteheads or blackheads.
If you are interested in learning more about Acne and other ways to achieve your optimal skin health, please call today for a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Maren Locke, (352) 509-6105.