Acne in Nags Head, NC
Acne
Once considered a teenage problem, acne affects up to a whopping 20% of adults too. If you’ve tried over-the-counter remedies with no luck, you may need medical assistance to tackle your acne. We can provide prescription medication, medical grade skin care, or other interventions to treat your current flare-ups and to prevent future breakouts and scarring.
FAQs
What is acne?
- Comedonal acne: breakouts of blackheads or whiteheads
- Inflammatory acne: breakouts of pink, inflamed pimples or pustules
- Nodulocystic acne: large, firm nodules and cysts form, spreading both above and below the skin’s surface
What triggers acne?
Hereditary factors play a role in acne formation. People whose parents had acne are more susceptible to the condition themselves, probably because they inherit an oily skin type.
Hormones, particularly testosterone, produced during puberty and after, trigger the skin to produce more oil, which promotes acne. Contraceptive use also triggers acne for some people.
Although not a direct cause of acne, stress is known to aggravate the condition. It’s a common misconception, but poor hygiene, diet, and sex drive don’t cause acne.
Exposure to oily products can also trigger acne formation. It’s essential to use non-comedogenic makeup and moisturizers to prevent oil buildup. You may also be prone to breakouts if you touch your face with your hands, use irritating hair products, or let oily hair hang in your face.
How do you treat acne?
If you have severe, uncontrollable acne and have tried over-the-counter methods, you should see our team of specialists to discuss medical intervention.
Topical treatment
Topical acne treatments come in a variety of forms including creams, gels, and ointments. Retinoid products and topical antibiotics help moderate the underlying causes of acne, including bacteria and skin shedding.
Systemic Treatment
Oral antibiotics work inside the body to clear the system of acne-promoting bacteria. Retinoids (such as Accutane) are also available in an oral form to work from the inside out. Some people respond favorably to oral contraceptives or spironolactone, which help normalize hormone production.
In severe cases some patients need to take isotretinoin (Accutane), a high-dose form of vitamin A which requires a dermatologist’s supervision. This drug treats the underlying causes of acne in people whose acne doesn’t respond to any other methods.
If you’re interested in learning more about our effective acne treatments, make an appointment with our board certified specialists online or over the phone.
Get in touch
Feel free to reach out and ask us anything!
Patients can apply for CareCredit and Cherry for cosmetic procedures.