At North County Dermatology Center, Dr. David Thomas and Dr. Margaret Dupree are happy to help treat your acne so you can achieve clear skin and boost your confidence. Read more about acne and if at-home treatments have not cleared up your blemishes, contact your Encinitas, CA, dermatologist for treatment.
What Is Acne?
With acne, your sebaceous glands release excess oil and clog your hair follicles with oil and dead skin cells. This causes whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples. The most commonly affected areas are the face, neck, and back. Most people experience acne at some point, and cases can be mild or severe.
Some mild cases of acne can clear with over-the-counter treatments. Benzoyl peroxide is available in several forms, like creams, gels, and washes. With different concentrations of the medicine, these products help clear blockages in the hair follicles.
When Do I See My Dermatologist?
If you have tried over-the-counter products to treat your acne and have not seen improvement in several weeks, your dermatologist can help. Call us if you are dealing with severe or recurring breakouts, or if you notice red, tender pustules. These are a sign of infection and you may need a prescription to help kill the bacteria exacerbating the acne.
The sebaceous glands respond to hormones, so if you notice your acne flare up with your menstrual cycle, it could mean your acne is hormonal and you need hormonal treatments. If you are an older adult and experience a sudden onset of acne, you should see your doctor as it could be a sign of an underlying condition.
What Can My Dermatologist Do?
Your Encinitas, CA, dermatologist offers several services that can help clear up acne:
- Extraction is the process of using a tool to remove blackheads and whiteheads
- Microdermabrasion removes dead skin cells to unclog pores
- Antibiotics kill any bacteria contributing to acne
We can help clear up your acne with treatments, but you need to develop a good skincare routine with your dermatologist and follow it to prevent future breakouts and keep your skin healthy.
Start Acne Treatment
If you have acne in Encinitas, CA, do not let it eat away at your confidence. To make an appointment with Dr. David Thomas or Dr. Margaret Dupree, contact North County Dermatology Center in Encinitas, CA, at (760) 230-2805.