Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It causes whiteheads, pimples, or blackheads, sometimes. If you’re trying to treat acne or just proactively working against it, then here’s some information on the best acne doctor in Marietta, GA, and what you can do for your skin.
Non-Inflammatory Acne
Whiteheads are small, white spots, hence the name. They usually have a white, circular center surrounded by a slightly red area. The skin around a whitehead may become tight or wrinkled, especially if the whitehead is particularly large. This type of acne doesn’t cause acne scarring and is one of the least severe.
Blackheads are simply whiteheads that are exposed to air. When the trapped oil makes contact with the air, the pus turns dark.
Inflammatory Acne
Papules are bumps under the skin’s surface and have no visible center. They develop when whiteheads cause irritation and damage some of the surrounding skin, which leads to inflammation.
Pustules are large bumps with a defined circular center that is filled with pus. They typically are large and look like inflamed whiteheads with visible red irritation in the surrounding skin.
Cysts and nodules are the growth of abnormal tissue and develop below the skin. They can also develop in deeper skin tissues or internal organs. These acne lesions are large and painful and often leave scars.
What To Do To Start Treating Acne
The general rule of thumb is that the earlier you start treatment, the less likely you are to have scars. There are many over-the-counter treatments, but if you’ve used them for several weeks or more with no improvement, it’s time to see an acne doctor. A dermatologist works to treat the acne you have, prevent further breakouts to avoid further scarring and provide treatment to make your scars less noticeable.
You have several options available to you when it comes to treatment. Your acne dermatologist will review each in detail. Depending on the severity of your acne, they will guide you through treatment options that are best for you.
What Are The Methods To Treat Acne?
Topical medications are the standard of care for mild and moderate acne and can prevent new outbreaks. They require at least six to eight weeks before any improvement is seen. Topical treatments include retinoids, antimicrobials, sulfur, or dapsone. The most commonly available topical retinoids are tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene. Antimicrobials are effective in treating inflammatory skin conditions. They include benzoyl peroxide and antibiotics and have moderate comedolytic and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s successfully employed in the management of moderate to severe acne.
An acne dermatologist will also use oral medications, especially when your acne isn’t responding to topical medications. These include antibiotics to control inflammation and bacteria growth, combined oral contraceptives, an anti-androgen agent, or the drug isotretinoin. Your doctor can explain what each does and what the risks are.
How Much Does Acne Treatment Cost?
The average cost of acne treatments depends on the type and severity of the acne. Blackheads and whiteheads usually respond well to over-the-counter acne treatments, which are cheaper than seeing a professional. Cysts and nodules are more severe acne, more likely to result in acne scars, and may require more extensive treatment. A dermatologist can examine the extent of your acne and recommend the most effective acne treatment for your skin.
The average cost of over-the-counter acne treatments, such as cleansers, toners, and non-prescription medicated lotions containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, is about $30- 60 or more per month. Prescription acne treatments, such as oral antibiotics and topical creams, can cost $45-200 per month, which usually includes a doctor visit and any other additional skin care treatments you undergo.
If you’re still interested in finding the best acne doctor in Marietta, GA then call Acworth Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center at (678) 505-8030 to schedule an appointment as soon as possible!
