Treating acne isn’t always as easy as buying an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine and waiting for it to work. Often, it takes the best acne doctor in Marietta, Georgia to get to the cause of the problem and then treat it properly.
What Causes Acne? When Do I Need a Doctor to Treat It?
There are four main causes of acne: excess oil (sebum) production, clogged hair follicles, bacteria, and inflammation. Acne includes whiteheads, blackheads, small bumps that are red or tender, pimples with pus, painful nodules under the skin, and pus-filled bumps under the skin (cystic acne).
As a rule of thumb, if you’ve tried OTC treatments without success, you should see an acne doctor. You should also make an appointment if you have moderate or severe acne. In addition, if you’re an adult that has developed severe acne suddenly, it could be a sign of a serious health condition and you shouldn’t delay treatment.
How Is Acne Diagnosed?
The goal of your acne doctor is to control your breakouts, avoid scarring/skin damage, and make existing scars less noticeable. Often, all it takes is a visual exam of your skin to accomplish these goals.
Your acne doctor will take a look at all areas where you have acne and determine the type of acne you have before recommending treatment.
Common Acne Treatment Options Include the Following
Fortunately, there are quite a few routes you can take when it comes to acne treatment. Depending on the diagnosis, the best acne doctor in Marietta, Georgia may recommend one of the following or a combination:
- Topical medications: This course of treatment can include retinoids and retinoid-like drugs, antibiotics, azelaic acid, and salicylic acid.
- Oral medications: Your acne doctor might prescribe an oral antibiotic, oral contraceptives, anti-androgen agents, or isotretinoin.
- Therapies: Light-based therapies, chemical peel, certain facials, drainage/extraction, and/or steroid injections can be successful, especially when used in conjunction with medications.
What Acne Treatments Are Available for Young Adults / Adolescents?
Many of the above-mentioned treatments are generally regarded as safe for patients who are older than 12 years, so adolescents struggling with acne often have the same options as adults.
For younger children, your acne doctor might suggest a benzoyl peroxide 2.5% cream or a low-strength topical retinoid cream. Be sure to choose a doctor who specializes in pediatric dermatology if your child has acne.
How Quickly Will I See Acne Treatment Results?
It can take time before noticing a significant improvement in the health of your skin. Be patient and stick with your treatment plan! It can take four to six weeks to see a visible improvement and up to six months to see the final outcome.
In some cases, it might be necessary to continue with certain acne treatments long term. This, combined with a good skincare routine, can set you up for a lifetime of healthy skin. If you’re not sure which products to use, be sure to ask your acne doctor for advice.
If You Need the Best Acne Doctor in Marietta, Georgia, Don’t Delay Treatment! Make This Call Now!
Early acne treatment can prevent future breakouts as well as decrease the possibility you might need stronger medicines. Our team, led by Dr. Johnathan Langston Chappell understands how stressful it can be to deal with acne on your own. That’s why we deliver only the highest quality patient care and the most advanced acne treatments.
If you’re troubled by stubborn acne, know you’re not alone. Call us today at 678-505-8030 to book an appointment and learn more about how we can help you on your journey to healthy, clear skin!
