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Acne

General Dermatology & Aesthetic Dermatology located in Slidell, Madisonville and Hammond, LA and Picayune, MS

Acne

Acne services offered in Slidell, Madisonville and Hammond, LA and Picayune, MS

Hormone fluctuations, oily skin, and other factors can lead to acne, an inflammatory condition of the skin. The team of expert dermatologists at Northshore Dermatology provides professional and medical dermatology care for severe acne that doesn’t just go away. If you’re interested in exploring your options for acne treatment, call any of the four offices in Slidell, Madisonville, Hammond, Louisiana, and Picayune, Mississippi, to schedule your consultation. Or, request an appointment online today.

Acne Q&A

What causes acne dermatology?

Acne develops when dead skin cells and sebum, an oily substance that moisturizes your hair and skin, clog the hair follicles. Bacteria can trigger infection and inflammation resulting in more severe acne. Four main factors cause acne:

  • Hair follicles clogged by oil (sebum) and dead skin cells
  • Excess oil production
  • Bacteria
  • Inflammation

Although acne is common among teenagers, it affects people of all ages. For many women, acne can persist for years, with flares common a week before menstruation. This type of hormonal acne tends to clear up without treatment in women who use contraceptives.

The sudden onset of severe acne in older adults may signal an underlying disease requiring medical attention.

What contributes to acne?

Numerous factors can contribute to acne. While not every breakout has an identifiable cause, factors that tend to cause breakouts or worsen acne include:

  • Hormones (puberty, menstruation)
  • Certain foods and diets
  • Oily cosmetics
  • Certain medications

In some cases, friction contributes to acne. If you often wear a bike helmet, for example, the helmet rubbing against your forehead might lead to pimples and irritation in the area.

Does popping pimples leave scars?

It's tempting, but squeezing or popping a pimple won't eliminate the problem. Squeezing can push bacteria and pus deeper into the skin, which might cause more swelling and redness. Squeezing also can lead to scabs and might leave you with permanent pits or scars.

What is the treatment for acne?

The team might recommend products containing milder ingredients like benzoyl peroxide. They might also suggest you alter certain daily habits. If you get acne because of a medication you take, you might be able to replace, reduce, or stop taking the medication if your doctor approves.

Severe acne needs more intensive care than you can get at your local drugstore. Northshore Dermatology often treats long-lasting and severe acne with Accutane®, a powerful medication containing vitamin A. You can use Accutane under a dermatologist’s close supervision if your acne hasn’t responded to milder treatment.

Most acne doesn’t require treatment and goes away on its own. However, a medical dermatologist can provide care for severe or cystic acne. The team at Northshore Dermatology is available to examine your skin, find the root cause of your acne, and develop a customized treatment plan.

Don’t suffer from acne any longer. Call any of the four Northshore Dermatology offices to schedule your consultation, or request one online today.