Acne

Acne vulgaris, also known as pimples, is a disease of the sebaceous glands that generate an oily substance called sebum. Multiple environmental and genetic factors can cause acne. Its manifestations range from minimal (e.g., blackheads, whiteheads, and pus-filled pimples) to severe (e.g., cystic acne).

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How Common is Acne?

Acne is extremely common skin condition. Approximately 85% of young people deal with acne sometime during their early to late adolescence (ages 12 to 24). Some still deal with it after the age of 24. Some never have acne during their adolescence but get it in their adult years.

Types of Acne

Acne is a complex condition that requires a personalized, expert-driven approach and treatment options. At Dermatology Circle PLLC, we offer comprehensive, results-driven acne treatments (prescription medications and cosmetic treatments) designed to to prevent scarring and restore clear, radiant skin.

Mild acne can be managed with advanced topical treatments like prescription-strength retinoids, topical antibiotics, dapsone, clascoterone, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, azelaic acid, and customized medical-grade skincare.

Moderate to severe acne requires oral treatments such as oral antibiotics, birth control pills (oral contraceptives), spironolactone, or isotretinoin (Accutane) to control inflammation and prevent long-term damage.

Post-acne concerns: scars, pigmentation, and textural irregularities are treated with cutting-edge cosmetic dermatology, including chemical peels, microneedling, laser resurfacing, PRP therapy, and subcision for a flawless complexion.

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What Impacts Acne?

Genetics

Genetic factors can impact the development of acne in an individual. Studies show that twins often have acne. Families with acne conglobata, a severe type of acne, also show high rates. The risk of developing acne increases if a person has hyperandrogenism, XYY chromosome syndrome, or high cortisol or experiences early-onset puberty. This type of acne typically lasts a long time and is resistant to therapy.

Diet

Certain foods and drinks have been associated with acne breakouts. Foods that contain a great deal of starch, such as refined grains, have been known to yield excess oil in the skin, resulting in acne flare-ups. Sugary drinks and dairy products can also generate excess oil in the skin. To reduce or prevent acne, dermatologists often recommend that people consume foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables. It has been found that some indigenous tribes who adhere to a plant-based diet the majority of the time do not experience acne. This has led to studies concerning the role of insulin in the development of acne.

Horomones

Hormones can have an impact on acne. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome have low estrogen and progesterone levels and high androgen levels, resulting in hormonal acne. During a woman’s menstrual cycle, her estrogen and progesterone levels can decrease if her egg is not fertilized, leading to acne formation on the skin. Meanwhile, hormones like progesterone can increase exponentially during pregnancy, causing excess sebum production (i.e., oily, acne-prone skin). The high androgen levels many people experience during puberty or when they are dealing with extreme stress can also trigger excess sebum production.

Environment

Several elements within the environment play a role in acne development. High temperature, humidity, and sun exposure promote excess sebum production. Air pollutants and the halogenated hydrocarbons present in the environment have been known to clog pores and generate inflammation in the skin.

Lifestyle

People who smoke tobacco products often have a higher risk of getting acne after puberty. The toxins in these products can lower blood flow to the skin, which can lead to breakouts. Individuals who use pore-clogging skin care or makeup products may develop acne. Not getting enough good sleep can lead to acne. This happens because it can cause hormonal changes, like higher cortisol levels. These changes can result in too much oil production on the skin.

Before & Afters

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How Acne Presents?

Acne can present with a combination of noninflammatory features, such as blackheads, and inflammatory ones, such as acne cysts, papules, nodes, pustules, and fistulas. The number of inflammatory elements determines the severity of a case of acne.

Types of Acne

Fungal Acne

This fungal condition occurs when yeasts accumulate within the hair follicles. Fungal acne is not technically acne, but it looks very similar to acne since it results in small pimples appearing on the skin. These pimples are often red and itchy. Fungal acne can be addressed using antifungal creams or pills.

Back Acne

Also called bacne, back acne occurs when acne forms on a person’s back. This may be due to the person wearing sweaty or dirty clothing, exercising a great deal, or wearing backpacks or hauling equipment on their back. Extra showers, cleansers, and exfoliants are acne treatments that can tackle back acne.

Buttocks Acne

Also termed butt acne, buttocks acne happens when an individual develops acne on their butt cheeks. Butt acne may be caused by genetics, tight clothing, or excessive sweating. Treatments include exfoliants, benzoyl peroxide, and antibiotics. Those affected may also benefit from staying away from tight clothing and taking extra showers.

Comedonal Acne

This condition is characterized by small acne papules. It is typically the result of clogged pores. Whiteheads and blackheads are forms of comedonal acne. Blackheads are open bumps, while whiteheads are closed ones. Despite the absence of large cysts, this form of acne may be very resistant to treatment.

Cystic Acne

This is an inflammatory type of acne that consists of breakouts that are quite large and painful. The pimples are filled with oil, pus, and bacteria and often swell a great deal. Genetics, hormonal changes, and poor skin care can lead to cystic acne.

Acne Excoriate

Also known as picker’s acne, acne excoriate occurs when an individual picks or scratches their acne and worsens the state of their skin, usually causing more acne to form. People with this condition usually experience a great deal of scarring. Oftentimes, a patient will use psychotropic medications for acne treatment to deal with this condition.

Acne Conglobata

This sort of acne is both severe and rare. Those with this condition have abscesses that are extremely inflamed and burrowing. They can develop profound scarring and may even experience disfigurement. This condition manifests almost exclusively in men.

Acne Fulminans

This condition involves the sudden appearance of nodular acne features in conjunction with different systemic manifestations. This is a rare kind of acne that occurs mostly in male teenagers, between the ages of 13 to 16, who previously experienced a mild disease. The elements of acne suddenly blend into nodes and conglobates that have hemorrhagic crusts. There might be bone pain in addition to skin manifestations. The clavicle, sternum, ankles, humerus, and bones of the sacroiliac joint are impacted by this condition.

Chloracne

This is a severe type of acne that is triggered by the intake of chlorine compounds. The rash develops a few weeks after one consumes a substance that contains chlorine. In addition to the face, the armpits and scrotum are affected. The disease can be pinpointed by the appearance of small cysts and nodules. These cysts and nodules eventually heal with scarring.

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