Acne

Are you bothered by whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, or acne scarring? If so, see the experts at Integrated Dermatology of Montrose in Montrose, Colorado. Dermatology specialists Spencer Hamner, PA-C, Christine D. Brown, MD, and their team offer treatments for acne and acne scars that provide the smooth, clear, gorgeous skin you deserve. Call the office to schedule an appointment, or use the online booking tab today.

What is acne?

Acne is a common skin condition, especially among teenagers, that develops when hair follicles get clogged with oil and other debris. Typical forms of acne include pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads that may bother you or cause acne scarring. Simple treatments available at Integrated Dermatology of Montrose are highly effective for eliminating acne and its scarring.

What are the symptoms of acne?

Acne may present as:

• Tiny red, white, or black bumps
• Pus-filled lumps
• Skin pitting
• Pimples that come and go
• Solid, painful bumps 

Acne may appear anywhere on your body, but it often develops on your face, upper back, chest, or shoulders. Complications of acne may include scarring, hyperpigmentation, or hypopigmentation.

What are the risk factors for acne?

Common acne risk factors include:

• Excess oil production
• Bacteria
• Hormone changes
• Being a teenager
• Being a woman
• Pregnancy 
• Certain foods
• Some medications
• Stress
• Family history of acne
• Oils or greasy substances
• Skin friction

Adopting healthy habits is a good way to reduce the risk of acne, but you can’t necessarily avoid or eliminate it without the help of a medical specialist. 

How does my doctor diagnose acne?

Your dermatology provider diagnoses acne after carefully reviewing your medical history, discussing your symptoms, and examining areas of your skin containing acne. They also ask about your lifestyle habits and treatment preferences before tailing your treatment plan.

How is acne treated?

Integrated Dermatology of Montrose offers:

Topical medications

You can apply topical acne medications to affected skin to clear up acne and reduce the risk of scarring.

Oral medicines

Your provider might suggest you take oral medicines to eliminate acne and reduce the risk of future breakouts. 

Photodynamic treatment 

Photodynamic therapy uses light energy to treat and eliminate acne.

Chemical peels

Chemical peels use a chemical solution to eliminate outer skin cell layers and diminish acne. 

Which acne treatment is best for me?

Your provider may suggest more than one acne treatment to ensure outstanding results. It’s also important to keep your skin clean and protected from the sun, eat nutritious foods, and adopt other healthy habits.

Don’t hesitate to call the Integrated Dermatology of Montrose office with concerns or questions you may have throughout acne treatment.

Call the Integrated Dermatology of Montrose office to schedule an appointment, or use the online booking tab today to get treated for acne.