Acne

Anchorage Dermatology & Cosmetics in Anchorage, Alaska, experienced dermatologist Courtney Bagayoko, MD, FAAD, Roy E. Howard, PA-C, and the team take a patient-centered and medical dermatology approach to acne management. They work with you to transform your skin and relieve stubborn acne. Call the office to schedule a consultation or request an appointment online anytime, which is quick and easy.

What causes acne?

Acne occurs when the pores in your skin are blocked with oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells that clog your pores. Skin cells, sebum (oily, waxy matter secreted from your glands), dead skin, and hair clump together to plug pores, causing infections and resulting in inflammation or pimples. 

Acne is not discriminatory, and for most people, pimples and acne start to appear during puberty and can last into the early 20s. In more severe cases, pimples and acne can persist well into adulthood.

Are there different types of acne?

Types of acne can vary on the person and the severity of your case but can include:

Blackheads

Blackheads appear when the pore is open, but the follicle is blocked.

Whiteheads

These occur when the pore is clogged and swells due to follicle blockage.

Pimples

Pimples are distinguished by a red pigment at the base of the affected area and are painful to touch.

Tender bumps

Some patients have small red and tender bumps on their skin called papules.

Cysts

Cysts are prominent and visible on the skin, painful to touch, filled with pus, and can leave scars if not treated correctly.

The Anchorage Dermatology & Cosmetics team often recommends at-home treatments and general lifestyle changes before taking a more aggressive approach to remedying acne.

How do you treat acne?

The Anchorage Dermatology & Cosmetics team treats acne using the following methods:

Changing diet

By making small changes in your diet, such as cutting out dairy products and wheat, you can identify if a food allergy is causing your acne rather than another environmental issue.

Exercise

Plenty of exercise will allow your body to sweat and clear your pores through perspiration.

Not touching your face

While it sounds all too simple, frequently touching your face is an easy way to spread bacteria and can worsen your acne, spreading the infection into new areas.

Consistently washing your face

Washing your face twice a day with warm water and mild soap will help your body fight bacterial infections and keep your pores from being infected or clogged.

Gently scrub your skin

When washing your face, it is important not to scrub it too hard, as the added pressure can push the bacteria further into the pores and worsen the infection.

If at-home remedies are not keeping acne at bay, then it is time to discuss how medication can help manage your breakouts and face or body acne. 

The team will prescribe a treatment plan that neutralizes the bacterial infection you may be fighting and utilize various over-the-counter (OTC) medications or medicated scrubs to manage and remedy your acne breakouts while working to prevent new ones.

To learn more about acne and the treatments available, call Anchorage Dermatology & Cosmetics to schedule an appointment. Or request one online today.