Acne Treatment Options

Frustrating, isn't it? According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne plagues about 50 million Americans, 15 percent of which are adults just like you. What are your treatment options? Dermatologist, Dr. Jeffrey Heller, offers many at his Daytona Beach and Port Orange, FL, offices. He can help you have clearer, healthier skin.

What is acne?

Acne is a skin condition consisting of blemishes called comedones, papules and pustules. Appearing primarily on the face, neck, chest, shoulders, and thighs, acne pimples are reddened, sore, unsightly and frankly, emotionally distressing.

How do acne blemishes form? They erupt around the sebaceous glands associated with the hair follicles in our skin. These glands secrete oily sebum which clogs pores, causing characteristic whiteheads and blackheads. Some acne pimples are larger and red. Known as papules, pustules, and acne cysts, they can grow infected and lead to scarring.

Who gets acne?

While people are most prone to develop acne outbreaks in their teens, anyone can have an acne flare-up. Some precipitating factors include:

  • Pregnancy, puberty, and menopause, along with their characteristic hormonal fluctuations
  • Times of stress
  • Poor skin hygiene
  • Fatty foods and a generally poor diet
  • Heredity (acne seems to run in families)

Additionally, acne worsens and infects when people squeeze their blemishes or scrub their faces too hard, ironically in an effort trying to prevent or get rid of acne.

Treating acne

Many over the counter scrubs, creams, and ointments help reduce mild acne outbreaks. However, persistent acne requires a care plan from your dermatologist in Daytona Beach and Port Orange, FL. Patience and persistence in managing acne is key to clearer skin.

After a visual inspection of your acne at his office, Dr. Heller may recommend a combination of many kinds of treatment modalities. Some are just plain common sense, but others involve medical interventions, depending on your specific case.

Acne treatment may include:

  • Antibiotic and hormone therapy
  • Benzoyl peroxide and Tretinoin (Vitamin A) topical medications
  • In-office extraction
  • Daily, gentle washing
  • Blue light photodynamic therapy (PDT)

Dr. Heller uses PDT to safely reduce the size and productivity of the sebaceous, or oil, glands in the skin. Severe acne seems to respond well to this blue light treatment and helps prevent scarring. PDT may be combined with other medical or cosmetic dermatology treatments for maximum therapeutic effect.

Feel good and look great

Clear skin boosts your mood and self-confidence. If you are struggling with acne, get the help you need from the dermatologist who helps scores of people in the Daytona Beach and Port Orange, FL, area. Contact Dr. Jeffrey Heller for a consultation on acne or any other skin issue which concerns you. Call today: (386) 239-8700.

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Our Location

511 N. Clyde Morris Blvd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114

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Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

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