Treating Acne in Boise, ID
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions treated by a dermatologist. While many people believe acne is only a problem impacting teenagers, it can actually affect individuals of all ages! Our dermatology team of Heather Layher, DO and Ashley Cafferty, PA-c at Idaho Dermatology Mohs Collective can help you if you are dealing with acne.
What Causes Acne?
Acne is multifactorial and is a combination of plugging of pores, overproduction of oil, inflammation, and overgrowth of acne bacteria. Many females will have a hormonal component to their acne, and other factors that can exacerbate acne include genetics, diet, and stress.
Types of Acne
There are several types of acne. The most common types of acne are blackheads, whiteheads, small red bumps, pimples, and painful cystic acne. Furthermore, if not properly treated, acne can become scarring.
Acne Treatment Options
Over-the-counter acne products may be of some benefit for very mild acne, although these are generally not as potent or effective as prescription treatments prescribed to you by your dermatologist.
Prescription topical or oral antibiotics to kill the underlying bacteria and to act as an anti-inflammatory to decrease the red inflamed and painful bumps. This is an excellent solution for cystic acne.
Benzoyl peroxide products can help unplugging pores as well as kill acne bacteria. This is an important addition to any acne regimen and is available over the counter in 5% and 10% washes, creams, gels and pads. Benzoyl peroxide can be drying to the skin and can cause bleaching of materials like towels, pillow cases and shirts.
Tretinoin medications are excellent at unplugging pores. Tretinoin is used in most types of acne and can also be drying when used daily.
Hormonally targeted medications such as oral birth control and Spironolactone can be used in females who have a strong hormonal trigger to their acne.
Accutane is an ultrapotent oral medication for treating acne, particularly severe and scarring acne and acne not responding to the treatments above. Accutane is a highly controlled medication as it is associated with a variety of side effects, and is dangerous if a female patient becomes pregnant while taking.
What You Can Do To Prevent Acne
There are some simple tips you can follow to help prevent acne breakouts. You should:
- Practice stress reduction techniques to reduce acne breakouts
- Limit or eliminate greasy foods, high glycemic index (sugary) foods, soda, and low-fat dairy from your diet
- Clean and disinfect your cell phone regularly to prevent toxins from transferring to your face
- Use non-comedogenic makeup and sunscreen to prevent pore blockage
- Change your pillowcase at least once each week to help keep your face clean
- Avoid touching your face to limit transferring bacteria and dirt onto your face
Always clean your face before going to bed
Want To Learn More?
To learn more about the management of acne, talk with one of our experts by calling (208) 600-1330!