Acne

Acne can be painful and cause embarrassment. If you want to rid your skin of acne, turn to the experienced team at Ringside Health in Wellington, Florida, who provide on-site health care services to the elite equestrian community. They’ll evaluate your skin condition and offer a personalized treatment plan to provide clear, healthy skin. Book an appointment today by phone, or click the contact page to schedule your appointment.

What is acne?

Acne results from hair follicles clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It’s typically seen on the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders and comes in various forms, including:

• Whiteheads: Closed clogged pores
• Blackheads: Open clogged pores that become black due to oxidation
• Papules: Small, red, tender bumps
• Pustules: Pimples with pus at their tips
• Nodules: Large, painful lumps that sit under the skin’s surface
• Cysts: Painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the skin, which can scar

Acne affects people of all ages but is most common during adolescence due to hormonal changes. While not a life-threatening condition, acne can cause emotional distress and lead to scarring when not properly managed.

What causes acne?

Four primary things cause acne:

Excess oil production

The sebaceous glands produce an oily substance called sebum. Acne results when sebum is produced in excess.

Clogged hair follicles

Dead skin cells that don’t shed properly can combine with sebum to clog your hair follicles, creating an environment where acne develops.

Bacteria

The bacterium Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) naturally lives on your skin but can multiply rapidly when the hair follicles clog, leading to inflammation and pimples.

Hormonal changes

Androgens, hormones that increase during puberty, cause your sebaceous glands to enlarge, producing excess sebum. Hormonal changes related to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and using oral contraceptives also affect sebum production.

How is acne treated?

At Ringside Health, acne treatment depends on which type and how severe it is.

Treatments include:

Topical treatments

Over-the-counter (OTC) creams, gels, and lotions containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or alpha hydroxy acids reduce oil production and fight bacteria. Prescription topical treatments include retinoids and antibiotics.

Oral medication

For more severe cases, your provider will prescribe oral antibiotics, hormonal treatments, or isotretinoin (a potent retinoid).

Procedural treatments

The Ringside Health team might use procedures like chemical peels, laser therapy, or drainage and extraction to treat severe acne and reduce scarring.

Lifestyle changes

Maintaining a proper skin care routine, avoiding harsh skin products, and managing stress can help control acne.

Your Ringside Health practitioner can consult with you, evaluate your skin, and provide personalized treatment, especially if you have persistent or severe acne.

Call Ringside Health today or book an appointment online.