Acne & Acne Scar Treatment in Jacksonville, FL

Acne is one of the most widespread skin ailments in the U.S., impacting about 60 million people each year. While many cases are considered mild and may be controlled with medication and a consistent at-home cleansing program, many people have bad enough acne that scarring occurs. Acne includes whiteheads, pimples, blackheads, and small cysts. In addition, patients can also suffer from redness, itchiness, or swelling on or around the affected skin. Caused by a combination of dead skin cells, bacteria, and clogged pores, acne is most frequently seen in teens but can also affect adults as old as 40 years of age. Acne most commonly shows up on the face, neck, chest, and back. To regain a healthier, more luminous look, seasoned dermatologist Dr. Mary Pentel at Dermatology Southeast in Jacksonville, FL can provide numerous treatment options, which range from personalized at-home cleaning methods to chemical peels and laser therapy.

Acne flare-ups occur for a number of different reasons, such as hormonal changes related to puberty, pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause. Also, certain drugs and medications (such as the birth control pill) can lead to acne, as can anxiety or an unhealthy diet. Once we identify the specific cause of acne, we can establish a proper treatment program.

Acne symptoms vary depending on the kind of acne you have and how severe it is. Blemishes are a common, obvious symptom of acne and come in many forms, such as whiteheads, cysts, pustules, papules, nodules, and blackheads. Every type of blemish ranges from moderate to severe and must be treated accordingly. Studies have shown that acne can also create psychological symptoms like lowered self-esteem. Other symptoms related to acne are dark areas on the skin and permanent scars.

For milder cases of acne, we may recommend prescription creams or cleansers that contain sulfur, retinoids, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide. Additionally, there are effective oral antibiotics, such as minocycline, doxycycline, and tetracycline. 

Research indicates that store-bought drugs do not treat acne efficiently. Dermatology Southeast offers many therapy options to control and maintain acne and clear up its symptoms. Many of these treatments can not only aid in easing acne but can also reduce the appearance of acne scars. Options include:

• Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
• Forever Clear BBL™
• Chemical peels
• HydraFacials
• Fraxel®
• Halo™
• Laser Genesis
• Laser skin resurfacing

If you're tired of masking your acne with cosmetics or enduring the physical pain, embarrassment, and emotional affliction that can come from this condition, we encourage you to call Dermatology Southeast in Jacksonville, FL to schedule a consultation today. We can conduct a comprehensive skin analysis and create a customized treatment plan to clear your complexion as soon as possible.