February 4, 2013

You may have acne, but do you know which TYPE?


Whether you suffer from troublesome blackheads or embarrassing pimples, we all know the uncomfortable feeling acne can cause.

At McLean Dermatology, we are dedicated to both teaching you about the possible causes of your acne and how to treat it.

What most people don’t know is that there are several different types of acne, meaning not all products are “one size fits all.”

Comedonal Acne - the typical blackheads underneath the skin’s surface. These are essentially small non-inflamed, clogged pores.

Papular/Pustular Acne - develops as red bumps and pus-filled whiteheads. These bumps have a tiny opening to the skin’s surface.  So tiny, in fact, that it makes air hard to reach the follicle causing the white bubble.

Nodular/Cystic Acne - the most severe type of acne. These are hard (nodules) or fluid-filled (cystic) painful bumps. Cystic acne is known to take much longer to heal and often results in scarring and discoloration of the skin.

Hormonal Acne - the result of fluctuating hormones in the body. This type of acne can occur into late adulthood. Easily recognized by the bumps located on the chin and jaw, hormonal acne can also advance to the neck and posterior scalp. These develop into hard, painful bumps that can take weeks to heal.

Treatment options are available for each of these particular types of acne and can be addressed with various oral and/or topical agents. However, not all medications are a right fit.  If you suffer from acne and have yet to find relief, please call today to schedule an appointment.


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