Acne is a popular skin condition affecting teenagers and young adults. This condition causes the appearance of pus-filled bumps on the skin. Patients with this condition complain of unevenly textured skin that causes them to lose their self-esteem. Moreover, these bumps may be painful, thus necessitating the need for treatment. There are different types of acne with varying presentations. It is critical to collaborate with a qualified dermatologist to identify the type of acne Sheepshead Bay you have and develop an appropriate treatment plan to deal with the underlying cause of your skin condition, restoring smoothness and vitality to your skin.
What are the different types of acne?
There are different types of blemishes. Identifying their presentations will lead to an accurate diagnosis of your skin concerns and thus encourage an appropriate treatment plan that effectively promotes desired outcomes. Below are the most common types of acne:
-
Blackheads and whiteheads
One of the main reasons you need to exfoliate your skin is to eliminate dead skin cells, bacteria, and excess oil that might be clogging your pores. Clogged pores from these substances cause the formation of whiteheads. These bumps are usually white or flesh-colored. Debris might fill your pores but leave them open, causing blackheads to form. Although most patients scrub their skin hoping to eliminate these blackheads, they risk worsening their condition because they are not dirt and thus require medical intervention.
Treating whiteheads and blackheads requires unclogging pores. If you have these skin concerns, your dermatologist will recommend retinoids to unclog your pores. Your doctor may also prescribe a benzoyl peroxide wash to eliminate excess P. acnes bacteria that might be causing the clogging. It should take about two months for the blackheads and whiteheads to disappear. Stubborn blackheads and whiteheads may require comedo, an extraction procedure, and prescription-strength acne treatment to address underlying issues causing the skin condition.
-
Early pimples
Inflammation can occur when excess oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells push deeper into the skin. Another name for these small red bumps is papules. These skin blemishes feel hard and cause the skin to be rough. The only effective way to treat papules involves collaborating with a certified dermatologist who recommends washing your face at least twice a day with an acne face wash that contains benzyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
-
Pustules
These pus-filled pimples are similar to papules. The only difference between papules and pustules is that the latter contains yellowish fluid. The best way to eliminate pustules is to wash your face with a product that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. It should take about eight weeks to see treatment results. Most patients have the urge to pop pustules. However, popping them will only worsen your condition and might lead to permanent skin damage from scarring.
It is common for patients to feel discouraged with their acne treatment process and lose commitment, especially when they do not see results. Fortunately, collaborating with skin experts will enhance your treatment outcomes. Contact a physician at Kalon Dermatology to discuss your skin concerns and begin treatment for your blemishes to restore your confidence.
