Acne in Webster, TX

Impacting roughly 60 million people in the U.S. each year, acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the country. Often, many patients with mild cases of acne control it with medication or a consistent at-home cleansing program. However, many other patients have it so bad that scarring occurs. Acne is normally characterized by several symptoms, including pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, and small cysts. You may also experience red, itchy, or swollen areas on your skin. Acne is caused by a combination of clogged pores, dead skin cells, and bacteria. It most commonly occurs in teenagers but can also affect adults as old as 40 years of age. Acne most often appears on the face, chest, and back. To help your complexion look clear and healthy, our dermatologists at Clear Lake Dermatology in League City or Webster, TX offer numerous treatment choices, ranging from personalized at-home cleansing systems to prescription drugs and laser treatments.

A "flare-up" of acne may happen for lots of different reasons, including hormonal fluctuations associated with puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. During puberty, your symptoms may worsen because of hormonal changes that cause an increase in oil production. Other causes of acne include certain medications (like the birth control pill and corticosteroids), stress, genetics, and an unhealthy diet that includes excessive sugar or carbohydrates. After determining the underlying cause for your acne, our dermatologists will develop the best treatment plan to address your needs.

Symptoms of the condition vary and depend on the kind of acne you have and how severe it is. Blemishes are common characteristics of acne and present themselves in many different forms: whiteheads, cysts, pustules, papules, nodules, and blackheads. Other symptoms associated with acne include discoloration and permanent scars. Everyone's acne condition is unique and ranges from mild to severe. However, our dermatologists can assess your skin and provide the best treatment for you.

Clear Lake Dermatology offers many approaches to treat and reduce acne symptoms. For milder cases of acne, prescription medications — like topical creams that contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, or retinoids — may help. Additionally, we can prescribe oral antibiotics, such as tetracycline, minocycline, or doxycycline. Besides medication, laser treatments can also help. Not only can a laser treatment deep clean and remove dead skin cells under the dermal layer, but it can also decrease redness and other pigmentation issues. Depending on the severity of your acne and the type, chemical peels and extractions may provide relief from your symptoms.

What causes adult acne?
Though acne is mostly regarded as a problem for teenagers, a number of adults still may experience the hormone fluctuations that produce breakouts. Other determinants that might lead to adult acne are some medicines (steroid drugs, anticonvulsants) and family history. For women, the hormone alterations brought on throughout pregnancy, menopause, and the menstrual cycle might also trigger acne flareups.

Do I have to stop wearing makeup if I have acne?
Depending on the health of your skin, specific makeup items might cause or aggravate acne breakouts. If this seems is what's going on, you may try products that are "non-comedogenic," which means they are specifically made with elements that should not obstruct the pores of your face.

What can I do to help prevent acne?
Our staff at Clear Lake Dermatology will help you ascertain the appropriate course of therapy for your acne, but here are a handful of helpful suggestions that may help your needs:

• Routinely wash your face with a mild cleanser
• Consume in a nutritious diet that is low in sugar
• Take in at least eight cups of water every day
• Do not rub your face
• Minimize your use of makeup
• Stay away from extreme sunlight exposure
• Keep from popping zits
• Put diluted tea tree oil on your face
• Cut back on stress with massage, light exercise, or yoga

For Clear Lake patients who are tired of covering their acne with cosmetics or enduring the physical discomfort, humiliation, and emotional stress that can come from this skin condition, we recommend contacting Clear Lake Dermatology in Webster or League City, TX to schedule a consultation. We'll provide a comprehensive skin assessment and create a tailored treatment plan to help clear up your complexion as quickly as possible.