Dr. Kenneth Neal and our team at Washington Dermatology Consultants, serving patients in Arlington, Stafford, and the Washington, DC, area, are highly-trained professionals who provide an advanced and comprehensive array of medical, surgical, laser, and cosmetic dermatology.
While acne may not be a life-threatening condition, it can have serious emotional implications. Most often associated with adolescents and teens, acne impacts males and females of all ages. The cause of acne is not precisely known, however, flare ups are connected to fluctuations in hormone levels. Puberty, menstruation, contraceptives, pregnancy, menopause, and stress can trigger acne breakouts.
As the most common skin condition in America, acne can be treated effectively and should not be ignored. Left untreated, the pores can become infected and inflammatory acne may cause skin discoloration and scarring.
When skin pores become clogged with oil, sebum, and dead skin cells, bacteria grow and cause inflammation, swelling, redness, and occasional infection. Scarring may result from infected pores or from pimples that have been squeezed or picked.
Can acne be prevented?
Genetics may play a part in a person’s susceptibility to acne, however, avoiding oil-based products and make-up and choosing noncomedogenic products instead can reduce the risk of developing pimples. Acne patients should wash their skin with acne cleansers or gentle soaps daily and resist the temptation to squeeze or scratch at the lesions.
How is acne treated?
After a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Neal, a patient suffering from acne will receive a personalized plan of care that will involve treatment and prevention options, which may include:
- Skin examination
- Topical lotions or creams
- Oral antibiotics
- Chemical peels
- Resurfacing
- Laser treatment
- Scar revision and prevention
- Home skincare plan and product recommendations
At Washington Dermatology Consultants, we offer advanced technologies and the latest treatments for optimal skin health. Acne scars can be treated with professional-strength skin lightening creams, laser skin resurfacing to increase collagen production, ablative laser treatment to reduce the appearance of scars, chemical peels, and dermal fillers.
Information about acne and treatment options is available by contacting our professional team at Washington Dermatology Consultants at 571-431-6175.
