Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million people. It’s painful and embarrassing for those affected, and it can even leave scars if it isn’t treated properly. Dr. Elizabeth Piantanida, who practices in Colorado Springs, Colorado, offers a range of treatment options if you are struggling with acne. To explore your acne treatment options, please contact Skin MD Colorado to make an appointment with Dr. Piantanida. Online appointment scheduling is available.
Acne, which is formally known as acne vulgaris, causes unsightly and/or painful lesions on the skin. Several different types of lesions may appear if you have acne, including:
All types of acne are most common in teenagers and young adults, but the condition can occur at any age.
Several factors can contribute to an acne breakout, including inflammation, excessive oil, clogged pores, and bacteria.
In many cases, acne develops because of sebum, which is an oil your body produces to keep the skin moist. During adolescence, the flow of sebum increases. This often leads to clogged pores.
The goal of acne treatment is to reduce inflammation, fight bacterial infection, speed up skin cell turnover, and/or reduce your oil production, depending on the type of acne you have. Some of the treatments Dr. Piantanida may recommend include:
If your acne is mild, you may be able to control it with over-the-counter treatments that kill bacteria and help your dead skin slough off faster. Dr. Piantanida helps you decide on the best treatment options based on the specifics of your condition.
In some cases, severe acne leaves scars behind. Dr. Piantanida offers cosmetic dermatology services to help patients with acne scars.