Acne and Rosacea

Acne

Acne is a very common skin condition affecting teenagers and adults.  Acne is caused by a combination of factors, including hormones, occlusion of the hair follicle, bacteria, inflammation, and genetics.  Acne can manifest as blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, pustules, and cysts.  If left untreated, severe acne can lead to permanent scarring.

There are many different treatment options depending on the severity and what type of acne is present.  Examples include topical treatments such as tretioin (retin-a) and clindamycin, and oral treatments such as antibiotics and Accutane.  We will assess your skin and discuss a treatment regimen with you.

Acne FAQs

Is my diet causing my acne?

Multiple studies have looked into this question, and most have found that diet rarely influences acne.  The two diets that may affect acne are diets high in dairy intake and diets with a high glycemic index (white bread, potatoes, white rice).

What makeup do you recommend for someone with frequent breakouts? 

You do not have to stop wearing makeup if you suffer from acne. However, it is important to wear makeup that is “non comedogenic”, meaning it does not clog pores. This should be written clearly on the label.

What are the best over the counter products for acne?

The best over the counter acne treatments are washes that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, and a nightly retinol cream such as differin. It can take up to 3 months to see improvement with these medications. If you’re still experiencing breakouts after three months of using over the counter products, it may be time to see a dermatologist.  If you are getting scarring from your pimples, it is important to see a dermatologist as soon as possible.

Will I outgrow my acne? 

Most people experience an improvement of their acne after puberty. However, acne can continue into adulthood in many cases.  Adult acne is influenced by hormonal changes, much like teenage acne.  Another type of acne is associated with rosacea and is more common in later years.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a condition of facial flushing primarily affecting the cheeks and nose.  Rosacea can manifest with stinging/burning, broken blood vessels (telangiectasias), pimples, and pustules.  This condition can affect anyone but is most common in people with fair skin, blue eyes, and of Celtic or Scandinavian ancestry.  Most people with rosacea notice flares triggered by things such as emotional stress, sun and wind exposure, spicy food, and alcohol.  Rosacea can occasionally affect the eyes, a condition known as ocular rosacea.

Rosacea FAQs

What is the cause of my rosacea?

The cause of rosacea is complicated and multifactorial. There are genetic and environmental factors. Is it thought that chronic UV exposure may contribute to rosacea. Many people with rosacea notice that they have a flare with certain triggers such as alcohol, spicy food, emotional stress, wind burn, and sun exposure.

Hair follicle mites, Demodex follicullorum, may play a role in rosacea.

What are the symptoms of rosacea?

People with rosacea experience flushing of their face. They may have acne on the central part of the face. Rosacea often causes the skin to be more sensitive. Over time, blood vessels on the face enlarge and dilate. Rosacea can also affect the eyelids and eyes, known as ocular rosacea.

What is the treatment for rosacea?

There are multiple oral and topical treatment options for rosacea.  Your doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic which is most useful for rosacea associated with pimples and pustules.  Topical treatment options include metronidazole gel, azelaic acid cream, and ivermectin cream.  For some patients, laser treatment is very effective at reducing redness and broken blood vessels.

How long will my rosacea last?

Rosacea is a chronic condition and will typically be present, once it appears, for many years.  However, it can usually be controlled by trigger avoidance, topical and oral medication, and/or laser treatment.