What is acne, and which type do I have?

Acne is an inflammatory condition that causes red or pink bumps to appear on the skin. It can develop nearly anywhere on the body, including the face, chest, back, and shoulders. There are many types of acne, including:

Blackheads

These are open pores with dark centers that can resemble dirt.

Whiteheads

Whiteheads are closed pores with white bumps containing dead skin cells and oil.

Papules

Papules are solid bumps that typically don’t hurt or cause irritation.

Pustules

When papules fill with pus, they become pustules. They may be tender and painful.

Nodules

Nodules are painful inflammatory lesions that develop deep beneath the skin.

Cysts

Cysts are the most severe form of acne. They’re nodules filled with pus. Both nodules and cysts can cause intense pain, persist for weeks or months, and scar the skin.

Diagnosing your specific type of acne is essential to deliver the appropriate treatment and prevent new lesions.

What causes acne?

Acne develops when dead skin cells and an oily substance called sebum clog the hair follicles. Sebum helps keep your skin lubricated to prevent it from drying out. While it plays a crucial role in protecting the skin, too much sebum can block the hair follicles and trigger inflammation.

Many factors can trigger acne, including:

• Hormonal changes (puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause)
• Humidity
• Sweating
• Oily skin or hair products
• Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
• Excessively touching the skin
• Steroid use
• Testosterone and estrogen therapies

Acne can also be genetic and typically runs in families. Having a parent or sibling with persistent acne can raise your risk of developing the condition.

Does acne go away with age?

Acne breakouts usually lessen with age but don’t always stop completely. The condition typically peaks during your teenage years when excessive androgen hormones increase oil production in the skin’s sebaceous glands. 

Many people still have acne in their 20s. While oil production typically causes teenage acne, adult acne is more complex. It’s usually caused by hormonal shifts, leading to painful nodules and cystic acne. Some people also continue to experience breakouts in their 30s and beyond.

I have acne. What are my treatment options?

Dr. Bandt offers many acne treatments, including:

• Benzoyl peroxide
• Salicylic acid
• Topical and oral antibiotics
• Retinoids
• Oral contraceptives
• Isotretinoin (Accutane)
• Laser treatments

A thorough skin exam and medical history review help Dr. Bandt determine the best acne treatments for you. Call the office of Anya Bandt, MD today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.