Acne Types, Triggers, & Treatments

Acne vulgaris is the most common skin disease in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans annually. But that doesn’t make it any more comforting when you’re experiencing your own breakout.

The root cause of acne is clogged pores, but did you know not all breakouts are created equal? There are different types and levels of acne and their triggers make the treatment plan for each patient unique.

Acne Types

Acne is a skin condition that can cause one or more of the following:

• Blackheads
• Whiteheads
• Papules or Pustules (Pimples)
• Acne cysts or nodules

Classified as mild, moderate, or severe, the type of acne you have determines your treatment plan.

• Mild acne predominately has whiteheads and blackheads. A few papules or pustules may be present
• Moderate acne has a significant amount of whiteheads and blackheads with many papules and pustules (pimples)
• Severe acne will have large, uncomfortable papules, pustules with the addition of nodules or cysts. Scarring is common with this level of acne.

Acne Triggers

Clogged pores are the root cause of acne. But what causes the pores to clog in the first place? Here are some common triggers.

Hormonal changes - During puberty, the level of testerone increases in both boys and girls. It’s believed that this causes the sebaceous glands to produce excess levels of sebum which can clog pores and lead to acne.

Cosmetic products - Some cosmetic products can clog pores so make sure to look for those labeled non-comedogenic.

Medications - Steroids, lithium, and some epilepsy drugs may cause acne breakouts.

Contact irritation - Wearing restrictive clothing, sporting gear, backpacks, or other items that constantly rub on the skin can cause irritation and lead to acne.

Acne Treatments

Acne treatments vary depending on the type and location of your acne, your age, and what treatments you’ve tried in the past and their level of success.

Your dermatologist will recommend a course of treatment based on your specific needs, but below are some common treatment guidelines:

• Whiteheads and/or blackheads are usually treated with a topical retinoid, a combination of a retinoid and benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, or salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide and a topical antibiotic.
• Papules & pustules (pimples) can be treated with topical medication. Benzoyl peroxide, a retinoid, Azelaic acid, or a compound medication of benzoyl peroxide and a retinoid or antibiotic. Women may be prescribed an oral birth control medication approved by the FDA to treat acne.
• Nodules and cysts treatments include topical prescription medications plus an oral antibiotic, hormone therapy (women only), or isotretinoin.

Acne Resources

Being proactive in controlling your acne begins with educating yourself about the condition. Check out these resources from the American Academy of Dermatology:

• Acne Skin Care Tips: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/tips
• Acne Myth Quiz: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/acne-myths
• Back Acne: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/DIY/back-acne
• Emotional Effects of Acne: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/acne-emotional-effects

Your dermatologist is your #1 resource for advice in managing your acne. 

At Integrated Dermatology of Tidewater our providers treat all levels of acne and carry professional products specifically formulated for acne control - CLENZIderm M.D. System by Obagi.

CLENZIderm M.D. clears acne at the source. This complete system quickly reduces acne as early as 1 week and helps prevent future breakouts. Its 5% BPO treats acne-causing P. acnes bacteria within the follicles.

Take action today for clearer skin! Schedule an appointment and get control of your acne before it becomes a larger problem down the road.

Author

Integrated Dermatology of Tidewater Integrated Dermatology of Tidewater, located in Norfolk, Virginia, provides comprehensive personalized dermatologic care to patients of all skin types, conditions, and ages. Medical director Jonathan Schreiber, MD, PhD and the entire professional medical team at Integrated Dermatology of Tidewater approach dermatologic exams from the medical root of an issue, and similarly, cosmetic issues from the science of a treatment, using science-based support and results with the treatment services offered to patients.