Acne

Acne can be both aesthetically displeasing and painful. Help is available at Sapphire Dermatology from Kunal Angra, MD, and Divya Angra, MD, through the offices in Silver Spring, Maryland, and Reston, Virginia. If you’re ready to try a new approach to acne treatment, call the office to schedule a visit, or book online in just a matter of moments.

What is acne?

Acne is a common skin condition characterized by breakouts. To understand acne, it helps to think about how your hair follicles normally function. Your skin is covered in tens of thousands of follicles, each of which extends from the surface of your skin (pores) to the deeper layers. 

A hair root lies at the base of each follicle and creates the cells that form strands of hair. Your body produces an oily substance called sebum to lubricate your hair cells and help move debris from the follicles. Acne develops when your sebum hardens, creating a blockage in the follicle. The resulting inflammation creates the red, raised bumps common with acne. 

Researchers know that hormonal fluctuation plays a role in causing acne, and there also appears to be a genetic component. Certain medications, dietary choices, and stress can make acne worse. 

When is the right time to seek acne treatment?

Everyone experiences the occasional pimple or breakout. Acne can create a number of different blemishes, including:

• Blackheads
• Whiteheads
• Pimples
• Papules
• Pustules
• Nodules
• Cysts

Acne is more common on the face, chest, back, and shoulders. If your breakouts make you feel self-conscious about your appearance, are painful, or can’t be easily controlled by routine skin care efforts, it may be time to seek professional treatment. The team at Sapphire Dermatology can assess your skin and help you find the right treatment path for your needs. 

Treatment also focuses on minimizing the lasting effects of acne, including scarring. Early intervention can help prevent such complications.

How can treatments help control my acne?

Several medications can help control your acne. Topical medications can help unclog pores, kill bacteria, reduce inflammation, and lessen redness. Oral medications can help by reducing bacteria or altering your hormonal balance.

Chemical peels are another way to control acne outbreaks and reduce the appearance of acne scarring. This approach does not rely on medications or light-based therapies to deliver results. 

Steroid injections can help clear large, painful nodular or cystic lesions. Your dermatologist can also manually extract and drain clogged pores if necessary. 

When you’re ready to explore your individualized acne treatment plan options, booking a visit at Sapphire Dermatology is fast and easy. Just call the office to schedule an appointment, or book online around the clock.