Today various dermatology treatments are available to improve or eliminate acne conditions. To accomplish safe and effective outcomes, patients should work with an experienced dermatologist with specialization in acne treatments.
Suncoast Skin Solutions, led by board certified dermatologist Dr. Christopher Ewanowski, provides safe and proven skin care treatments to patients in Tampa, Brandon, Lutz, Seminole, Riverview, Brooksville, Winter Haven, Daytona Beach, Largo, St. Petersburg, Ocala, Sarasota, Palm Harbor, Central Florida, and surrounding locations in Florida.
Prescription Medications
Retinoids
These medications are available in the form of lotion, cream, and gel. Retinoids are a derivative of vitamin A and include adapalene, tretinoin, and tazarotene. The application starts slowly, around three times a week and then daily as the skin acclimatizes to it. Retinoid medications work by preventing the clogging of hair follicles.
Topical Antibiotics
Antibiotics will eliminate excess bacteria and resolve redness. In the initial few weeks or months, the patient may have to use retinoids combined with antibiotics. The antibiotics are typically combined with benzoyl peroxide to reduce the risk of developing antibiotic resistance.
Oral Antibiotics
The dermatologist may prescribe oral antibiotics to treat harmful bacteria and fight swelling in the case of moderate to severe acne.
The treatment options for addressing acne include tetracyclines, such as doxycycline and minocycline. After the symptoms begin to subside or if it is obvious that the medication is not working, the dermatologist will taper off the drugs.
Combined Oral Contraceptives
These drugs help in treating acne in women and teenage girls. The FDA has given the nod to a few medications that combine estrogen and progestin. These medications may lead to mild side-effects for a temporary duration.
Anti-androgen Agent
In case oral antibiotics are ineffective, the dermatologist may prescribe the medication spironolactone for women and adolescent girls. This drug impedes the effect of androgen hormones on the sebaceous glands, which control excess oil production in the skin to minimize the development of acne.
Oral Isotretinoin
This medication is highly effective but has significant potential side-effects. If a patient chooses this treatment, they will have to be monitored closely by the dermatologist.
Non-Drug Therapies
Cosmetic dermatology offers various solutions, such as light-based therapies, laser resurfacing, and chemical peels, to treat certain types of acne conditions. These procedures can be undertaken in-office and have minimal risk and side-effects. Patients will need to avoid sun exposure for a few weeks following the treatment and wear a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher.
Prevention of Acne
Keep your face thoroughly clean
Regardless of whether a person has acne or not, it is vital to wash the face twice daily to remove dead skin cells, impurities, and extra oil from the surface of the skin. It is not necessarily better to wash the face more often than twice daily, as it may do more harm than good.
The use of harsh soap, such as deodorant body soap, can further irritate already inflamed skin. It is also important to avoid scrubbing the skin vigorously with a washcloth.
Moisturize your face
Many acne products comprise components that dry the skin. Therefore, it is advisable to use a moisturizer that minimizes skin peeling and dryness. The use of “noncomedogenic” products may be helpful as these do not cause acne. There are moisturizers developed for dry, oily, or combination skin.
Dr. Ewanowski’s skin care clinic receives patients from Tampa, Brandon, Lutz, Seminole, Riverview, Brooksville, Winter Haven, Daytona Beach, Largo, St. Petersburg, Ocala, Sarasota, Palm Harbor, Central Florida, and nearby areas in Florida for advanced and innovative skin care procedures.
SunCoast Skin Solutions Dermatology offices are located in Tampa / Hillsborough, St. Petersburg / Pinellas County, Brandon, Lutz (2 locations), Winter Haven, Largo, Riverview, Brooksville, Ocala, Largo at Bardmoor, Daytona Beach, Sarasota, and Palm Harbor, Florida. Contact us at 1-844-786-3376 or click here.
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