Acne

Do you live in Nashville and have acne? Acne is the most common skin problem in the US, affecting 50 million Americans at some point in their life. Acne is classically thought of as a disease of teenagers, but many women have acne into their 30s, 40s, 50s and even later. It begins with the development of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, and deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and even the upper arms. There are often significant psychological side effects associated with acne including anxiety, depression and poor self-image.

Causes of Acne

Acne on man NashvilleThe exact cause of acne is unknown, but there are three main factors common to the disease: a blockage in skin pores, excess oil, and acne-causing bacteria. In predisposed individuals, excess oil in causes the skin cells lining the pores to stick together and clog the pore. This leads to the formation of comedones (whiteheads and blackheads). Then, excess oil enables growth of the skin bacterium, Propionibacterium acnes. This bacterial overgrowth causes inflammation that is seen as a red bump (papule) or a pus bump (pustule). If the inflammation goes deep into the skin, an acne cyst or nodule appears. People who get acne cysts and nodules often see scars when the acne clears. Certain factors can aggravate or worsen acne including heredity, hormones, stress, creams/makeup and diet. It is very important to avoid squeezing or picking at acne lesions to minimize your risk of scarring.

Get more information on this skin condition at the American Acne and Rosacea Society

Acne Treatment Nashville

Acne treatments include topical over the counter and prescription products, oral prescriptions, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser and light treatments. Seek professional dermatological treatment early as it may avoid or minimize unwanted complications such as scarring.

Topical Acne Treatment: There are many topical products, individually or in combination, that can be applied to the skin to help kill the bacteria or reduce the oil. These include:

• Retinoid (a Vitamin A derivative, such as Retin-A)
• Benzoyl Peroxide
• Topical Antibiotic
• Salicylic Acid
• Glycolic Acid

Systemic Acne Treatment: Medicine that is taken by mouth may be necessary when you have red, swollen bumps or nodules, pus bumps or acne cysts.

• Oral Antibiotics
• Hormonal Therapy
• Isotretinoin (Systemic retinoid for the most severe acne cases)

TheraClear™ Acne System: The TheraClear™ Acne System is a state-of- the-art acne treatment that addresses multiple causes of acne in 5-6 quick treatments, every one to two weeks. The TheraClear™ Acne System combines light and vacuum for fast and visible reduction in acne and associated redness. Specific indications include comedonal acne (whiteheads & blackheads) and mild to moderate inflammatory acne (red bumps and pus bumps). Safe on all skin types.

Click here for more information on TheraClear™ Acne System

Procedures that treat acne: There are procedures to treat your acne during an office visit. These procedures help when the acne does not respond to medicine or in addition to traditional medical therapies and can minimize the chance that the acne will leave dark spots in the skin or scarring.

• Chemical Peels: (such as 20-30% salicylic acid) Decrease blackheads, papules and inflammation
• DermaSweep®: Device that offers particle-free microdermabrasion combined with a chemical peel infusion which helps to unblock the pores and treat the inflammation and blackheads
• Laser Treatment: The Excel V™ Laser can reduce redness and inflammation and treat the dark spots. The Laser Genesis™ can reduce the redness and improve the acne scarring that appears when the acne clears. The Fractora™ fractional ablative resurfacing laser is the most effective in reducing significant acne scarring and pigment irregularities.
  
• Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): Light is used to reduce the P. acnes bacteria
• Intralesional Steroid injections: Reduce the inflammation of large cyst
• Facials & Extractions: Pore cleansing and exfoliation

Click here for more information on treating acne scarring.

Dr. Curcio specializes in Cosmetic and Laser Surgery. With her extensive experience, she can personalize an acne treatment regimen to help you attain the best possible result.

Make an appointment with Dr. Curcio at her Nashville clinic (Green Hills) to determine what acne treatment is best for you.