Acne Treatment in Austin, TX

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the U.S., affecting approximately 60 million people each year. While many cases are mild and can be controlled with medication, and a consistent at-home cleansing regimen, millions have it severe enough where scarring can occur. Acne generally is a combination of pimples, "zits", whiteheads, blackheads, small cysts, and other red, itchy, and inflamed areas on the skin. Caused by a combination of clogged pores, dead skin cells, and bacteria, it is most often seen in teenagers, but can affect adults well into their 40s. Acne most commonly appears on the face, chest, and back. To get the skin back to a healthy, glowing appearance, our team of board-certified dermatologists at Snyder Dermatology can offer numerous treatment options, ranging from custom at-home cleansing systems, to medications and laser treatments.

A "flare-up" of acne can occur for a number of different reasons, including hormonal fluctuations associated with puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. In addition, certain medications and drugs, such as the birth control pill, can cause acne, as well as stress and a poor diet. Once the exact cause of acne is diagnosed, a proper treatment plan can be established.

Acne symptoms vary in combination with the type of acne and its severity. Blemishes are a common, most visible symptom of acne and come in many different forms. Types of blemishes include blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, pustules, papules and nodules. Each type of blemish ranges from mild to severe and will need to be treated accordingly. Studies have shown that acne can create emotional symptoms as well, which include low self-esteem and depression. Other symptoms associated with acne are dark spots on the skin and permanent scars.

** COVID Update- If you were placed on spironolactone  for acne, this is the information we have received from the American Academy of Dermatology from their website. We still have no data but this is their recommendation: 

Guidance on the use of Spironolactone from the American Academy of Dermatology

There are no experimental or clinical data demonstrating beneficial or adverse outcomes among COVID-19 patients on Spironolactone. For patients currently on spironolactone, we recommend continuation of spironolactone for those patients who are currently prescribed such agents for indications for which these agents are known to be beneficial. In the event patients with dermatologic disease are diagnosed with COVID-19, individualized treatment decisions should be made according to each patient's status and clinical presentation. Therefore, be advised not to add or remove.   Check www.aad.org for more information.

TREATMENT OF ACNE

Research shows that over-the-counter medications are not proven to effectively treat severe acne. Our dermatology office offers numerous treatment options to control and manage acne and clear its symptoms. For milder cases of acne, prescription medications such as topical solutions and creams that contain sulfur, retinoids, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can help. There are also oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline, minocycline or tetracycline that are effective to use. In addition to topical and oral prescriptions, laser treatments have also proven to be effective. Not only can a laser treatment help to deep clean and attack dead skin cells under the dermal layer, it can also help reduce redness and other pigmentation issues associated with acne. Chemical peels and extractions may also help depending on the type of acne the patient is experiencing. 

Acne scarring is the result of inflammation in the lower layer of the skin called the dermis, which causes the collagen to become deformed or scarred resulting in depressions in the skin. Snyder Dermatology treats acne scars with a laser technology, including laser skin resurfacing using the state-of-the-art fractional laser, which can result in up to a 50% improvement in scarring.  In addition, certain fillers can be used to fill in scar "pits" left from severe acne. Using a combination of laser technology, chemical peels, microneedling, dermabrasion or injectable fillers can help smooth scarring.  Overall, a decrease in the appearance of scars results leaving the complexion smooth and clear.

If you are tired of covering your acne with makeup, enduring the physical pain, embarrassment, and the emotional affliction that can develop from this condition, we encourage you to call our dermatology office to schedule an appointment today. We will provide a thorough skin analysis and create a tailored treatment plan to help clear up your complexion as quickly as possible.