Acne

What is Acne?

It’s a condition that is caused by the overproduction of sebum. Sebum is an oily substance that forms in glands just under the surface of the skin called sebaceous glands. Sebum normally flows out hair follicles onto the skin to act as a natural skin moisturizer. The glands are connected to hair follicles that allow the sebum, or oil, to empty onto the skin through a pore. If hair follicles become blocked by sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria, acne is the result.

It usually begins at puberty and worsens during adolescence . Nearly 85 percent of people develop pimples at some point between ages 12 to 25. As many as 20 million teens have the condition. It may appear as early as age 10, and even may be found in some newborns. Some people may continue to be affected by acne after age 30.

During puberty, there are increased levels of the male hormone androgen. High levels of androgen cause excess sebum to form. Sometimes the sebum combines with dead, sticky skin cells and bacteria called Propioni-bacterium acnes (P. acnes) that normally live on the skin. The mixture of oil and cells allows the bacteria to grow in the plugged follicles. When this happens, a hard plug called a comedo can form. A comedo is an enlarged hair follicle.

Types Of Acne

  • a blackhead, which is a comedo that reaches the skin’s surface and looks black
  • a whitehead, which is a comedo that is sealed by keratin, the fibrous protein produced by the skin cells and looks like a white bump.
  • papules, which are small, red bumps that may be tender to the touch
  • pustules, which are pus-filled lesions that are often red at the base
  • nodules, which are large, painful lesions deep in the skin
  • cysts, which are painful pus-filled lesions deep in the skin that can cause scarring

What Causes Acne?

The exact cause is not known, but there are several risk factors that make acne more likely to occur:

  • Age. Adolescents are more likely to have acne.
  • Disease. Certain hormonal disorders such as polycystic ovarian syndrome make acne more likely.
  • Hormonal changes. Acne can flare up before menstruation . An increase in the male hormone androgen during puberty (seen in both males and females) causes the sebaceous glands to overproduce androgen. Boys have more severe acne than girls.
  • Heredity. Some individuals are genetically more susceptible.
  • Drugs. Steroids and performance enhancing drugs, oral contraceptives, antibiotics, antidepressants, and tranquilizers such as lithium are known to cause acne.
  • Cosmetics. Oily cosmetics can plug up hair follicles.

Other factors can worsen or cause it to flare up:

  • Environmental irritants. Air pollution and high humidity can worsen acne, as can exposure to greasy environments such as working in a fast food restaurant.
  • Friction. Rubbing the skin vigorously or exposure to constant friction from backpacks or tight collars can worsen acne.
  • Personal hygiene. Picking at pimples or scrubbing the skin too hard can result in worsened acne.

When To Call The Dermatologist For Acne?

A healthcare provider should be contacted under the following circumstances:

  • Painful nodules and cysts are present.
  • Over-the-counter medications have not been effective.
  • Lesions are causing scarring.
  • Is causing dark skin to have darker patches when lesions heal.
  • Is causing embarrassment or self-consciousness.
  • Is creating emotional upset.

What Kind Of Acne Treatments Are There?

Treatment consists of reducing sebum production, removing dead skin cells, and killing bacteria with oral medication and drugs used on the skin (topical). The treatment depends on the severity of the condition.

Central Austin Dermatology and Aesthetics- Bryker Woods now offers TheraClear X!

Schedule an appointment with one of our medical providers to see which treatment is best for you.

In your own words

Patient Testimonials

Bryker Woods

“Dr. Cadmus and her team have provided exceptional care! She went above and beyond my expectations for helping me with treating a stubborn skin condition I’ve been dealing with. Thank you!”

- M.M.
Bryker Woods

This is the only place that I know of that you can be told that you have cancer, and be at peace about it – Courtney Scarmado and staff are that nice. Sounds weird, since getting bad news is never good. They are professional, and know all about skin and its care. Added bonus: after you get your face frozen off, you can walk over to Milk and Cookies and feel so much better!

- L.M.
Anderson Ln.

Courtney Scamardo and Jamie! Both were very kind and helpful with my daughters’ acne. They spent a good amount of time with us, were kind, patient, and gave 110%. Most impressed, highly recommended! A++

- H.C.
Bryker Woods

I have seen Courtney for years and travel 2 hours to see her. She is very knowledgeable and I feel like she truly cares about my health. She’s the best!

- P.T.
34th & West

I’ve been seeing Shirien Coover PA for several years. She puts me at ease, protecting my dignity and privacy during skin checks, and she is very soothing and as gentle as possible if/when she finds anything that requires removal. She also patiently answers my questions and genuinely wants me to understand the medical terminology. I also find their rates to be affordable and reasonable, which is rare and refreshing where health care costs are concerned.

- J.L.
34th & West
- G.G.