Adult Acne

What are the different types of acne?

Acne can cause a variety of lesions on the face, chest, back, and other parts of the body.

• Blackheads: flat black dots
• Whiteheads: tiny white or skin-colored bumps
• Papules: deeper inflammation, causing bumps smaller than 1 millimeter
• Pustules: deeper inflammation, causing bumps filled with pus
• Nodules: hard bump, at least 5 millimeters in size
• Cysts: large pus-filled bumps

Acne can progress from blackheads and whiteheads to papules, pustules, and even nodular and cystic acne if you don’t treat it properly in the early stages. 

In most cases, bumps and tiny specks of black on your face are a clear sign of acne. However, another skin condition called rosacea can cause very similar symptoms. And in some cases, bumps can be a sign of actinic keratosis, a precancerous skin growth.

How is acne different from rosacea?

Acne and rosacea can look alike, but there are some differences. Rosacea usually appears in the middle of the face, mainly the nose and cheeks. It can also appear on the forehead and chin. In contrast, acne often appears elsewhere on your body.

Rosacea usually starts as redness but then progresses to acne-like bumps, but no blackheads. It’s also common to experience tiny threadlike broken blood vessels on your face with rosacea, but not with acne.

With rosacea, you may also notice eye problems, like bloodshot or gritty-feeling eyes, which isn’t commonly seen with acne. 

Dr. Richey can examine your skin and discuss your symptoms with you to determine which condition you’re dealing with and how to treat it. 

How is acne treated?

Acne treatment depends on the type of acne, where it appears, and whether you have additional issues like scarring. Some of the different approaches include: 

Topical medications

Topical medications come in cream, gel, and solution forms. Some common options in this category include retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, and antibiotics. 

Oral contraceptives

Some oral contraceptives (birth control pills) have approval by the FDA as acne treatments. These oral contraceptives are all combination pills that include estrogen and some form of progesterone.

Isotretinoin

Isotretinoin is an oral medication for severe cases of acne that don’t improve with other treatments.

Light therapy

Light therapy can help to heal acne, especially when used alongside other treatments. 

Injections

If you have extremely severe acne, with painful hard knots, Dr. Richey may recommend the injection of a corticosteroid to calm the inflammation. 

Dr. Richey may also recommend some lifestyle changes, for example, a healthier diet and always wearing sunscreen, as part of your acne treatment. Fortunately, most people respond very well to acne treatment.

For help with acne, call the Hobart K. Richey, MD, PA, office or click on the online booking link now.