Acne is an inflammatory skin condition affecting many teenagers due to hormone fluctuations during puberty. Yet, you can get it as an adult too. It often occurs because of stress, hormone imbalances, and certain medications. 

Pimples and cysts form on your skin when sebaceous glands become clogged. These oil-producing glands get clogged with dead skin cells and bacteria, which leads to redness and irritation. 

Most acne flare-ups clear up on their own or with over-the-counter skin products like cleansers. If you have severe or recurrent acne, you can work with a dermatologist at Integrated Dermatology of Boise to reveal the underlying causes and get your acne under control. 

Acne often involves redness surrounding various acne lesions. You might have one, several, or many acne lesions during a breakout. They include:

• Whiteheads.
• Blackheads.
• Pimples.
• Pustules.
• Nodules.
• Cysts.

You can also get acne scars once a breakout has cleared. Acne scars are the result of the inflammatory damage in your skin. You’re more likely to get scars after acne if you scratch or pick your skin. That includes popping pimples, even if you use an extractor tool. 

The irritation that comes with acne looks similar to another skin condition called rosacea. In fact, if you have rosacea, you might get swollen bumps and pimples as a symptom.  

Your dermatologist at Integrated Dermatology of Boise makes an accurate diagnosis before proceeding with treatment and can treat both conditions with progressive and personalized care.

You can clear your acne with professional dermatological treatment. After evaluating your skin and reviewing your medical history, your dermatologist makes treatment recommendations. The treatments depend on the severity of your acne and its probable causes, like hormones. Your individualized acne care plan might involve several strategies, including:

• Benzoyl peroxide.
• Antibiotics.
• Photodynamic therapy.
• Hormonal birth control.
• Isotretinoin.

You can also receive treatment for your acne scars at Integrated Dermatology of Boise. Your dermatologist might recommend laser resurfacing, a chemical peel, or phototherapy to smooth your skin after damage from acne. 

For more information on integrative dermatological treatments for acne and acne scars, call Integrated Dermatology of Boise or book a visit online today.