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

Anderson Ln.

“Great office location, very professional, provided excellent care. I just wanted to re-establish myself with a new dermatologist since I moved from another state…”

- A.R.
34th & West

I’ve been seeing Dr. Hendrix for some time now and find him engaging, prompt, and highly knowledgeable about skin conditions. As someone who has a history of skin cancer, i feel fully confident in his expertise.

- S.R.
Bryker Woods

Friendly welcoming front desk staff. Calming space. I really liked Courtney as she was warm, friendly, and very knowledgeable. I highly recommend.

- R.A.
34th & West

“This was my first visit to Central Austin Dermatology. I was very pleased. The staff was very friendly and welcoming, and the office was very clean and organized. Dr. Hendrix was very thorough, and listened to me when I was describing my concerns. I’ll go back!”

- G.G.
Anderson Ln.

I’m happy to say that Dr. Simi Cadmus and PA Courtney Scamardo are continuing Dr. Katherine Farady’s high standards of care and service. Good dermatologists are hard to find; I strongly recommend this entire practice.

- B.E.
Anderson Ln.

The staff is extremely attentive and professional. And Courtney is the best you’ll ever meet. Very knowledgeable, professional and caring.

- G.J.