Has acne existed in your life for more than a decade? It might feel like you always have some sort of blemish on your skin. There are times when your acne may be considered mild, but there are other times when it may become more severe. If it's causing you to lack self-confidence, seeking treatment is more important than ever. There's a chance you'll be able to clear the blemishes and have skin that is beautiful, healthy, and clear.
The Importance of Seeing a Dermatologist
Many people with acne often try to self-treat their blemishes with different products they can find at the drugstore. However, not all of those products are great for the skin. If you have acne, there's a high chance that you have sensitive skin as well. Using products that are too strong could lead to inflammation, discomfort, and dry skin.
Rather than self-treat this serious skin condition, stop to see the dermatologist for a skin evaluation and some professional, reliable advice. Many things can cause acne. The dermatologist may be able to find out what's causing your blemishes, such as certain products you're using, stress, genetics, or even hormones. After the evaluation, the dermatologist could create a custom treatment plan for you, which may involve taking an antibiotic and treating the skin with a topical ointment that you wouldn't be able to find on the shelves of any drugstores.
Understanding the Treatment Plan
If the dermatologist recommends taking birth control pills, he or she believes you have hormonal acne. Hormonal imbalances can cause the skin to "act out" in such a way that pimples start appearing on the face. These blemishes are often located on and around the chin but may be found in other parts of the skin as well.
Antibiotics are often prescribed to help get rid of the bacteria that cause your pores to become clogged and eventually leads to more breakouts. When taken regularly, an antibiotic could work to reduce the number of breakouts you experience.
Topical ointments may be used to dry out blemishes and kill bacteria while reducing the redness of those blemishes. If you're prescribed a topical ointment, you should follow the directions carefully because using too much of the ointment on your skin could lead to irritation and dry patches.
If your acne is considered severe, additional measures may be taken. The dermatologist might talk to you about getting on a prescription medication that works to clear the skin and treat your acne from the inside out.
Visit with a dermatologist to begin a treatment plan for your acne. Rather than relying on assorted products from the drugstore, a dermatologist could recommend a customized treatment plan that is far more efficient. To learn more, contact a company like Asheboro Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center.