Acne Treatments in Saginaw, Michigan
Acne is a common medical condition that can affect patients of all ages. While some may only have mild symptoms, others may experience severe forms of cystic acne. In some cases, this can become uncomfortable or painful for the patient. Serving Saginaw, Michigan, All Seasons Skin and Surgery Center provides comprehensive dermatological care, including skin rejuvenation, and acne treatments.
What is Acne?
Acne occurs when the skin’s pores become clogged with substances like dead skin cells, hair, bacteria, or oils. Once the pores are clogged, it can prevent the skin from breathing and create blemishes like whiteheads and blackheads. Because acne is a common occurrence amongst anyone from teens to adults, most patients experience it at least once in their lifetime. This condition usually forms on the face, but it can also arise on the upper back, shoulders, or chest. These areas create the most oil, which collects and sits on the skin over time.
Oil can overproduce for a variety of reasons, such as hormonal changes, using oily products, stress, or other factors. If left untreated, acne can potentially go away on its own. But in some cases, it can worsen and leave permanent damage and scarring. This occurs because acne can damage deep skin layers through swelling.
What to Expect Before Your Appointment
If a patient is experiencing troublesome acne, they should make an appointment with a dermatologist as soon as possible. Doing so can help prevent or decrease the chances of scarring and damage. It can also help control breakouts or minimize scarring if it’s already present. Once a patient schedules an appointment, they should continue cleansing their face at least once a day leading up to it. However, it’s recommended to use mild skin care products to avoid irritation. On the day of the appointment, patients should arrive early and have any necessary medical information on hand. This can assist them in filling out paperwork, especially if it’s their first visit.
Diagnosing Acne
To begin the appointment, physicians first examine the skin. Here, they’ll note the appearance, severity, and location of the acne. Because acne can arise due to stress, the doctor may ask about recent life changes or events. Additionally, physicians also evaluate the patient’s family medical history because it can potentially indicate a risk factor. For women, they may also inquire about specific menstrual symptoms because the changing hormone levels can cause breakouts during a cycle.
Once physicians complete a full evaluation of the skin, they may categorize the patient’s condition into one of several acne levels, ranging from mild to severe, including:
- Grade One (mild)
- Grade Two
- Grade Three
- Grade Four (severe)
Treating Mild to Severe Acne
Treatment plans can depend on a variety of factors, such as the patient’s age, the severity of the acne, and the cause. It can also vary depending on how avidly a patient may follow their treatment regimen. Treatment typically requires a patient’s dedication to washing their face twice daily and using other medications or topical ointments. Failing to adhere to their care routine can potentially make acne worse.
Many acne medications help reduce breakouts by decreasing the skin’s natural ability to produce oils. In some cases, acne stems from a bacterial infection. This type typically goes away after the patient takes medication that works to get rid of both the infection and blemishes. When it comes to choosing the right treatment plan, dermatologists may prescribe one or many methods to clear up acne, including:
- Retinol creams
- Antibiotic creams
- Medicated face washes, such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide
- Oral medications
- Chemical peels
- Light therapy
- Dermabrasion
For women, hormonal birth control may be prescribed. Treatment may also be different for pregnant women because certain medications or products can alter fetal development.
Follow-Up Care for Acne
Patients may start to see results from their treatment anywhere from a few weeks to months. However, it can take years for acne to clear up completely. After the initial appointment, patients will likely have to schedule follow-up visits approximately every three to six months. During these appointments, the dermatologist monitors how well the skin is healing. If a patient finds issues with their treatment or their acne fails to clear up, follow-up appointments are the perfect time to address any concerns and ask questions. This gives physicians time to adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Seek Acne Treatment at All Seasons Skin and Surgery Center
With a dedication to providing compassionate and personalized dermatological care, All Seasons Skin and Surgery Center treats a wide variety of skin conditions. We serve patients across Saginaw, MI, and also offer several cosmetic procedures like laser treatments. For more information about our acne treatments, contact All Seasons Skin and Surgery Center today.
Schedule a Consultation
At All Seasons Skin & Surgery Center, Dr. Constance Scott and her team can help with all of your dermatology needs. We proudly serve clients across Saginaw, Michigan. Contact us today to learn more about our treatments and preventative care.