Acne is a chronic skin condition that comes with black spots, cysts, and pimples, occurring mostly on the face, chest, back, and neck. This can affect your self-esteem, especially when the condition becomes chronic. A visit to Downtown DC acne experts at Metroderm DC: Medical, Laser, and Aesthetic Dermatology Center will help manage your condition to restore your natural skin tone.  Acne affects millions of people of all ages around the world, including teenagers. This is not a dangerous condition, especially when treated earlier, although it can leave you with long-term scars on the affected areas.

Symptoms of Acne

The most common symptoms of acne are whiteheads and blackheads on your skin surface. The symptoms vary per person and affect different parts of the body. Other symptoms include:

  • Small and red raised tender bumps, also called papules.
  • Pimples or pustules with pus at the tips.
  • Painful cysts beneath the skin, containing pus. 
  • Painful, large, and solid lumps beneath the skin, known as nodules. 

If you notice any changes on your face, forehead, back, neck, shoulder, or chest, consider seeking medical attention within the shortest time possible. Delay in treatment can lead to severe acne and can leave permanent black spots on the affected areas.

Causes of Acne 

People develop acne due to the hair follicle growing on the skin’s surface containing dead cells, or bacteria produced by sebum. When the follicles get blocked, hair grows, and acne occurs as a result of too much oil produced, accumulated dead cells on the skin’s surface, bacteria accumulation on the pores, and inflammation.

Acne becomes severe due to the strain of bacteria. Other causes of acne are hormonal changes, diet, certain medications, and stress. Remember, not all pimples opening of the sweat glands cause acne.

Acne Risk Factors 

Acne commonly affects people with darker skin rather than those with lighter skin. Once acne clears, the skin remains with black spots that could last for extended periods. Many people develop acne during puberty because of hormonal changes that trigger oil production, resulting in increased acne risks.

The condition often improves as the person grows older. While you may want to keep a close eye on your condition, it would be best to let your doctor examine your condition and advise you further.

Acne Treatment 

While you can apply home remedy tips to prevent pimples, it would be best to visit your dermatologist to help you identify the root cause of your acne before prescribing the appropriate treatment.

Your doctor can recommend various treatment options and advise you on the right hygiene and other instructions to manage your condition. Most of the treatment options that your doctor prescribes contain ingredients that can kill bacteria and limit the amount of oil produced on your skin. 

When to See a Dermatologist 

Everyone faces various skin challenges when growing up. If you notice any unusual changes in your skin, consider seeking help from your doctor. The specialist will examine your condition and advise you on the best treatment plan to reduce acne symptoms. Contact your dermatologist today to get the right treatment based on your unique health condition.