Are You Having Issues with Acne?

Find out the best way to manage your acne symptoms and how a dermatologist can help.

If you’ve been struggling to get your acne under control, you may be feeling rather defeated by the whole process. You’ve likely tried a variety of over-the-counter medications but nothing seems to help! Well, don't fret—our Chicago, IL, dermatologist, Dr. Elizabeth Fahrenbach, is here to help you find out what might be to blame for your acne! Read on to learn more about this skin condition and when it's the right time to visit our office for treatment.

What causes acne?

There are four main factors that can contribute to the formation of acne:

• Clogged hair follicles (due to oil or dead skin cells)
• Bacteria
• Excess hormone activity
• Excess oil production

Acne can appear anyone on the body but it most commonly appears on the face, chest, back, or shoulders where oil glands are present.

What are the different types of acne?

Acne can rear its ugly head in many forms and severities. Common types of acne include,

• Whiteheads (the result of clogged pores)
• Blackheads (the result of clogged pores)
• Papules (red bump)
• Pustules (simply referred to as pimples)
• Painful nodules
• Painful cystic lesions

When should I see a dermatologist?

If you have tried a variety of acne treatments and feel like your symptoms aren’t improving, then it’s time to talk to our Chicago skin doctor to find a more effective treatment method. You should also schedule an evaluation if your acne is severe, painful, or affecting your quality of life in general.

How can a dermatologist help me?

First and foremost, we need to figure out what is causing your acne. As we've established, there are four main factors in acne presence, and determining what’s causing your symptoms will help create a more effective treatment plan. For example, those who are dealing with hormone-related acne often respond well to taking certain oral contraceptives/birth control pills that are FDA-approved to treat hormonal acne. Conversely, those dealing with whiteheads and blackheads due to clogged pores may respond well to regular facials to exfoliate the skin/remove dead skin cells, laser treatments to kill acne bacteria, or chemical peels.

We are happy to sit down with you at any time to determine the best course of action for managing your acne!

Give us a call!

If you feel like you are losing the battle against your acne symptoms, then it’s time to turn to the skincare experts at North Branch Dermatology. Call our Chicago office at (773) 763-6000 today!