Acne

Acne services offered in BRIDGELAND, CYPRESS, TX

Acne is one of the most common dermatologic complaints that people of all ages face. At Magnolia Dermatology in Cypress, Texas, board-certified dermatologist Samantha Robare, MD, provides personalized acne treatment for men, women, and teens of all ages. Dr. Robare can tailor your care to address your specific type of acne. To learn more, call Magnolia Dermatology today or schedule an appointment online.

Acne Q&A

What is acne?

Acne is an inflammatory skin disorder in which the sebaceous glands that lubricate the hair follicles clog with oil, debris, and dead skin cells. As the blockage forms in the hair follicles, a red bump forms on the skin. Acne can be mild or severe, depending on the type you have. Some people only experience minor breakouts, while others suffer painful cystic pimples.

What are the different types of acne?

The most common types of acne include:

Whiteheads

Whiteheads, or closed comedones, are pimples that form a raised bump filled with pus on the surface.

Blackheads

Also called open comedones, blackheads are skin-colored bumps that appear as small black specks on the skin.

Papules

A papule is a raised, red bump that is typically tender to the touch and doesn’t contain pus.

Pustules

Pustules are similar to papules, but they contain white or yellow pus. While papules typically don’t cause much pain, pustules often do.

Nodules

Nodules are large, hard lumps underneath the skin. They’re often painful and can take several weeks to subside.

Cysts

A cyst is the most severe form of acne. This large, pus-filled lump beneath the skin is an infection that can take months to go away.

What causes acne?

Contrary to popular belief, diet doesn’t cause acne, but it can trigger flare-ups if you already have it. Diets high in dairy, sugar, and carbohydrates may worsen existing acne. The most common causes of acne are:

Hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause
Genetics
Poor skin care habits
Picking at existing pimples
Applying heavy lotions and creams

Although stress doesn’t directly cause acne, it can trigger flare-ups if you already have acne-prone skin.

What are the treatments for acne?

Dr. Robare and the team tailor acne treatments to each patient. Once they identify the type and severity of your acne, they may recommend:

Benzoyl peroxide
Salicylic acid
Retinoids
Oral or topical antibiotics
Oral contraceptives
Chemical peels
Isotretinoin (Accutane®)

Lifestyle modifications, such as cleansing your skin after exercise, minimizing your stress levels, and following a healthy diet can also help improve your acne breakouts.

To learn more about acne, call Magnolia Dermatology today or schedule an appointment online.