Visit Our Board-Certified Dermatologists at Barrett & Geiss for Acne Treatment
Acne Treatment in Granville & Lancaster
Acne is the great equalizer of skin conditions. Almost everybody has suffered from the pimples that typify acne vulgaris, some more than others. It can be the single pimples that emerge at the most inopportune times to more severe cystic acne.
Whether you’re going through the rampant hormonal changes of your teenage years or experiencing hormonal acne during pregnancy or later in life, acne is a troublesome and often painful skin condition. Luckily, acne treatment is only a phone call away.
The board-certified dermatologists at Barrett & Geiss are here to help. We treat all types of acne for patients in the Lancaster and Granville area – contact us today!
What Causes Acne?
Hormones are the start of all the trouble. During puberty, both men and women produce advanced levels of androgen, a male hormone. That hormone causes increased oil, or sebum, production on our skin.
Each of our pores, whether it produces hair or not, is a hair follicle. Those follicles get plugged with the excess sebum and dead skin cells. That combination produces bacteria which causes the whiteheads, blackheads, and red spots that comprise acne. Those with naturally oily skin typically have worse acne. Those with drier skin have less intense outbreaks.
Acne treatment addresses both the skin condition and the excess hormones.
Acne Treatment FAQs
We have answers to your questions about acne.
While anyone can get an occasional pimple later in life, adult acne is more widespread than just a single blemish. Also called hormonal acne, adult acne is caused by a hormonal imbalance leading to increased sebum production. During pregnancy or menopause, the body produces increased levels of androgen, a male hormone. Androgen caused the skin to produce more oil, which can clog pores. Those pores, clogged with sebum and dead skin cells, also trap bacteria that produce the pimples found in hormonal acne.
Hormonal acne often breaks out on the jawline and chin and can be treated in much the same way as adolescent acne.
More severe than regular acne, cystic acne is caused by much the same conditions. Rather than a small infection, a large, deep cyst forms under the clogged pore. Cystic acne is more painful than other forms of acne and is more likely to lead to scarring. Cystic acne can develop in anyone but is most often suffered by those who have naturally oily skin.
It’s important to have cystic acne treated by a dermatologist who can not only alleviate this painful condition but can help you avoid scars.
Fungal acne looks much like regular acne but is caused by a fungal infection of the pores rather than a bacterial one. There is some difference in appearance: fungal acne appears in clusters, whereas regular acne is more spread out. The blemishes of fungal acne are all about the same size, while bacterial acne varies in size. And finally, fungal acne itches.
The important thing to remember about fungal acne is that the treatment regimen differed from that of regular acne, and the common topical medicines not only don’t work but can make the condition worse. If you suspect you have fungal acne, contact your dermatologist, who can prescribe medicine to specifically treat your outbreaks.
While some foods can make acne worse, no foods in and of themselves cause acne. And while it seems to make sense to blame greasy foods, there is no connection between consuming greasy foods and acne outbreaks (unless you rub the grease on your skin).
There is a connection between foods that can cause a hormonal imbalance and acne, however. Some simple sugars and carbs, like those found in soda and white bread, prompt the body to create more insulin which can also spur an increase in androgen production. Androgen is the hormone that causes your skin to produce more sebum, which clogs pores and leads to acne.
While nobody knows why the connection between dairy and increased acne exists, some studies have shown that increased dairy consumption leads to more severe outbreaks. Also, chocolate is linked to acne. Likely both of those can cause some sort of hormonal imbalance, but nothing has been proven as of yet.
Acne Photos
Proper treatment depends on knowing what type of acne you have. Here are some photos of acne to help you determine your type of acne.
Find Acne Treatment in Lancaster and Granville, Ohio by Barrett & Geiss
If you suffer from acne and live in the Lancaster and Granville area, the board-certified dermatologists at Barrett & Geiss can help. Untreated or improperly treated acne is painful and can lead to more severe outbreaks and even scarring. Don’t suffer acne alone – book an appointment with Barrett & Geiss today! Give us a call at for our 740-687-1177 Lancaster office or 740-587-3376 for our Granville Office.