Acne is very common disease that affects 85 percent of teenagers. It is frustrating for most of us, but effects everyone differently. Having good hygiene is an important part of treatment, so start washing your face to make sure creams and their active ingredients can be effective.
Any gentle cleanser will work, however, OMC's Dermatologist Dr. Pappas, of St. Paul Dermatology, Ltd. recommends using Dove soap, Cetaphil cleanser, or CeraVe cleanser. Another thing to consider is if what you are eating is causing your acne. Recent studies suggest that dairy products can affect acne, however, most of this research does not show marked improvements after dietary restrictions. Instead, we recommend eating a well-balanced diet.
Acne treatments are available to treat existing pimples and prevent new ones from developing. The two types of acne have different treatment plans, so it is important to understand which one, if not both, you have.
Inflammatory Pimples
These are red bumps and underground lesions that come to white pustular heads, often referred to as cysts or in medicine-nodules. We call these “underground pimples” or “subterranean pimples.” Your dermatologist may recommend the following treatment options to consider:
Benzyl peroxide creams
Antibiotic lotions and antibiotic pills
Birth control pills and other hormonal therapies including spironolactone
Red light, blue light and lasers
Finacea, also known as azelex*
Accutane
Comedones
These are plugged pores, referred to as blackheads and whiteheads. Whiteheads are red pimples that come to a white pustular head when the skin closes over the pore opening. These tend to feel like small sand pebbles under your skin. Your dermatologist may recommend the following treatment options to consider:
Differenin, also known as adapalene cream
Retin-A, also known as tretinoin cream
Tazorac, also known as tazarotene
Finacea, also known as azelex (This product is an effective treatment for both inflammatory pimples and comedones)
About Anastasios Pappas, MD
Anastasios Pappas, MD, is a board certified Dermatologist of St. Paul Dermatology, Ltd. in St. Paul, MN. As a dermatologist, he diagnosis and treats diseases of the skin, such as acne, hair loss, skin cancer, eczema, psoriasis and MOHS surgery. Dr. Pappas and his staff offer down to earth care in a personable fashion, combining experience, knowledge and technology. His philosophy is “if it matters to you, it means everything to us."
In addition to starting a practice at Osceola Medical Center in 2019, Dr. Pappas sees patients from his practice, St. Paul Dermatology, Ltd. in St. Paul, MN. In the past, he has practiced in the St. Croix Valley area and is very excited to provide care to former patients and community.
Osceola Medical Center is committed to helping you find the right provider; someone that you and your family can trust. For more provider bio information, visit us on our website at https://myomc.org/staff. To schedule a dermatology appointment with Dr. Pappas, call us today at 715-294-5680.
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