Skip to main content

Acne

The Center for Primary Healthcare -  - Doctor of Medicine

The Center for Primary Healthcare

Doctors of Medicine & Adult Nurse Practitioners located in Orland Park, IL

Unfortunately, saying goodbye to your teenage years doesn’t necessarily mean saying goodbye to breakouts of acne for good. If your self-esteem is affected by persistent or severe acne that doesn’t go away with home maintenance, William Crevier, MD, and the team at The Center for Primary Healthcare in Orland Park, Illinois, provide treatments and guidance. To find out how to reduce or eliminate your acne, call or schedule an appointment online today.

Acne Q & A

What is acne?

service

Acne, the most common skin condition in the United States, goes by many names: pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, or zits. While acne presents in several different forms, it is caused by pores that are clogged with oils and bacteria.

There are many misconceptions about acne, including that breakouts only happen to teenagers and that you only get it if you have poor hygiene. In reality, acne appears at any time in your life and has many possible causes, even if you wash your face diligently.

What are the symptoms of acne?

Acne comes in several different forms. It can appear anywhere on your body, but most commonly on your face, back, and chest. Common symptoms and features of acne include:

  • Blackheads
  • Whiteheads
  • Red bumps
  • Tenderness
  • Pus leakage

You may get just one or two pimples at a time, or your breakouts may cover a large area on your body. Some acne goes away quickly and without medical attention, but long-lasting cases that seem to have no end in sight may only improve when treated with prescriptions and medical procedures.

Why do I have acne?

There are several reasons why you might break out in acne. Common causes of acne include:

  • Hormonal changes, such as puberty
  • Certain medications
  • Periods of stress
  • Eating lots of certain foods, such as bread and chocolate
  • Genetics
  • Using oily products, such as lotions and creams

Acne breakouts often have multiple causes. During your appointment, your doctor takes your medical history and asks about your lifestyle in order to pinpoint any potential causes.

How can I treat my acne?

Acne takes a serious toll on your self-esteem. Thankfully, there are ways to treat your acne and achieve smooth skin. You can manage your acne by:

  • Gently washing your face regularly
  • Zinc supplementation
  • Not touching or picking at your acne
  • Using nonprescription acne products
  • Using prescription ointments and medications
  • Getting laser therapy
  • Getting a chemical peel
  • Staying out of direct sunlight

If your acne doesn’t go away with home remedies, you may benefit from prescriptions and treatments from a doctor at The Center for Primary Healthcare.

If your acne is persistent or long-lasting, call or schedule an appointment online at The Center for Primary Healthcare for treatment today.