Acne Treatment Rosacea Treatment Memphis Dermatologist
by George Woodbury Jr. M.D. 04/24/2023
2023 is an exciting year to practice Dermatology, with many new treatment advances for common facial eruptions, including Acne and Rosacea. Let’s take a look at what Dermatologists feel causes Acne and Rosacea – and their management - my perspective being that of a Board-certified Memphis Dermatologist with Rheumatology and Dermatology Associates, Cordova TN, since 1993 (8143 Walnut Grove Road, Cordova TN 38018: www.Rheumderm.com; 1-901-753-0168).
First, Acne, also called Acne Vulgaris, is the most common facial skin condition, affecting 10% or more of adolescents and adults. Clogging of pores, the openings of the skin’s oil glands to the surface is at the root of most cases of Acne. The first stage is comedonal acne, mainly blackheads, and whiteheads. More severe Acne becomes what’s called Papulopustular Acne, with raised bumps – papules – and sometimes pustules. If deep cysts develop, most Dermatologists diagnose Nodulocystic Acne. And Acne treatment plans should be customized to work with the patient’s corresponding stage of Acne.
Do emergencies occur in Dermatology? I think that the person in the photo below is in the middle of an emergency. He has a pretty active outbreak of Papulopustular Acne. If he does not get his Acne diagnosed and treated promptly, he may be left with lifelong scarring, much of which can be prevented by prompt treatment.
The person below has Nodulocystic Acne, the most severe pattern. Options for treatment would include antibiotics like doxycycline and minocycline, and even possibly Accutane treatment (isotretinoin treatment).
Puberty and its hormonal changes are frequent contributors to breakouts of Acne. Sometimes Dermatologists like myself do blood tests to evaluate for hormonal imbalance, which, if present, can sometimes be managed with an oral medication – spironolactone – or with certain oral contraceptive pills.
For comedonal Acne, Dermatologists often consider topical (meaning for use “on top of” the skin) retinoid products, such as Retin A® Cream or Gel (Tretinoin Cream or Gel) or a newer agent - Aklief® (trifarotene), sometimes in combination with topical antibiotics, or we sometimes look at an oral retinoid called Differin® (Adapalene), or one called Tazorac® (tazarotene). Sometimes Dermatologists look at combination products, such as Duac Gel, Ziana Gel, Benzaclin® Gel, Benzamycin Gel, and Epiduo Forte® Gel. Other options include Aczone® Gel, Finacea® Gel, and Azelex ®Gel.
