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.
For more severe Papulopustular Acne, Acne treatment might include oral antibiotics – like doxycycline and minocycline – or even a newer oral drug called Seysara® (sarecycline). For Nodulocystic Acne, we sometimes consider a five or six months course of oral Accutane treatment (isotretinoin treatment), though this must be avoided in people who may potentially become pregnant while on treatment or within one month of their last pill.
Rosacea – sometimes also called Acne Rosacea - can have negative effects upon a person’s mood and self-confidence – so it is important to get this condition diagnosed early – when treatment tends to be more effective. Rosacea has two presentations –Papulopustular Rosacea and Erythromatotelangiectastic Rosacea, ranging from problems with pus pockets or pustules in the skin to problems with red blood vessels near the skin surface. Treatment centers around which type of Rosacea the Dermatologists feels is at hand. Rosacea is felt by many Dermatologists to be due to genetics – meaning it runs in families – and sometimes to reactions to either alcohol intake or certain dietary factors such as spices.
The good news regarding Rosacea treatment is that there are many new treatment options making care plans increasingly effective. Traditionally Rosacea Treatment has centered around the use of topical prescription Metronidazole Cream and Gel and oral antibiotics like doxycycline and minocycline. Newer treatment options include Soolantra® (ivermectin) Gel, topical Amzeeq® (minocycline) Foam, and topical Mirvaso® (brimonidine) Gel.
After 25 years of practicing dermatology, in 2016, I decided to establish a skincare products company - Big River Silk Skincare™ Inc. – of which I am the President - to manufacture and distribute organic skincare products for people going onto prescription therapies for Acne and Rosacea: AmberSoy™ Soap Gel and the GlycoShea™ Creams and Lotions. These products have been used for many years by thousands of acne patients in Tennessee and Arkansas, and they’re now available nationally. For more on these products, go to https://www.Bigriversilkskincare.com (1-901-753-0168).
So if you or a family member has complexion issues or Acne Rosacea or Rosacea, consider getting a checkup from a Board-certified Dermatologist. Be aware that there are dozens of different skin conditions that cause facial breakouts, so it is helpful to get your condition properly diagnosed. My own Memphis Dermatology practice since 1993 has been with Rheumatology and Dermatology Associates as a Cordova Dermatologist in Tennessee (www.Rheumderm.com or www.Bigriversilkskincare.com) (1-901-753-0168). Or you can find a Dermatologist in your own neighborhood by going to the American Academy of Dermatology website, AAD.org, then plugging your zip code into the “Find a Dermatologist” tab.
George Woodbury Jr. M.D. (04/24/2023)
