Conversations about facial acne almost always center around how to get rid of it as soon as possible. But if you take the time to understand acne and why you may be having frequent breakouts, you are more likely to be able to achieve clearer skin in the long run. The team at Dawson Dermatology in Honolulu, HI Dr. Kevin Dawson, Dr. Douglas Chun, Dr. Sarah Grekin, and Dr. Erin Fuller, can help guide you to acne solutions both in terms of products, creams, and general daily home care tips.

Types of Acne

Acne comes in the form of bumps, pimples, pustules, scars, or other blemishes on the skin. It can be mild, with only one or a few blemishes appearing, or more severe and even painful when the entire face is covered with them. These are the most common manifestations of acne:

• Papules (skin lesions that look pink on the surface and may be tender to touch).
• Pustules (pimples that are red, yellow, or white in color).
• Whiteheads (the pore closes up, causing pus-filled white bumps to appear).
• Blackheads (the pore opens up and areas become clogged, causing a black mark to show).
• Nodules (hard bumps that form under the skin).

Causes of Acne

Acne can be caused by poor diet, stress, using certain oily skin products, and hormonal changes. It may also be related to taking certain medications or pollutants in the environment. It is most common in young teenagers who are going through puberty or pregnant women. Your Honolulu, HI, dermatologist will help you determine the most likely cause of why you’re having acne breakouts.

Effective Acne Treatments

While some patients decide to wait for acne to clear up on its own, help from a dermatologist is necessary in some stubborn cases. Treatments include oral or topical medications prescribed by your doctor, laser therapy, chemical peels, and steroid injections when there are large nodules in the skin.

Talk to a Dermatologist

You can have better-looking skin that is free from acne when you get assistance from a dermatologist who understands. Call (808) 599-3780 today to schedule a skin exam and consultation for acne with Dr. Kevin Dawson, Dr. Douglas Chun, Dr. Sarah Grekin, and Dr. Erin Fuller at Dawson Dermatology in Honolulu, HI.