Acne Treatments in Chevy Chase, MD

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the U.S., impacting around 60 million people each year. While many cases are considered mild and may be controlled with prescription drugs and a steady at-home cleansing regimen, many individuals have it so severely that scarring may happen. Acne is a mixture of whiteheads, pimples, blackheads, and small cysts. You may also experience itchy, red, and swollen areas on the skin. Caused by a mix of bacteria, clogged pores, and dead skin cells, it most frequently occurs in teenagers but can impact adults as old as 40 years of age. Acne can happen on the face, chest, and back. To return the skin to a healthier, luminous appearance, Dr. Madeliene Elaine Gainers at Madeliene Elaine in Chevy Chase, MD can provide numerous therapy options, ranging from custom at-home cleansing methods to prescription drugs and laser procedures.

Acne "flare-ups" may occur for lots of different reasons, including:

• Hormonal fluctuations associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause
• Certain drugs and medications (like the birth control pill)
• Anxiety/stress
• Poor diet
• Genetics

Once the exact cause of acne is recognized, a proper treatment program can be established. Dr. Gainers will help you develop the best acne treatment plan based on your preferences, goals, and skin type.

Symptoms of acne can vary, depending on the type of acne you have and its severity. Blemishes are a common, obvious acne symptom and present themselves in many forms, such as blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, pustules, papules, and nodules. Every sort of blemish ranges from mild to severe and will need to be handled accordingly. Various studies show that acne may also cause emotional symptoms, like lowered self-esteem and depression. Other symptoms associated with acne are dark areas on the skin and lasting scars.

Specific research indicates that store-bought medications don't treat acne effectively. Madeliene Elaine offers numerous therapy solutions to control and maintain acne and clear its common symptoms. For milder acne cases, prescription medications, such as topical solutions and creams containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, and retinoids, can help. We can also utilize oral antibiotics, such as tetracycline, minocycline, or doxycycline. Besides topical and oral prescriptions, laser therapies have also proven effective. Not only can laser therapy help to cleanse and remove dead skin cells under the dermal layer, but it can also decrease inflammation and other pigmentation issues associated with acne. Chemical peels and extractions may also help, depending on the type of acne you are experiencing.

How long does it usually take for acne to clear up?
It depends on the type of treatment and the severity of your condition. After the first 4 – 6 weeks, you should see some improvement. More dramatic improvements take about 2 – 3 months or longer before seeing your overall results. We may also need to adjust your treatment to determine what works best for your skin. No matter what, Dr. Gainers strives to provide the best care possible.

At what age is acne the worse?
According to Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, acne impacts 40 – 50 million people each year. Adolescents and young adults make up 85% of this number. However, we offer treatments for all ages and skin types.

Can acne be genetic?
Genetics do play a big part in why your acne occurs. While it does increase the risk, hormones and environmental factors play a significant role in why you get acne.

If you feel tired of covering your acne using cosmetics, enduring the physical discomfort, humiliation, and emotional affliction that can come from this condition, we invite you to call Madeliene Elaine to schedule a consultation today. Additionally, if you suffer from "maskne" from wearing a mask or PPE, Dr. Gainers can provide expert treatment options. We'll provide a comprehensive skin analysis and create a tailored treatment plan to help clear up your complexion as quickly as possible.