Integrated Dermatology Group of Reston
Acne is a long-term skin disease that is composed of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and greasy skin. It occurs on the oiliest parts of the body including the face, upper chest area and back. While the process may be long, acne can be treated.

What Causes Acne?

Acne can be caused by a number of factors. In the majority of individuals with acne, genetics is the main cause. Also, individuals who have a large number of oil glands, whether it be on their face, back or upper chest area, are more prone to acne. The more widely known cause of acne is puberty, in which the number of androgens in the body become increased and in turn causes acne.

What are Treatment Options?

Treating acne is not a simple process and may take some time. But there are many options that you can choose from. Some of our treatment options include:

Benzoyl Peroxide – a topical ointment which targets the bacterial agent that causes severe acne.
Antibiotics – these can be administered orally or topically and help to reduce inflammation caused by acne.
Hormonal Treatments – due to the prevalence of acne in individuals with high hormonal levels, there are certain treatments that can help reduce this occurrence.
Tretinoin – when used topically, this form of vitamin A can be used to reduce the appearance of acne
Isotretinoin – this orally administered drug is intended for people with severe acne. It dries out the skin to help get rid of oil on the skin that causes pimples.