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Phone: 858-362-8800
Fax: 858-362-8803
Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm
Our Location
Torrey Pines Dermatology
(Inside the Scripps/XIMED Building)
9850 Genesee Avenue, Suite 460
La Jolla, California 92037
San Diego and La Jolla Acne Treatment Options
Torrey Pines Dermatology in San Diego, serving the nearby La Jolla area, offers acne treatment options to help manage acne and reduce the risks of infection, as well as permanent scarring. Although most common among teenagers, acne can develop at any age, and the majority of people experience at least a mild case of it at some point in their lives. While not technically harmful in most cases, acne can be extremely distressing and pose significant short and long-term cosmetic problems. A severe acne problem may make some people more vulnerable to infection, and all but the mildest cases have the potential to cause scarring.
Click here to view video about acne.
Acne Treatment Options
Although acne cannot be cured, there is a wide range of acne treatment options that can reduce the frequency and intensity of breakouts, minimizing the chances of scarring. Topical medications that are applied to the affected areas at the surface work by drying out the skin and reducing the bacteria that causes inflammation. Certain skin resurfacing treatments, when performed by a Board-Certified Dermatologist, can remove layers of dead, damaged skin and promote healing. Special light treatments have also shown promise in killing bacteria and reducing breakouts. In particular, the safe and effective BLU-U® blue light acne therapy – a treatment that simply requires the patient to sit close to the light for a short time – can help patients control, and even clear acne after four to six weeks. Facials, customized by our esthetician to each patient's individual needs, utilize the power and effectiveness of pharmaceutical grade products to help treat acne. Oral antibiotic medications also work by reducing the presence of bacteria and inhibiting inflammation. There are also powerful acne treatment medications that are reserved for managing severe cases of cystic acne.
Causes of Acne
Contrary to popular belief, acne is not caused by dirt, oily skin, or any type of food. Instead, acne is caused by the buildup of dead skin cells and excess oils from within the skin, not at the surface. The primary reason some people develop more acne than others is genetic.
There are several factors that can irritate and worsen an existing acne problem, such as stress, hormonal changes, certain medications, and excessive scrubbing of the skin. At our La Jolla office, near Del Mar, we teach acne treatment patients how to recognize potential irritants and avoid or minimize their effects.
Types of Acne
The most common forms of acne are blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. A blackhead is a clogged pore that is open at the top, revealing the dark plug of dead skin cells at its center. A whitehead is also a clogged pore, but one in which a thin layer of skin remains closed over the top so the plug cannot be seen. A pimple is a clogged pore that has become inflamed and swollen, developing into a pustule. Although some patients may find it tempting, acne treatment experts agree that picking at or “popping” any kind of acne should be avoided, as it has the potential to irritate the skin, worsen the acne, and cause infection.
In severe cases, acne cysts may also develop. Cystic acne has the highest likelihood of causing permanent scarring and should be treated by an experienced and board-certified dermatologist.
Contact Our Practice
Please contact our San Diego office, conveniently close to La Jolla, to learn more about acne treatment or to schedule a consultation with one of our dermatologists.