Acne is a skin condition that affects many people from the onset of puberty through adulthood. It causes a variety of blemishes, including blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, papules, cysts, and nodules, which can appear on the face, neck, back, shoulders, and chest. As the severity and condition of acne differs from person to person, treatment is prescribed on an individual basis by a dermatologist. A dermatologist will grade the severity and observe the type of acne you have to come up with a treatment plan.

There are several types of acne treatments:

• Topical – Depending on the type of acne you have, medications that are applied directly to the skin can help reduce oil production or fight bacteria. Not only can topical medications help with treating existing blemishes, but they can also help to prevent new ones from forming.
• Systemic – Medications that work throughout your body can help severe, inflamed cysts and nodules. These may include antibiotics, birth control pills, or a prescription called Isotretinoin.
• Procedures – Treatments like acne surgery, lasers and light therapy, and chemical peels are each used for specific types of acne to reduce pain, scarring, and discomfort and are generally used when acne does not respond to topical or systemic medications.

Without proper treatment, acne can quickly worsen and not only cause scarring, but also depression, low self-esteem, and anxiety, so it is important to seek help from an experienced dermatologist as soon as you notice any blemishes. At Old Bridge Dermatology, board-certified Dr. Juan Vaillant has been treating patients for over 30 years and specializes in anatomic and clinical pathology to help his patients through all types of skin, hair, and nail issues. Dr. Vaillant treats common conditions like dandruff, nail fungus, eczema, hair loss, and skin cancer, and even offers skin patch testing for allergies. Please call our office in Old Bridge, NJ at (732) 679-0222 to schedule an appointment!