Acne Specialist

SunWise Family Dermatology & Surgery

Dermatology Practice & Surgeons located in Middletown, DE & Dover, DE

Teens aren’t the only ones who get acne. An estimated 40-50 million Americans have this skin condition at any given time. Whether you’re 16 or 36, if acne’s impacting your life, you can find a solution at SunWise Family Dermatology & Surgery, located in Middletown, Delaware. Jennifer LaRusso, DO, and Gerard W. Stroup, PA-C offer multiple acne treatment options to improve the health and appearance of your skin. Call the office today to learn more or schedule your appointment online.

Acne Q & A

What causes acne?

Acne is a skin condition characterized by pimples, blackheads, and inflammation resulting when pores in your skin clog. Ance often happens when your body creates too much sebum, an oil that keeps your skin hydrated.

This excess oil fills your pores, and when your skin cells die, the oil causes the cells to stick together, instead of rising to the surface as they usually would. These stuck-together cells clog the pore and create an environment perfect for specific bacteria, p. Acne, which leads to inflamed cysts or nodules, typically referred to as pimples.

While many people get whiteheads and blackheads, especially during puberty, acne often refers to more severe, chronic cases. If you have acne, your skin usually appears inflamed, red, or sore.

Can you treat acne at home?

If your acne is mild, home treatments may improve the condition. Try an over-the-counter acne product daily to see if it improves your skin’s appearance.

Dr. LaRusso and Gerry also recommend:

Washing twice a day and after sweating, with a mild cleanser
Using your hands, not a washcloth, to cleanse skin
Avoiding products with irritants, including astringents, toners, and fragrances
Keeping your hands away from your face
Not picking at your pimples, which leads to inflammation and scarring

How is acne treated?

Dr. LaRusso and Gerry treat acne in a variety of ways, depending on your individual skin needs. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan, and they discuss the pros and cons of all your treatment options.

A prescription-strength topical medication can:

Decrease oil production
Heal skin
Fight infection
Reduce inflammation

In some cases, they may pair these medicated lotions and creams with oral medications. Dr. LaRusso may suggest phototherapy, which uses UV light to enhance your skin’s healing response and kills pimple-causing bacteria on your skin.

If you have large acne cysts, your dermatologist may perform drainage and extraction. This procedure reduces pain and makes the cyst less likely to scar.

When acne changes how you feel about your skin, find a solution with the experts in managing acne. Call to schedule your appointment or book online.

What we offer