Millions of men, women and teens are plagued by the social embarrassment caused by their acne. This can lead to poor self esteem, difficulty at work or in school, trouble with peer interactions and even depression. Because acne does not discriminate, it affects people of all races. Patients with skin of color and acne require special care to address pigment issues related to acne and scars.
Acne is caused by three main factors: excess oil production due to hormonal influences, overgrowth of bacteria and decreased natural exfoliation leading to clogged pores.
Luckily there are numerous treatment options to address the root causes of acne which range from topical medications containing a variety of active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, fruit acids and various form of Vitamin A to name a few. Topical therapy can be enough on its own for many patients, but for others additional treatment with oral medications like antibiotics, birth control pills and other hormonal agents may be indicated.
Although the debate around the use of Isotretinoin (also known as Accutane, Sotret, Claravis or Amnesteem) continues, for many patients it is nothing short of miraculous. Chronic acne sufferers consistently report decreased self esteem and social embarrassment as a result of their acne. While Isotretinoin is not the first line of therapy for standard acne, for those unresponsive to traditional medications above, Isotretinoin may be just what it takes to put a smile back on your face.
Other modalities available in our office can be used to boost the affect of your acne medications or to minimize the need for oral and topical medications. These include BLU-U light therapy on its own or as part of Photodynamic therapy (PDT), chemical peels, acne surgery facials, microdermabrasion and laser treatments.
As a registered iPledge physician with a special interest in acne, Dr. Roberts would be happy to discuss all your treatment options for acne of any degree. With over 15 years experience treating acne in patients of all races Dr. Roberts can individualize your treatment to address active acne, acne scars and pigment issues particular to patients with skin of color.