Acne Treatment
Andrew G. Woolrich, MD
Dermatologist located in Upper East Side, New York, NY
Acne is a condition where the skin cells do not shed properly, causing pores to become clogged with oil and bacteria. Dr. Andrew G. Woolrich offers many treatment options for patients in and around New York, NY, who suffer from acne.
Acne Treatment Q & A
What is Acne?
Acne is a skin condition in which outbreaks of bumps called pimples show up on the face, neck, back, or chest. The pimples form when the pores in the skin become clogged with an oil called sebum, forming comedones, commonly referred to as blackheads or whiteheads. Further sebum buildup causes the surrounding hair follicle to swell and with the growth of bacteria leads to pimples, pustules or deeper lumps underneath the skin called cysts and nodules. Acne is quite common, especially among teenagers, due to changes in hormone levels. Women are also susceptible to acne outbreaks when their hormone levels change during pregnancy, just before a menstrual cycle, or when starting birth control pills.
How is Acne Treated?
Almost all cases of acne can be treated effectively. Treatment options will depend on the nature and degree of the acne. The goal of any treatment is always to heal existing lesions, stop new lesions from forming, and prevent acne scars. Mild cases of acne respond well to a topical retinoid; while most cases of acne require a combination of topical treatments with an antibiotic or other medication. When acne is more severe, treatment may involve isotretinoin, the active ingredient in Accutane. Chemical peels can also help clear up acne. Often, a combination of these methods will be used so that the best possible results are achieved.
How are Acne Scars Treated?
Once acne is cleared from the skin, there can be residual scarring. This is particularly common with cystic acne, as it causes much deeper lesions. Dr. Woolrich can help improve the appearance of acne scars through several treatment options. Which treatment option is used will depend upon several factors, such as whether the scarring is dark, pitted, raised, or a combination of these.
Accepted Insurance Providers
Dr. Woolrich accepts most major insurances. If you have any questions, please feel free to give our office a call and one of our knowledgeable staff members will be happy to help.
Our office is handicap accessible and English, Spanish and Hebrew are spoken.