What to do when over-the-counter acne treatments don’t work?

With over 40 million Americans suffering from acne, it’s no wonder why it’s the most common skin condition in the United States. Acne is not only found on the face. It can also be

Research by the American Academy of Dermatology indicates that there are four possible causes to acne:

• Increased oil production

• Increased plugging of the oil ducts

• Increased bacteria

• Increased inflammation that results in the prototypical acne lesion

The good news is that there are several ways to minimize acne. These measures include taking care of your skin by washing it at least once per day, eating a healthy diet, using oil-free cosmetics, and sunscreens, as well as using over-the-counter skin care products.

So what should you do when the over-the-counter products don’t seem to work?

Waiting for acne to clear on its own comes with risks and over time can lead to severe scarring, low self-esteem and even depression.

The first step in getting your acne under control is to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. A dermatologist is a physician that receives special training in the treatment of skin, hair and nail conditions.

Your dermatologist will first assess your acne and recommend a comprehensive treatment plan.

The treatment plan will take time. In most cases your initial treatment plan is at a minimum between four to eight weeks. For those concerned about acne scars, your dermatologist in some cases can suggest treatments for minimizing the appearance of residual acne scarring.

Although acne never truly goes away, it can be controlled with proper medical treatment. Treatments include topical ointments, oral medications, or combination of both as prescribed by your dermatologist.

Please contact Great Lakes Dermatology at 800-227-5135 to schedule your appointment today and begin to get your acne under control. Visit us on the web also at www.greatlakesdermatology.com. We look forward to providing you with “Your Kind of Skin Care.”