Acne and Acne Scarring

Acne Overview

At Hattiesburg Clinic, we see many patients who suffer from acne vulgaris, a chronic, inflammatory disorder of the oil glands in the face, chest and back. This common skin condition typically begins during childhood and teenage years but can persist into adulthood or develop later in life.
Acne presents in varying forms, from mild blackheads and whiteheads to more severe papules, pustules and cystic acne. Pimple breakouts, which are often caused by clogged pores and inflammation, can range from occasional flare-ups to chronic, persistent cases. Cystic acne, which occurs deeper in the skin, can lead to scarring and skin disfigurement if left untreated. While acne cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed with proper care.

What causes acne?
How is acne treated?
Acne Scarring and Long-Term Skin Health
Choose Hattiesburg Clinic

What causes acne?

Acne, pimples and other skin blemishes occur when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Several factors can contribute to this process, including:

Hormonal changes: Fluctuations during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy or from conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can trigger or worsen acne.

Excess oil production: Overactive sebaceous glands produce more oil which increases the likelihood of clogged pores and pimples.

Bacteria: Bacteria on the skin can inflame clogged follicles.

Diet and lifestyle: High-glycemic foods and dairy products may aggravate acne in some individuals. Stress can also contribute by stimulating oil production and promoting pimple formation.

Medications and products: Certain medications, cosmetics or skin care products can exacerbate acne.

How is acne treated?

How is acne treated?
After a thorough examination by one of our board-certified skin care experts, you will receive a customized acne treatment plan tailored to your skin’s needs. Our goal is to reduce breakouts, prevent scarring and improve skin health.

Treatment options include:

Topical medications: These include prescription-strength retinoids, antibiotics and benzoyl peroxide, which help reduce inflammation, unclog pores and prevent new blemishes.

Oral medications: For moderate to severe acne, oral antibiotics or hormonal therapies such as oral contraceptives, may be prescribed.

In-office procedures: We offer professional treatments to enhance your acne care plan, including chemical peels, blackhead and whitehead removal, and laser therapies.

Acne Scarring and Long-Term Skin Health

For patients dealing with acne scarring, we offer treatments designed to improve skin texture and appearance. Options include:

Microneedling: This minimally invasive procedure stimulates collagen production, reducing the appearance of scars.

Laser resurfacing: For deeper scars, laser treatments can smooth skin texture and minimize discoloration.

Topical therapies: Medical-grade skin care products can help fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and promote skin renewal.

Choose Hattiesburg Clinic for Acne Care

At Hattiesburg Clinic, our dermatology team provides expert, patient-centered care. We take the time to understand your skin concerns and develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. With access to advanced treatments and ongoing support, we help patients reduce acne, prevent pimple flare-ups and improve skin health by minimizing blemishes.

If you are struggling with acne, schedule an appointment with Hattiesburg Clinic today and take the first step toward improved skin health.

Acne Overview

What causes acne?

How is acne treated?

Acne Scarring and Long-Term Skin Health

Choose Hattiesburg Clinic for Acne Care

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