Acne Care

Accutane, or isotretinoin, is a retinoid medication prescribed for treating severe, nodular, or cystic acne that doesn’t respond well to less aggressive treatments. It’s also helpful for treating blackheads and whiteheads and controlling skin oil production. Since it can cause some side effects, such as the Accutane purge, at Dallas Dermatology Partners, we ensure that we have your complete medical history and that you are fully informed. Accutane not only helps with cystic acne but also oil production, blackheads and whiteheads, resulting in clear, smooth skin.

The Accutane Purge

As noted, one of the possible side effects of Accutane acne treatment is the Accutane purge. It doesn’t happen to every patient, but it is a possibility. When a patient first takes isotretinoin, the skin can experience a flare-up, leading to a severe acne breakout. Usually, this occurs within the first month of using Accutane, and it may last several weeks. After the initial flare-up, your symptoms should subside, and your skin should begin to clear up considerably.

If you experience an Accutane purge, call your dermatologist to discuss it. In some cases, additional medications may be available to help mitigate the effects, or your dermatologist may recommend switching to a lower dose of Accutane while your body adjusts to it.

Other Possible Accutane Side Effects

Even if you don’t experience the Accutane purge, it’s still possible to experience other side effects while on this treatment. These side effects won’t affect everyone who uses it, and serious side effects are rare and may include the following:

• Dryness of the skin, nose, lips, or eyes
• Mild itching or skin rash
• Headaches
• Dry mouth or throat
• Muscle aches

If you experience any of the above, our clinicians at Dallas Dermatology Partners are here to answer any questions you may have. Overall, most patients are unlikely to experience serious side effects. In fact, one of our board-certified dermatologists, Dr. Lauren Dickson, has used Accutane herself with excellent results.

Results and Aftercare

Accutane is a powerful medication used on a short-term basis. Most people take it for six to eight months. You may begin seeing results as early as one month. Many people may never need to take Accutane again because it is the closest thing to a permanent cure for acne that we have. Others report complete relief from cystic acne after a second course of isotretinoin. Rarely, others may require a third course.

Following your aftercare recommendations can help you enjoy optimal results. Our dermatologists recommend a skincare regimen including gentle skin cleanser, liberal amounts of skin moisturizer, and sunscreen.

Explore Innovative Acne Treatments in Dallas

Dallas Dermatology Partners is a leading provider of innovative treatments for common skin concerns, including cystic acne. Our acne dermatologist in Dallas will carefully review your medical history to determine if Accutane could be an appropriate treatment for you. We pride ourselves on providing comprehensive patient education so you can make informed decisions about your health. Contact us today to request your Dallas dermatology appointment.

Accutane is a powerful medication that is known for its ability to treat and clear nearly all forms of acne, particularly severe cases of acne that don’t respond to other treatments. It is the closest medication we have to a cure for acne. Because of this, many patients, dermatologists, and other physicians find that treatment is often worth the risk of potential adverse effects. In addition, most patients who complete a full course of Accutane never get acne again. However, of there is a strong genetic predisposition to acne or severe acne, a second or even a third course may be needed after several years.

However, determining whether Accutane is right for you ultimately comes does to what risks you and your physician feel are worth the benefits and relief of effectively treating and clearing your acne.

How does Accutane work?

Accutane is a vitamin A derivative taken orally. It is typically prescribed to treat moderate to severe acne, particularly when scarring is present, or acne that has not responded well to other treatments. It is also used in some cases to prevent skin cancer and treat other forms of cancer.

The main ingredient of Accutane is Isotretinoin, a synthetic Vitamin A (retinoid), and works by targeting multiple factors that contribute to acne development, such as:

• Reducing Sebum Production: One of the primary causes of acne is the overproduction of sebum, an oily substance produced by the skin’s sebaceous glands. Accutane works by decreasing the size and activity of these glands, leading to a significant reduction in sebum production.
• Preventing Clogged Pores: Excess sebum production can lead to clogged hair follicles, creating an environment where bacteria thrive and acne lesions form. By reducing sebum production, Accutane helps prevent the blockage of pores.
• Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Accutane has anti-inflammatory properties that help calm the inflammation associated with acne. This is particularly important for cystic acne, which is characterized by deep, painful lesions.
• Normalizing Skin Cell Turnover: Accutane promotes a more normal shedding of skin cells, preventing them from clogging pores. This contributes to the overall reduction of acne lesions.
• Targeting Acne-Causing Bacteria: While not its primary mode of action, Accutane can also have an impact on the bacteria that contribute to acne, particularly Propionibacterium acnes. By reducing sebum production, the environment becomes less favorable for bacterial growth.

Side Effects of Accutane

If you are seeking Accutane treatment in Dallas for your stubborn acne, it is important to understand that it does come with some risks and potential adverse effects. This is why many physicians may try exploring other treatment options before prescribing Accutane.

Common side effects of Accutane include:

• Dry, itching skin
• Chapped lips
• Dry eyes
• Dry nasal passages or mild nosebleeds
• Joint and muscle pain
• Skin rash

There is also the smaller risk of more serious side effects, such as pregnancy and birth complications, liver problems, vision and hearing complications, stomach issues, depression, and in very rare cases, life threatening complications. Thinning hair is also a potential side effect but rarely occurs unless Accutane is used for longer than one year.

Balancing The Risks of Accutane

Like virtually all modern medicines, there are risks that come with benefits. Discussing Accutane with your doctor is the best way to determine whether the acne treatment drug is right for you. Together, you and your physician will review your medical history and determine how large of risk the potential adverse effects may have on your health.

At Dallas Dermatology Partners, we understand that choosing the right acne treatment is a significant decision. Our team of experienced dermatologists is dedicated to providing personalized care and strive to be your trusted source for acne treatment in Dallas.

Schedule a Dallas dermatology appointment with us today and start your journey to clearer, healthier skin.

Yes, Accutane acne treatment can effectively defeat severe cases. Most of the time, the results are permanent. However, there still may be breakouts, but they should be minor. However, it’s important to note that every patient reacts to medications differently. In addition, Accutane isn’t necessarily an appropriate choice for every patient.

At Dallas Dermatology Partners, we will carefully review your up-to-date medical history, including a list of medications and supplements, to determine if this treatment is a good fit for you.

What Is Accutane Acne Treatment?

Accutane is a prescription medication for severe nodulocystic acne, which isn’t like other types of acne.

It’s an inflammatory form that causes the characteristic red bumps and large, hard lumps (nodules). Nodules can persist for weeks or months and can be quite painful. Furthermore, it is associated with severe scarring. Cystic acne with nodules doesn’t clear up on its own or with standard, over-the-counter (OTC) acne products. It requires treatment from a dermatologist.

Accutane is a highly effective prescription medication for this severe type of acne. Although the brand name product, Accutane, was taken off the market, its generic form, isotretinoin, is still available.

Are Accutane Results Permanent?

Accutane doesn’t work in the same way that most acne medications do. OTC products, for example, have to be used continuously or as spot treatments, and breakouts will typically continue to occur.

In contrast, after a course of treatment with isotretinoin, most patients will never see a severe breakout of nodulocystic acne again, and many enjoy complete, permanent clearing of acne.

However, these patients may experience mild breakouts from time to time, such as whiteheads and blackheads. These non-nodulocystic acne breakouts can be addressed with topical medications.

It is possible, though not typical, for some patients to experience a breakout of nodulocystic acne after completing their course of Accutane. If this happens to you, your dermatologist may recommend a second course of isotretinoin treatment to permanently clear up your acne.

What to Expect From Accutane Treatment

Isotretinoin is a highly effective medication, but it’s important to follow the dermatologist’s dosage instructions carefully. In most cases, our team prescribes a course of treatment that lasts four to five months. Sometimes, we may recommend six months.

Please let your dermatologist know if you experience troublesome side effects while taking Accutane. You may need a lower dosage of the medication. Even at a lower dosage, however, isotretinoin is still highly effective and can result in permanent skin clearing of severe acne.

Schedule a Consult for Accutane Today

Your skin is unique, and your skincare plan should be, too. At Dallas Dermatology Partners, we take pride in developing innovative, highly personalized treatment plans for each patient.

Our highly trained acne dermatologists in Dallas use tried-and-true and cutting-edge treatments to help our patients achieve better skin health. To find out if Accutane is an appropriate choice, you can schedule a Dallas dermatology appointment at our office.

Roughly 90 percent of people experience acne breakouts as adolescents or adults. The majority of these blemishes heal without dark spots or scarring. But some acne can result in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), where the body produces excess melanin, causing patches of skin that appear brown, pink, or red.

If you are struggling with post-acne marks and discoloration, there are a variety of non-invasive treatments that can fade stubborn pigmentation and improve texture. At Dallas Dermatology Partners, we offer quick, effective treatments that target everything from PIH to acne scarring.

Laser Resurfacing & Broadband Light (BBL)

Several cutting-edge laser and broadband light treatments target PIH and moderate scarring from breakouts. These devices are precisely calibrated to reduce excess pigment and stimulate collagen production. The primary advantage of laser resurfacing for post-acne marks is the excellent results with minimal downtime.

Correcting acne scars and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is never a one size fits all approach. Our practice utilizes the following devices to address post-breakout skin imperfections.

Halo Laser: This fractional hybrid laser delivers impressive results with fewer treatments. Safe for most skin types, the Halo combines ablative and non-ablative wavelengths to banish discoloration and trigger collagen production.

Contour TRL: Those with moderate acne scarring may benefit from this ablative Erbium laser treatment. The tunable resurfacing laser removes the outermost damaged layer of skin. It can also be adjusted for a shallower treatment, known as a micro laser peel.

BBL Hero: BBL Hero harnesses the power of broadband light to treat dark spots and scarring caused by acne. One of the benefits of BBL Hero is that it’s four times faster and three times more powerful than standard IPL.

Moxi Laser: The Sciton Moxi is one of the only lasers that can safely correct post-inflammatory pigmentation in patients with darker skin tones. Moxi oX5 delivers non-ablative laser energy below the epidermis to eliminate discoloration and smooth textural problems.

BBL Photofacial: This phototherapy can be fine-tuned to reverse the negative cell changes triggered by post-acne inflammation. The treatment is gentle and requires zero downtime. Most patients will need a series of 3-5 sessions.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are acid solutions that loosen cells that form the “glue” within the skin. This exfoliation process improves the appearance of shallow scars and dark spots left from breakouts. Chemical peels are customized to accommodate specific concerns, skin tone, and sensitivity. For example, our dermatologists may recommend a glycolic acid or a VI peel to correct acne-related imperfections and post-inflammatory pigmentation.

Get the Glowing Skin You Deserve

There are several effective options for post-acne that will leave you with healthy, glowing skin. Schedule a Dallas dermatology appointment to discuss the best approach for amazing results. Our board-certified dermatologists are the best in their field and offer a full range of chemical peels, BBL photofacials, and laser treatments.

Have additional questions about our cosmetic dermatology services? Contact us today!

Bacne, or acne on your back, happens to all of us at some point in our lives. The good news is that you don’t have to wait for these hard-to-reach blemishes to clear on their own. The first step to treating breakouts on your back is understanding what causes them.

What causes back acne?

Just like breakouts on the face, bacne stems from clogged pores. These blockages are caused by oil, sweat, dead skin cells, and bacteria that get trapped, creating inflammation. One of the most prevalent causes of back acne is contact with sweat-soaked clothes after exercise. Oils and bacteria seep into hair follicles on the back, resulting in pimples and comedones.

Friction is another cause of bacne. Also known as acne mechanica, it is often associated with backpacks, sporting equipment, or tight, nonabsorbent materials that rub against the skin, pushing oil and sweat into the pores.

Pubescent hormones and certain skincare products can also contribute to the development of back acne, manifesting as pimples, cysts, blackheads, or nodules.

Bacne tips for treatment at home

The same actives that treat acne on your face, like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, can also help diminish back acne. These ingredients are effective for three reasons. First, they dissolve dead skin cells that build up and block pores. Next, they also target acne-causing bacteria and help to reduce inflammation. Finally, gentle chemical exfoliation keeps pores open and clean, reducing flare-ups.

You can also lower the risk of getting back acne by:

• Wear moisture-wicking material while working out
• Showering quickly after exercise
• Avoid wearing tight clothing that can cause friction
• Use oil-free skin products that are labeled “non-comedogenic.”
• Avoid wearing a backpack or carrying heavy items that rub against your skin
• Do not use loofahs or abrasive scrubs that can irritate bacne
• Using topical acne treatments to alleviate inflammation
• Moisturize the skin to prevent excess sebum production
• Do not pick

Specific skin care products and lifestyle changes can be beneficial for treating mild bacne. However, if it worsens or doesn’t respond to over-the-counter products over a period of two months, it’s time to schedule a consultation with your dermatologist.

When to see your dermatologist

There are many causes of breakouts on the body and back, and some cannot be effectively managed at home. However, a dermatologist can diagnose and prescribe treatments that clear up severe breakouts, whether caused by environmental factors, changing hormones, or other causes.

The goal of acne treatment in Dallas is to reduce sebum production, exfoliate the skin and eliminate pimple-causing bacteria. A personalized treatment plan may involve a short-term prescription for oral antibiotics, Isotretinoin, hormonal therapy, concentrated topicals, a series of chemical peels, and laser treatments.

Bacne treatment in Dallas

Waiting for stubborn bacne to clear on its own can be trying. Without intervention and dermatologist-guided treatment, back acne can lead to embarrassment and scarring in more severe cases.

Our board-certified doctors can tailor a Dallas bacne treatment that targets the causes of your breakouts and suits your unique needs. You don’t have to live with painful and unsightly acne anymore. Contact us today to schedule a private consultation.

Painful pustules, blackheads, and deep cysts that develop during adulthood are often attributed to hormonal and genetic factors. Hormonal acne is more predominant in women, thanks to fluctuations in estrogen, androgens, and progesterone during monthly cycles and pregnancy. These breakouts are usually inflammatory in nature and can be challenging to treat with over-the-counter products.

Causes of hormonal acne

Fluctuating hormones cause the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. This oily substance accumulates with environmental pollutants and bacteria, clogging the pores. Typically, breakouts occur on the lower third of the face and are most prominent just before the menstrual cycle, when testosterone levels rise.

Another culprit of hormonal acne is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). This condition is most common during a woman’s reproductive years. It causes a hormonal fluctuation that increases the intensity and duration of menstrual cycles, resulting in painful breakouts along the chin, cheeks, and jawline.

Worsening of hormonal acne can also occur during perimenopause and in women taking progestin-based oral contraceptives. This adult-onset acne takes many forms and can develop as papules, pustules, blackheads, whiteheads, and deep cysts.

Treatments for hormonal acne

There are a variety of options for treating hormonal acne. Dermatologists may recommend any of the following therapies to get periodic breakouts under control:

• Reduce stress as it triggers the body’s inflammatory response. Inflammation is usually the root of most hormonal acne
• A healthy sleep routine is important as it helps the body restore and ensure hormonal systems are properly functioning
• Use a preventative skincare routine that incorporates retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids to promote skin cell turnover and prevent pores from being clogged with dead skin cells, sebum, and debris.
• Take oral contraceptives that work to balance hormones and decrease androgen levels or prescription medications that mitigate the effect of androgen hormones on the sebaceous gland
• Consider dietary changes. Research has shown that dairy products and refined foods that are high in sugar can cause androgen or insulin levels to spike, resulting in inflammation and excess oil production
• Pay attention to gut health by taking a quality prebiotic or probiotic supplements

When to see your dermatologist

If at-home regimens have failed to produce any measurable improvements or your breakouts are getting worse, it’s time to see a dermatologist who can evaluate your skin and determine the best acne treatment options.

Our doctors will assess numerous factors to formulate a personalized treatment plan, including the severity of your acne, reactions to previous treatments, skin type, and candidacy for prescription medications. Some patients may also benefit from chemical peels and phototherapy to curb hormonal acne.
Ready to discuss hormonal acne treatment options that are tailored just for you? Schedule a Dallas dermatology appointment today.

Acne is typically not something individuals outgrow. In fact, many people are blemish-free during their teenage years, only to develop painful breakouts as adults. Many factors can cause adult acne, and the quickest way to resolve it is by consulting with a skilled adult acne dermatologist.

Dallas Dermatology Partners can prescribe a personalized treatment plan to manage severe adult acne. After a thorough evaluation to determine if your breakouts are caused by fluctuating hormones, stress, medication, or genetic predisposition, we can recommend a therapy tailored to your needs.

Types of Adult Acne

Adult acne tends to affect women more than men and can manifest in any of the following ways:

• Papules and pustules – inflammatory lesions that result in scarring if picked at.
• Blackheads and whiteheads – hair follicles that are clogged with dead skin and oil. Whiteheads are closed comedones while blackheads are open. Comedonal acne usually results from an overproduction of sebum.
• Cystic acne – a severe type of acne characterized by tender pus-filled cysts deep under the skin–also prone to scarring
• Nodules – solid, hard pimples that form under the skin. Nodules can become inflamed and very painful.
• Acne rosacea – red, inflamed bumps are the hallmark of acne rosacea

Any adult acne can negatively affect confidence and self-esteem. It’s best to consult with our dermatologists to determine the most appropriate acne treatment in Dallas.

Adult Acne Treatment Options

Adult acne treatments are designed to address the underlying problem, whether it’s excessive sebum production, inflammation, bacterial infection, or a lack of skin cell turnover. The following are some of the acne treatments offered in our Dallas practice:

• Topicals – Medical grade skincare products containing tretinoin, AHA, Vitamin C, and other potent ingredients can prevent occlusion of pores, minimize inflammation, repair the skin barrier, and support healthy exfoliation
• Prescriptions – Oral antibiotics and prescription medications may be indicated in severe acne cases. These aim to reduce oil gland production while reducing bacterial infection.
• Chemical Peels – A chemical peel for acne exfoliates the outer layer of skin and reduces the appearance of superficial scars. Peels can deliver impressive results in improving skin elasticity, texture, and tone.
• Glycolic Peels – These gentle peels use a mild alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
• Peels for post-inflammatory pigmentation – A custom chemical peel accelerates the skin renewal process and eliminates dark spots caused by acne lesions.
• Diamond Glow Facial – The Diamond Glow microdermabrasion for acne is the gold-star treatment for smoothing texture, improving clarity, and reducing skin congestion. The Diamond Glow device extracts, buffs away dead skin cells, and delivers medical-grade products into the skin.

Adult Acne Dermatologists in Dallas

Improve your complexion, stop breakouts, and prevent scarring from adult acne by booking your Dallas Dermatology appointment today.

Cystic acne can seriously impact self-esteem. Characterized by inflammation deep in the skin, these large cysts are painful. If ignored, it can take weeks to disappear and may even leave behind scars. If you’re looking for effective cystic acne treatment, read on to find out what dermatologists recommend to target the cause and prevent future breakouts.

What is Cystic Acne?

Cystic acne is the most severe form of acne that causes tender, fluid-filled cysts to form deep under the skin. Unlike pimples that contain a core of dead skin cells and pus, cystic acne cannot be popped, and any picking will usually cause trauma, more inflammation, and scarring.

Cystic acne typically shows up on the face but can also develop on the shoulders, chest, back, and neck. An acne cyst starts as a tender bump under the skin and may resemble a boil. These oil and bacteria-filled cysts will grow bigger and more inflamed over time. Therefore, early treatment is crucial when it comes to helping the skin recover.

What Causes Cystic Acne?

There is no single cause of cystic acne, but like all types of blemishes, the problem starts with a clogged pore. When dead skin cells, bacteria, and oils get trapped in the sebaceous glands, the result is inflammation and a tender, infected lump. In addition, certain cosmetics and skincare products can clog pores, increasing the chances of a flare-up.

Genetics is another factor to consider. If your parents and older siblings had cystic acne at some point, there is a high likelihood that you will also develop it.

Perhaps the biggest culprit for cystic acne breakouts is fluctuating hormones. Surges in testosterone and estrogen during puberty can cause cystic acne, as can hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and menopause. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) creates excess androgen hormones that can also cause it.

It is not caused by poor dietary choices, though some foods may trigger inflammation more than others. If you notice a link between certain meals and acne breakouts, let your dermatologist know.

How to Treat Cystic Acne?

Home remedies and over-the-counter products are rarely effective for managing cystic acne. So, if you’ve tried everything and are wondering how to get rid of it, it’s time to see a board-certified dermatologist who can prescribe a personalized treatment plan.

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for it. Instead, your dermatologist will determine the best course of action after determining the underlying causes of your acne.

A cystic acne treatment plan may incorporate one or several of these therapies:

• Prescription antibiotics such as doxycycline taken orally to address infection and inflammation
• Corticosteroid injections that quickly shrink cysts
• Spironolactone oral medication to clear up hormone-related cystic acne
• Oral retinoids to reduce oil gland secretions
• Birth control pills to regulate hormones that trigger acne cysts
• Topical retinoid creams or gels to encourage skin exfoliation

Acne Dermatologist in Dallas

If you’re suffering from under-the-skin cystic breakouts, an acne treatment dermatologist can prescribe a treatment plan that works. At Dallas Dermatology Partners, we are dedicated to providing quality patient care in a caring and supportive environment. Contact us today for an appointment.