Acne in Sacramento, CA | Granite Bay Dermatology & Laser Center
Approximately 40-50 million Americans have acne. Acne can occur at any age. It commonly affects teens (up to 85% of U.S. teenagers), but it also commonly affects young and middle-aged adults, in particular, premenopausal women. Factors that make acne worse include: genetics, menstruation, hormones and emotional stress.
Normally, the oil glands help keep the skin lubricated but when these glands are overactive, the pores on the skin can become blocked. This blockage may produce a comedome, a small bump with a top that may be white or black. If it ruptures, the material inside, including oil and bacteria, can spread to the surrounding area and cause an inflammatory reaction. This usually results in an inflamed lesion such as papule (pimple), pustule (pus-filled pimple), or a larger, painful nodule or cyst. Factors that make acne worse include: genetics, menstruation, hormones and emotional stress.
Dr. Scott B. Hearth is a board-certified dermatologist who has been helping patients in Roseville & Granite Bay with their skin conditions for over 15+ years. Dr. Hearth and his staff at Granite Bay Dermatology & Laser Center are experts in acne treatment. With quality care and individualized attention, Dr. Hearth aims to help patients achieve their aesthetic goals through medical dermatology.
Contact Granite Bay Dermatology & Laser Center at (916) 773-3376 or complete our online form to schedule your consultation today! We are dedicated to serving patients in the Roseville, Granite Bay, Sacramento, Rocklin, Lincoln, Auburn, Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Fair Oaks, Carmichael, Citrus Heights, Orangevale, Gold River, Elk Grove, and West Sacramento areas.
Acne Treatments in Roseville, CA
Since acne has many forms, Dr. Hearth can design an individual approach to successfully control your breakouts. Any acne treatment takes time, approximately 4-8 weeks to see significant improvement. Continuing treatment is usually necessary to maintain improvement.
Medication For Acne
Conventional therapy usually includes treatment with topical medications (applied to skin), or a combination of topical and systemic (oral) medications. Oral medications may include antibiotics for moderate to severe acne. Also, certain medications that decrease the effects of male hormones on the skin/oil glands may be helpful for certain women. Isotretinoin (Accutane) is another systemic treatment that may be used for severe, resistant or nodular/cystic acne.
Laser Therapy
More recent advances have allowed us to successfully treat acne with laser and light-based technologies. These treatments are often helpful for mild to moderate acne. It may be an option for those not responding to conventional treatment and for those who would like to avoid oral medications. These treatments include treatment with Blu-U light and PDT (photodynamic therapy). Blue-U light is a unique therapeutic light treatment that treats inflammatory acne by destroying the most common type of bacteria that causes acne. Photodynamic therapy is an acne treatment that utilizes the topical application of a medication (Levulan®) to the skin prior to treatment with a laser or light. The laser or light activates the medication which can destroy the bacteria that cause acne, as well as decrease oil production in the skin.
Microdermabrasion & Chemical Peels
Microdermabrasion and/or superficial chemical peels often boost one’s response to treatments. Acne extractions may also be necessary for optimal improvement. Small injections of cortisone into larger pimples or cysts are often desirable to quickly reduce/resolve stubborn lesions. These treatments are often covered by most insurance plans.
Meet The Expert
Scott B. Hearth, MD, FAAD
Combining his medical knowledge, injection skills and artistic taste for beauty, Dr. Hearth’s priority is to understand his patients’ needs and goals and help them achieve the best results.
