Acne Specialist
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Southwest Family Medicine Associates
Family Medicine Physicians & Physician Assistants located in Dallas, TX
Chronic skin conditions, like acne and hidradenitis, not only affect the health of your skin but can cause you embarrassment and persistent pain. At Southwest Family Medicine Associates in Dallas, the skilled physicians are experienced in diagnosing and treating acne, hidradenitis, and other conditions that affect the look and health of your skin without medications. To find out more about comprehensive laser treatments for acne and hidradenitis, book a free consultation by clicking the request appointment button today and select Cheryl McLeod, our Laser Technician. You can also text our office at 214.393.6863 or call Cheryl directly at 469.893.1244 or our main office number at 214.393.2940.
Acne Q & A
What is acne?
Acne is a condition that develops when the hair follicles in your skin become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. This blockage causes raised pimples to form on your skin, most often on your:
- Face
- Chest
- Shoulders
- Upper back
Acne flare-ups can be severe and affect how you feel about your appearance. Without proper treatment and a good skin care regimen, you can develop long-lasting scars.
What is hidradenitis?
Hidradenitis is a skin condition that causes small lumps to form under your skin. These lumps can break open and cause tunnels to form under your skin, leading to pain and scarring.
While the lumps can form anywhere on the skin, hidradenitis most often develops in areas of the body that rub together, such as your:
- Groin
- Breasts
- Armpits
- Buttocks
Hidradenitis is a chronic condition, typically starting after puberty and worsening over time.
How are acne and hidradenitis diagnosed?
During your evaluation, your Southwest Family Medicine Associates provider reviews your medical history and examines your skin.
In many cases, they can determine if your symptoms relate to acne or hidradenitis based on a physical exam. If your symptoms are severe, you may need to undergo laboratory testing to ensure there’s no infection present.
What treatments are available for acne and hidradenitis?
The goal of treating acne is to prevent flare-ups and reduce your risk of long-term scarring. Your Southwest Family Medicine Associates provider may recommend skin care products to carefully cleanse excess oils from your face and keep skin hydrated. You may also benefit from laser treatments with Fotona laser technology that removes the surface layer of skin to reduce the severity of your acne and address existing acne scars.
Treating hidradenitis with laser technology can control your symptoms and prevent additional skin complications. In severe cases of hidradenitis, your Southwest Family Medicine Associates provider may recommend laser surgery to remove tissue covering the tunnels and stimulate new collagen to improve your skin’s health.
In addition to treating your condition, your Southwest Family Medicine Associates provider can discuss your diet and lifestyle habits to reduce the risk for acne and hidradenitis flare-ups. They can also suggest high-quality skin care products to keep skin clean and healthy.
If you need help controlling acne or treating symptoms of hidradenitis, schedule a skin consultation at Southwest Family Medicine Associates today using the online booking feature or by calling the office.