Acne
Some factors that can cause acne include the clogging pores from dead skin cells, the overproduction of oil by sebaceous glands and inflammation caused by bacteria in the pores. In addition, hormonal fluctuations, environmental factors (such as make-up, sweat from exercise, dirt and climate) and diet can also contribute to acne.
SYMPTOMS
Acne is comprised of many types of lesions including, inflammatory papules (red bumps on the skin surface), pustules (also known as whiteheads), open & closed comedones, cysts (soft lumps just below the skin surface) and nodules (large, hard lumps deeper below the skin surface).
TREATMENTS
There are numerous ways to treat acne. There are topical treatments such as retinoids, prescription-strength benzoyl peroxide and antibiotics as well as oral treatments like antibiotics, Accutane and hormone modulators. In addition, certain light treatments, lasers, chemical peels, injections and acne extractions (sometimes referred to as “acne surgery”), are also effective means of treating acne.
Rosacea Near North Bethesda, MD
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes a red, papular and/or pustular rash on the central face. Rosacea is more common in fair skinned, middle-aged people of Celtic or Scandinavian ancestry. The etiology of rosacea is multifactorial and includes genetics, vascular and inflammatory elements, environmental factors and years of excessive UV radiation (sunlight) exposure. It is also theorized that mites, called Demodex, may play a role as they are often observed in biopsies of rosacea.
Symptoms
Rosacea typically presents with red papules and pustules on the central face (nose, cheeks, chin). While it resembles acne, in rosacea there is an absence of open comedones, cysts or nodules. In addition, rosacea causes erythema in the form of broken blood vessels, called telangiectasias, and flushing which is exacerbated by alcohol, hot or spicy food and sunlight. One may also have, dry, sensitive facial skin that becomes inflamed and stings from various topical creams and make-up. Rosacea can also affect the eyes. Patients with ocular rosacea will complain of a persistent dry or gritty feeling in their eyes.
Treatments
Treatment of rosacea includes preventative measures such as reducing sun and heat exposure, avoiding triggers such as hot, spicy foods, alcohol and certain cosmetics. Topical treatments for rosacea include sunscreen and certain medications such as metronidazole and azelaic acid creams which are anti-inflammatory. Topical ivermectin kills Demodex mites and also has anti-inflammatory properties. Topical calcineuron inhibitors, such as Elidel and Protopic, are also effective anti-inflammatory agents. Systemic treatments include intermittent courses of tetracycline antibiotics (tetracycline, doxycycline and minocycline). In more severe or refractory cases, a course of Accutane will help immensely.
Dermatology
*This webpage is for informational purposes and is not intended to be, and should not be relied upon as, medical advice. Any medical concerns should be addressed with a physician.
ACNE-ROSACEA 20810, 20811, 20813, 20814, 20815, 20816, 20817, 20824 20851, 20852
Bethesda is in southern Montgomery County, Maryland, just northwest of Washington, D.C. It takes its name from a local church, the Bethesda Meeting House (1820, rebuilt 1849), which in turn took its name from Jerusalem's Pool of Bethesda. North Bethesda has 14 neighborhoods, the centrally-located, urbanizing district of White Flint is the commercial and residential hub of North Bethesda. The Pike & Rose development and the Pike District is an initiative of Montgomery County to brand and market this region as "North Bethesda's Urban Core".