Acne and Eczema: Restore Your Radiant Skin and Enjoy Long-Term Relief
Acne and eczema are skin conditions that impact many people, and if you’re one of them, you know how uncomfortable they can be. While neither condition is life-threatening, both can cause mild to severe physical and emotional distress.
Unfortunately, acne can occur at any age(despite the myth that it’s only a problem for teenagers), and eczema is a chronic condition that can cause lifelong dry, itchy skin. Untreated, both can affect the skin’s appearance and negatively impact our overall health and self-perception. However, at Valley Dermatology in Mesa, AZ our experts offer many solutions to help manage and treat acne and eczema.
At Valley Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, we understand that confidence starts from healthy skin. Acne and eczema can be worrisome and cause embarrassment, discomfort, and even scars. Our goal is to help you achieve healthy, radiant-looking skin.
Dr. Kyle Sanniec, a highly respected, board-certified plastic surgeon with over a decade of experience, offers innovative acne and eczema treatments at his state-of-the-art offices in Mesa and Glendale, AZ. His team delivers compassionate, personalized skincare to help you navigate your options.
Are you interested in learning how acne and eczema treatments can deliver relief and boost your confidence? Contact us at (623) 937-8969 or complete our online form to request your consultation to begin your skin restoration journey today!
What Is Acne?
Acne is a skin condition influenced by genetics and hormones. While acne may be linked to excess oil production, clogged pores, bacteria, and inflammation, its exact cause is not definitively known. It varies in severity, and multiple factors can exacerbate it. Typically, it affects the face, chest, shoulders, neck, and back, but it can also appear on the trunk, arms, legs, or buttocks.
While acne can occur at any age, it is most prevalent among adolescents during puberty. Despite early treatment, acne may influence the skin’s appearance and impact self-confidence and self-esteem.
Common causes of acne are pores and hair follicles that accumulate oils and dead skin cells. Bacteria thrive in these clogged pores, leading to pimple formation and inflammation. Acne can appear as whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. Nodular and cystic acne can be quite painful and lead to scarring without treatment.
Remedies often include topical or oral medications, but stubborn acne typically responds well to laser therapy, other gentle light therapies, and even customized facials. Typically, it takes 4 to 8 weeks to see significant improvement following acne treatment. Often, continued therapy is necessary to keep skin clear and free of breakouts.
What Is Eczema?
Eczema is a skin condition that causes dry, irritated, itchy skin. It can occur at any age. Eczema can result in microscopic cracks in the skin barrier that make it difficult for your skin to retain moisture, making it even drier. Without treatment, eczema worsens, leading to inflamed, red, and scaly skin. Effective therapy involves managing acute flares, avoiding your unique environmental triggers, and maintaining long-term control.
While there is no cure for eczema, symptoms are manageable with treatments that may involve balms or creams, topical or systemic medications, light therapy, or a combination of therapies.
When Should You Seek Treatment for Acne or Eczema?
This decision differs for everyone, but here are some common scenarios in which you should consider seeking treatment for your acne.
- When acne causes pain, scarring, or infections: Severe forms of acne, including cystic acne, often require prescription medications and treatments to minimize scarring and prevent further complications.
- When acne impacts your quality of life: If acne causes significant distress, anxiety, or depression, seeking treatment is advised.
- If you suspect a medical condition is causing your acne: If you observe new acne following the start of a new medication, or if it is associated with hormonal changes, consult a healthcare professional.
- When you are concerned about scarring or pigmentation: Treating acne can help prevent scarring and address acne-related pigmentation concerns.
If your eczema symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsen despite over-the-counter treatments, seek medical help. If you suspect an infection, get help immediately.
Severe Symptoms
Seek help if eczema causes significant discomfort, interrupts sleep or daily activities, and doesn’t improve after a few weeks of home remedies.
Suspected Infection
Look for pus, red streaks, or yellow scabs, and get immediate medical attention.
Worsening Condition
Consult a medical professional if symptoms worsen or new ones develop despite treatment.
Treatment Failure
If topical steroids or other treatments fail, seek specialized care.
Family History
With a family history of eczema, atopic dermatitis, asthma, or hay fever, seek specialized care from a medical professional.
Uncertain Diagnosis
Schedule a consultation to determine if your symptoms are due to eczema or another skin condition.
Acne Treatments in Glendale, AZ
When over-the-counter treatments are ineffective, professional acne treatments may include topical medications, chemical peels, and laser therapies that are recommended and administered by a healthcare professional like Dr. Sanniec. These treatments target various aspects of acne, such as inflammation, bacterial infection, and scar formation.
Acne treatments can include:
- Topical treatments: Over-the-counter and prescription creams containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or azelaic acid can exfoliate the skin and unclog pores to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.
- Topical retinoids: Medications like tretinoin help unclog pores to reduce inflammation.
- Oral medications: Antibiotics may be prescribed in severe cases to help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. Isotretinoin (Accutane) is a powerful acne medication that may have severe side effects. For women, oral contraceptives that block hormones can help reduce oil production and acne. For these reasons, it’s essential to discuss your options and treatment goals when deciding how you want to treat your acne.
- Lifestyle changes: Consuming a balanced diet and reducing stress can help manage acne.
Procedures to help reduce acne and improve skin health include:
Corticosteroid Injections
These injections reduce inflammation and pain in cystic acne.
Chemical Peels
These treatments exfoliate the skin by removing dead skin cells that can clog pores and reduce inflammation.
Laser and Light-Based Therapies
These therapies, including photodynamic therapy, reduce redness, skin discoloration, and scarring.
Acne Extraction
This procedure manually unclogs pores by removing blackheads and whiteheads.
Eczema Treatments in Glendale, AZ
Eczema is a chronic skin condition, causing inflammation, itching, and dryness. While there is no cure for eczema, it can often be managed with medications and treatments. Treatment options depend on the severity of your eczema.
Common interventions include:
- Topical treatments: corticosteroids, immune-suppressing ointments, or anti-inflammatory meds
- Systemic treatment: antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, or antihistamine medications
- Photodynamic therapy
- UV light therapy
- Emollients and moisturizers
- Avoiding environmental triggers
Why Choose Valley Dermatology and Plastic Surgery in Glendale, AZ?
At Valley Dermatology, our team of experienced dermatology providers takes a patient-centered, detail-oriented approach to skin health and aesthetics. Under the direction of Dr. Kyle Sanniec, a board-certified plastic surgeon, we offer trusted guidance and safe, effective treatments tailored to your individual needs. With years of combined expertise and a commitment to the latest advancements in dermatologic care, our providers deliver high-quality, personalized care in a welcoming, comfortable setting. At convenient locations in Scottsdale, Mesa, and Glendale, you’ll receive personalized care tailored to your needs.
Ready to Learn More? Schedule Your Acne and Eczema Consultation Today!
Reclaim your skin’s healthy appearance with innovative acne and eczema treatments in Mesa, AZ. With multiple treatment options, Dr. Kyle Sanniec and his expert team can help restore your look and boost your confidence.
Reserve your consultation or call (623) 937-8969 today at one of Dr. Sanniec’s offices in Mesa or Glendale to discover how acne and eczema treatment can benefit you.
