If you are an adult dealing with frustrating hormonal acne breakouts, chances are you’ve already been on the hunt for treatment options that work. Hormonal acne is defined as acne breakouts resulting from changes in your hormones. While it’s more common during puberty, these breakouts can occur well into adulthood, leaving you embarrassed by sudden pimples or even painful cysts. At DSA Dermatology in Plano, Texas, we have years of experience successfully treating hormonal acne breakouts.
What does hormonal acne look like?
During puberty, hormonal acne often occurs on the areas of the face known as the T-zone, which includes the forehead, nose, and chin. For adults, hormonal acne will often appear on the cheeks and along the jawline. These acne breakouts can appear as small pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, or even painful cysts that form deep under the skin.
Androgens, a group of sex hormones including testosterone, can cause overproduction of sebum (oil) in the skin glands, which clogs the hair follicles and can also lead to the production of acne-causing bacteria.
Treatment for hormonal acne
Most cases of hormonal acne cannot be resolved with over-the-counter medications and will require a prescription from a doctor. The following treatments may be recommended to address hormonal acne:
- Oral Contraceptives – Birth control can be a great option to treat acne for women who are healthy and also in need of contraception. Birth control pills containing both estrogen and progesterone can help control and lower the amount of androgens in the body, decreasing sebum production and reducing acne breakouts.
- Anti-Androgen Medications – Anti-androgen medications can be used in both men and women to decrease the male hormone androgen. Spironolactone, a high blood pressure medication, has been proven effective in lowering androgen and improving hormone stabilization to reduce breakouts.
- Retinoids – Topical retinoids are a good option for mild cases of hormonal acne. These creams are available over-the-counter or in prescription strength from your doctor. Individuals using retinoids should take to utilizing sunscreen daily.
How much does hormonal acne treatment cost?
The cost of treatment varies depending on the type of medication or therapy used. Individuals may need to go through several options before finding a treatment or combination of treatments that work. At DSA Dermatology in Plano, our team will walk you through every step of the process to help clear up your skin.
To schedule a consultation, please call us at (972) 362-9567.
Why Choose DSA Dermatology?
At DSA Dermatology, we bring to you the best of not one but three leading dermatologists in Plano TX,
At DSA Dermatology, we bring to you the best of not one but three leading dermatologists in Plano TX, Dr. Daniel S. Achtman, Dr. Carmine G. McConnell and Dr. Jordan. Achtman.
Dr. Achtman is a board-certified Dermatologist with over three decades of experience. Having graduated from the medical school of McMaster University, he also studied at the UTSW Medical Center in Dallas, TX where he also served as Chief Resident in the Department of Dermatology. In addition to possessing extensive training and experience in cosmetic enhancement techniques, Dr. Achtman is widely known as a leading expert in the diagnosis and treatment of various skin cancers. He is an active member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Dr. Achtman goes the extra mile to understand your medical concerns and to ensure that he helps you meet your unique aesthetic goals.
Dr. Carmine G. McConnell is a board-certified physician in Plano TX. Having been trained at McMaster University, Canada, she went on to earn her board certification in Texas. Having served as Chief of Staff of her department at Plano Medical Center, she has over two decades of experience in practicing medicine in her practice and while assisting Dr. Achtman in the practice of dermatology. In addition to her extensive postgraduate training in laser therapy and aesthetic surgery, among other procedures, she possesses vast experience in both cosmetic dermatological techniques and family medicine. As a conscientious and caring physician, Dr. McConnell provides her patients with customized non-surgical treatments to help address health and aesthetic concerns related to the skin. She is also keen on helping patients understand their skin and how it can be cared for and protected.
Dr. Jordan Achtman is a board-certified dermatologist in DSA Dermatology at Plano, TX. Dr. J. Achtman graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and completed his residency in dermatology at UT Southwestern. His expertise spans general, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. J. Achtman also has various special interests including chronic itch, infectious diseases of the skin, and the relationship between mental health and skin health. He is also very keen on helping patients form healthy skincare regimens and habits. In the hands of Dr. J. Achtman, you can be assured of innovative and cutting edge solutions for all your skin concerns.