Acne Treatment in Tucson, AZ

Get Rid of Blackheads, Whiteheads, Pustules, Nodules, and Cysts with a Variety of Treatment Options

MEDICAL TREATMENTS
Treatment For

Whiteheads, papules, blackheads, cysts, nodules, and more.

While acne is a common and unpleasant reality for many adolescents, teenagers, and women and men of all ages, with the ability to cause both physical discomfort and decreased self-esteem, it doesn't have to be. Acne treatment in Tucson at Ironwood Dermatology is comprised of a number of different options to address a wide range of types of acne from mild to severe cases.

Some patients with mild acne may be able to improve and/or control the outbreaks with over-the-counter medications, but not all types of acne are responsive to such efforts. Patients suffering from more severe or difficult-to-treat cases can benefit from the expertise of a dermatologist when it comes to acne treatment. Because there are so many effective approaches to acne treatment, the dermatologist can tailor the acne treatment to each individual patient, taking into consideration efficacy, tolerability, and affordability of the various options.

Do You Have Questions?

Request your consultation for acne treatment in Tucson, AZ, with Ironwood Dermatology by calling 520.618.1630.

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Am I a Good Candidate for Acne Treatment in Tucson?

Patients who suffer from acne—including whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts—that fails to respond to nonprescription medication can benefit from the experience and expertise of a dermatologist. Patients of any age, male or female, can and should seek treatment regardless of the severity of the acne.

What Can I Expect During Acne Treatment in Tucson, AZ?

Because many skin conditions can resemble acne, the initial examination and diagnosis is important. Conditions that resemble acne include rosacea, allergic reactions, and basal cell carcinoma, each of which has differing degrees of severity. By obtaining an accurate diagnosis from a dermatologist, patients can achieve the peace of mind that comes with knowing their skin is otherwise healthy. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the next step to acne treatment involves an evaluation of the skin to determine the type, severity and recalcitrance of the acne.

There are a number of possible approaches to acne management. Topical medications are often the first approach. Retinoids are creams and lotions that primarily target comedonal (blackhead and whitehead) acne. These tend to be irritating to the skin, so often the patient applies three times per week increasing to daily applications as the skin adjusts. Because all acne begins with comedones, retinoids are a component of nearly all acne regimens. For more inflammatory acne, topical antibiotics (most commonly clindamycin), benzoyl peroxide, and topical dapsone are added to the regimen to help eliminate the bacteria that contribute to red, inflammatory acne.

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Oral medications tend to be a highly effective form of acne treatment when topical applications are insufficient, or when used in conjunction with topical medications. Oral antibiotics help eliminate bacteria and control inflammation that characterizes moderate to severe acne. Although there are theoretical side effects of oral antibiotics, including nausea and an increase in sun sensitivity, it is important to remember that there are many low dose formulations that significantly minimize these risks. Female patients may also benefit from oral contraceptives and/or spironolactone, which regulate the hormones and their effects on the hair follicles, respectively, that often cause acne breakouts. Patients with severe cases of acne might utilize isotretinoin, which does come with the risk of potentially serious side effects, requiring patients to be monitored by the dermatologist while taking it. However, it is important to know that when used correctly, isotretinoin is a very safe option—and sometimes the only option to stop or prevent scarring.

Light therapy, chemical peels, and localized steroid injections are three viable acne treatment options for patients who need adjuvant treatments to achieve or retain clarity with medications alone.

Acne Treatment Costs in Tucson, AZ

The cost of acne treatment depends largely on which treatment method or methods a patient chooses. Prescription medications can be expensive, but there are many less expensive generic options, and many insurance policies do cover the majority of brand name medications, one way or another. We highly recommend that patients check with their insurance provider to determine which types of acne treatment they cover. For example, some insurance companies cover the cost of prescription medication, but most will not cover a chemical peel, which is considered cosmetic by insurance companies. We work with our patients to develop an acne treatment plan that meets their financial as well as medical needs. Our staff will also go above and beyond to facilitate coverage of medications by providing manufacturer's rebates, filing prior authorizations with insurance companies, and seeking out more affordable specialty pharmacies whenever possible.

Do You Have Questions?

Request your consultation to learn more about acne treatment in Tucson, AZ, with Ironwood Dermatology. Call 520.618.1630.

book a consultation