Zits. Pimples. Whiteheads. Pus. Blackheads. When it comes to acne, people have chosen some pretty tough words to describe it.
“If there is one condition that almost all of our patients can relate to, it’s acne,” says Dr. Daniel Peraza. “Who hasn’t been an adolescent, a boyfriend or a girlfriend, an adult, or a parent and had to deal with the challenges of acne?”
The acne patients we see at Peraza Dermatology Group run the gamut from young to old, male to female. Mostly, they want to get their acne under control as quickly as possible. As such, they want to know about all the treatments available.
Over the past few years, we have seen a marked uptick in patients asking if there are alternatives to creams and pills to manage their acne. Blue light is one tool that can deliver results.
According to one study, “patients treated with a type of light therapy called photodynamic therapy (PDT) had 50% fewer spots at the end of the 4-week treatment period. Twelve weeks after the last treatment, they had a 72% reduction.”
At Peraza Dermatology Group, we offer PDT, which has helped some patients remain clear for years after treatment. The procedure is easy with minimal discomfort; patients need to stay out of the sun afterwards, and follow instructions carefully. Like all acne treatments, time and patience are key ingredients.
“For the time being, an instant ‘miracle cure’ for acne remains elusive,” Dr. Peraza notes. “We keep a close eye on the science; there are some areas for hope, but acne remains a stubborn skin condition that requires patients to follow a prescribed course of action to control and manage it.”
As with any treatment, every patient’s needs are unique. At Peraza Dermatology Group, our goal is to take a comprehensive look at your skin and recommend a course of action that is tailored for your specific needs. From over-the-counter topical medicines to prescription retinoids and laser and light therapies, we can help orient patients towards successful outcomes and minimize the amount of time acne impacts your life.
“As medical professionals, we understand the how and why of acne. As normal people, we understand the havoc acne can introduce into our lives. We’ve seen the blemish on graduation day, on Prom night, wedding days, and at family reunions. We combine our professional and personal experiences to deliver the best possible results for patients,” Dr. Peraza says.
Schedule an appointment to learn more about available options to address your acne.