Acne Specialist

What causes acne?

Acne is caused by bacteria that live in the follicles of your skin. Normally, these follicles have openings that enable oil to reach the skin surface, keeping skin healthy and supple. But when the follicles become blocked, oil begins to build up, creating a perfect environment for acne bacteria to grow and multiply. As the bacteria build up, the body's immune system sends out cells to fight them off, causing inflammation in the follicles which we see as pimples, whiteheads and blackheads. Acne affects more than 40 million people, and it's the most common skin disease in the U.S. In addition to the physical effects it causes, acne takes a serious emotional toll on those who suffer from it, causing significant stress and, in some patients, severe depression.

I have pimples, but no blackheads; is that common?

Yes, acne can affect each person differently, and different symptoms can occur at different times, especially as hormone levels change or other triggers, such as stress, become more severe.

How is acne treated?

The treatment you receive will be individualized to your type of acne, your skin type and other factors, and may include oral medications, topical preparations, lifestyle changes or changes in your skin care routine, light therapy and other options. Dr. Bhatia will discuss the treatments he's considering for your condition during your office visit.

How long will it be before I see results?

That depends on several factors, such as the type of acne you have, the sensitivity of your skin, the treatment being used and other issues. Some people see results very quickly, while other types of acne can take longer to respond. Dr. Bhatia understands the emotional toll acne can take. He'll carefully monitor your progress and make changes to your treatment regimen as needed to ensure the best results possible.