The common type of acne is called acne vulgaris. It is a condition that mainly affects adolescents but may persist or even become more severe in adulthood. Most, but not all, acne patients have oily skin (seborrhoea).

Clinical features

Acne vulgaris may occur on the face, chest, back and sometimes even more extensively. Several types of acne spots occur, often at the same time.

Non-inflammatory lesions:

• Open comedones (blackheads)
• Closed comedones (whiteheads)
• Uninflamed nodules (sometimes called cysts)

Inflammatory lesions:

• Papules (small red bumps)
• Pustules (white or yellow ‘squeezable’ spots)
• Inflamed nodules (large red lumps)

Secondary lesions:

• Excoriations (picked or scratched spots)
• Erythematous macules (red marks from recently healed spots, mostly in fair skin)
• Pigmented macules (dark marks from old spots, mostly in dark skin)
• Scars

Individual acne lesions usually last less than two weeks but the deeper papules and nodules may persist for months.

Acne vulgaris

More images of acne ...

• Facial acne
• Back acne

Acne grading

Acne may be considered mild, moderate or severe. Comedones and inflammatory lesions are usually considered separately.

Many dermatologists assess the severity of a patient's acne more precisely by using a grading scale, such as the one developed by the Leeds' group. The inflammatory lesions are compared with a set of standard photographs to determine the grade, which may be 1 (very mild) to 12 (exceptionally severe).

In clinical trials evaluating acne treatment, the numbers of uninflamed and inflamed lesions are carefully counted at regular intervals. It is remarkably difficult to count consistently.

Treatment

Which treatment is best depends on the patient's age and sex, the extent and the severity of the acne.

• Treatment for mild acne
• Treatment for moderate acne
• Treatment for severe acne

During your office consultation  and examination you will be provided with a detailed plan of the treatments that will benefit you most.  NYC Laser Center NYC Dermatology top laser dermatology center offering skin care, dermatolgy,cosmetic dermatology services, and laser treatments for sun damaged skin, acne, acne scars, rosacea, pigmentation, laser hair removal, broken blood vessels, as well as superficial and deep wrinkles. We offer patients in Manhattan,  services including general dermatology, wrinkle fillers such as Restylane®, Captique,  Perlane,Cosmoderm and Cosmoplast, Radiance® (radiesse) and Sculptra. We also offer Botox®, Cosmelan, Velasmooth, Fotofacial, Titan laser, Refirme, and the Fractionated Resurfacing laser. in the treatment of acne, rosacea, skin cancer and  surgery.  Dr. Rothfeld has taught numerous other physicians on the proper use of Botox®, medical hair transplants, and lasers in  the country.   Acne Photodynamic Treatment - Botox® - Botox® for Hyperhidrosis - Cellulite - Cool Laser  - Cosmelan Depigmentation Treatment - Glycolic Acid Peel - Fat Transfer - Fotofacial / IPL Fractionated Resurfacing Laser - Hair Loss - Laser Hair Removal - Liposuction -  - Surgery - Minimal Scar Technique -  Photodynamic Rejuvenation Radiance® - Restylane® - Sclerotherapy - Sculptra - Smoothbeam - Stretch Marks - SunFX - TCA Peel - Tattoo Removal - Titan Laser Facelift - V-beam Laser Treatments - Velasmooth Our cosmetic surgeon includes Dermatologist  Dr. Gary Rothfeld Board Certified Dermatologist  at NYC Dermatology.  Our NYC dermatologist offers advanced dermatology laser treatments for cosmetic needs and medical skin conditions. We offer our services to Manhattan , Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens locations through our Manhattan office in NYC

Chemical peels can be used effectively for a wide range of skin conditions including:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Uneven pigmentation
• Shallow acne scars
• Sun-damaged skin
• Age spots
• Freckling

Chemical peeling can be performed on the face, neck, chest, hands, arms, or legs. It is most effective at changing the appearance on the surface of the skin. Effects of aging in deeper tissues, such as drooping eyelids and loose skin below the chin, must be treated with other procedures.

Chemical peels are categorized by how deeply the chemicals penetrate the skin: superficial, medium, or deep. Superficial peels use mild chemicals, such as alpha-hydroxy acids, which penetrate only the uppermost layer of the epidermis. Medium and deep peels use stronger agents.

A superficial chemical peel is usually sufficient to treat fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and mouth. Patients with minimal skin damage often respond best to a series of superficial peels combined with a skin care regimen, including topical retinoids and daily sunscreen use.

A medium-depth peel is more effective for patients with moderate skin damage, including age spots, freckles, and actinic keratoses. It may be combined with another treatment such as laser resurfacing for maximum effectiveness.

Deeper peels may require bandages to be applied for 1-3 days following treatment. In addition, ointments and creams may be recommended to keep the skin moist. Cosmetics can be applied after about two weeks.

During treatment, most patients experience a warm sensation for about ten minutes, followed by some stinging. Anesthesia may be recommended for deep peels.

In general, the deeper the peel, the longer the recovery.  A superficial peel produces redness similar to mild sunburn and lasts 3 to 5 days. Medium or deep peels can make the skin look severely burned, sometimes with blistering and peeling for 7 to 14 days. You may be prescribed pain relievers to reduce the discomfort following a deep peel.

Following a treatment, treat your skin gently. Avoid sun exposure because the renewed skin will be tender and susceptible to injury.

Following a chemical peel, your new skin will be tighter, smoother, and perhaps slightly lighter in color than before surgery.

This information is for general educational uses only. It may not apply to you and your specific medical needs. This information should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation with or the advice of your physician or health care professional. Communicate promptly with your physician or other health care professional with any health-related questions or concerns.

Be sure to follow specific instructions given to you by your physician or health care professional.

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