Acne Specialist
John M. Humeniuk, MD, FRCP
Dermatologist located in Greenville, SC, Simpsonville, SC, and Greer, SC
If you dread looking in the mirror for fear of finding your face’s most recent acne breakout glaring back at you, you’re not alone. Acne affects most people to some degree, but you can find help from experienced dermatologist John Humeniuk, MD, FRCP, in Greer, Simpsonville, and Greenville, South Carolina. Dr. Humeniuk treats acne in patients of all ages and develops a treatment plan that’s tailored specifically to your skin concerns. If you’re being plagued by acne, call John M. Humeniuk MD, LLC, or request an appointment online today.
Acne Q & A
What is acne?
Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting about 40 to 50 million men, women, and teenagers at any given time.
Acne causes eruptions of pimples -- also known as zits -- or a variety of other blemishes on your skin. Zits may include any combination of the following types of blemishes:
- Blackheads
- Whiteheads
- Cysts
- Nodules
- Pustules
These blemishes most often appear on your face. However, it’s possible to get acne breakouts in other parts of your body, including your neck, back, shoulders, and chest.
What causes pimples and acne?
Pimples begin when a pore in your skin becomes clogged with oil and dead skin cells. If bacteria get trapped inside a clogged pore, they multiply until the skin becomes inflamed with an infection and a pimple pops up.
Although it’s a normal process, specific things that can increase your chances of breaking out in acne include being a teenager, experiencing fluctuating hormones, and being a woman.
When should I see a dermatologist about acne?
You should see Dr. Humeniuk if any of the following applies to your acne:
- You have a lot of cysts or nodules
- Your acne is red, swollen, or painful
- You already tried over-the-counter remedies, and they didn’t work
If acne is causing you pain or discomfort, Dr. Humeniuk, an experienced dermatologist, can devise a targeted treatment plan for you.
How does a dermatologist treat acne?
First, Dr. Humeniuk examines your acne and asks about your medical history. Based on this information, he works with you to develop an acne treatment strategy.
If your acne is mild, Dr. Humeniuk might suggest topical treatments to apply to your skin. Prescription ointments, like Retin-A and Differin® gel, can treat acne and acne scars.
If your acne is severely irritated or swollen, he might prescribe a medicine to take orally after reviewing your medical history, such as antibiotics or Clovaris®. He may also recommend additional acne procedures in addition to skin care regimens.
Treating acne is important because failure to do so can result in permanent acne scars or uneven skin tone. If acne interferes with your life, call John M. Humeniuk MD, LLC, or request an appointment online today.