Reading PA Acne Treatments

Clear, healthy skin is possible for you

Acne is by far the most common skin problem nationwide. For the lucky ones, acne is temporary and occasional. But for many teens and adults, acne leaves indelible marks. If you or your child are suffering from acne, you deserve a dermatologist who will take your condition seriously and will work with you to find the right treatment.

Our Dermatology Physician Assistant offers comprehensive acne treatment right here at Berks Plastic Surgery in Reading. He understands that acne is more than just a cosmetic issue. He will help you identify the root cause of your acne and find the appropriate treatment for long-term improvement. Working closely with our plastic surgery and skin care team, he can also help you choose from our range of dermatological services to minimize acne scars and treat redness (rosacea).

What are my acne treatment options?

For chronic or severe active acne, we will typically recommend a prescription topical or oral medication for treatment. These products are FDA approved and contain powerful levels of ingredients that can improve even the most difficult acne cases. We will determine the best treatment option for you following a thorough skin evaluation and consultation, basing our recommendation on the nature and severity of your acne, your age and medical history, and to the extent possible, your personal preferences.

Isotretinoin (Accutane®)

Isotretinoin, often recognized by the brand name Accutane®, is an oral medication containing a Vitamin A derivative. It works by shrinking the skin’s oil glands, which slows sebum production, reduces bacteria on the skin, and prevents pores from clogging. When uses appropriately, isotretinoin is one of the most effective treatments we know of for severe acne—the American Academy of Dermatology reports that about 85% of patients experience permanent clearing of their acne after treatment.

When taken correctly, isotretinoin is a safe medication that can make a very positive difference in a patient’s skin and sense of self-confidence. Because it is so powerful, it does have the potential for side effects. To ensure your safety, it is essential to only take it when prescribed by an experienced dermatology provider who knows your medical history.

The vast majority of patients experience no serious side effects and are very happy with the outcome. We will be happy to answer your questions and discuss any concerns you have about your treatment options during a personal consultation.

Epiduo® Forte

For patients with moderate to severe acne who prefer a topical treatment or who are not good candidates for oral isotretinoin, we may prescribe Epiduo® Forte, a topical gel that contains a Vitamin A derivative (retinoid), along with prescription-strength benzoyl peroxide. Together, these ingredients work to unclog pores and reduce bacteria on the skin. Epiduo® Forte is applied once per day as part of a healthy skin care regimen.

Soolantra (ivermectin) cream

Many patients suffering from acne-like blemishes have a condition that is more closely associated with rosacea, or excessive redness and inflammation that is caused by a microorganism that naturally lives on the skin. For such patients, we may prescribe Soolantra, a prescription topical cream that kills this microorganism and calms inflammation. Soolantra can be very effective for reducing bumps and blemishes, and can be used safely in tandem with certain other treatments to reduce redness.

During your consultation, our Dermatology PA will carefully examine your skin and help you determine the optimal treatment program to help you get the clear, healthy skin you deserve. We also offer several in-office treatments, like the VI Peel (a dermatologist-approved chemical peel), that can effectively treat acne!

Learn more or schedule your skin consultation today

There are few things more rewarding for our skincare team at Berks Plastic Surgery than helping patients feel confident in their own skin. If acne is impacting your life, we can help. Contact us today to schedule your personal consultation with our Dermatology Physician Assistant at our Wyomissing office!