Private Nurse Practitioner Services
NP Megan Dunn
Acne
Acne is a common skin disorder characterized by chronic or recurrent development of papules, pustules, or nodules/cysts on the face, neck, trunk, and/or upper extremities. The development of acne involves the interaction of multiple factors that result in the formation of pimples and the development of inflammation.
​
Acne is most common among adolescents and young adults but can occur at any age. The severity varies from minimal involvement to disfiguring and highly inflammatory presentations. Hyperpigmentation, scarring, and negative psychosocial effects are common complications. Proposed contributory factors for acne include skin trauma, dietary habits, stress, insulin resistance, body mass index, and genetics.
​
Resolution of acne lesions may leave temporary or permanent changes on the skin. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring are common sequelae that can be highly distressing for patients.
​
There is no single best treatment for acne, and a combination of treatments may be recommended. Skin care is an important aspect and includes both skin hygiene/routine and the products that are used.
​
There is a wide variety of prescription therapies available to treat acne. Examples of topical acne medications include topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and azelaic acid. Examples of oral acne medications include antibiotics, isotretinoin (Accutane), and hormonal therapies (birth control pills and spironolactone). Severe or treatment resistant acne may require referral to a dermatologist for consultation.
​
Rosacea
Rosacea is a skin condition that can cause raised bumps or redness on the cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead. It can also affect the eyes. Rosacea is a long-term condition that can get worse over time. Rosacea occurs most often in adults ages 30 to 60.
Common symptoms of rosacea include:
-
Redness on the nose and cheeks that doesn't go away – The color might be bright red, pink, or more violet depending on your skin tone
-
Blushing easily
-
Raised bumps with or without pus in them. Bumps from rosacea can sometimes look like acne, but they aren't. The color of the bumps might be red, pink, or more of a purple color depending on your skin tone
-
Tiny, swollen blood vessels on the skin (called "telangiectasias")
-
Burning or gritty feeling in the eyes
-
Swollen, rounded nose that might also look red, pink, or more of a purple color depending on your skin tone
​
Rosacea symptoms can fluctuate from controlled to exacerbated during flares. Triggers for rosacea flares may include eating hot or spicy foods, or drinking hot drinks, drinking alcohol, being too hot or cold, sun exposure, stress and other strong emotions.
​
There is no cure for rosacea, but there are many options to help control symptoms and reduce the severity and frequency of flares. These may include lifestyle changes, avoidance of known triggers, good skin hygiene, use of good skincare products, being diligent with sun protection, certain procedural therapies, and topical and oral prescription medications.
​