Acne Strategies: From a Memphis Dermatologist

Acne - which really affects all ages - has negative effects upon a person’s mood and self-confidence. The good news is that in 2022, Dermatologists have a growing number of new treatment options for acne, for people with dry skin, combination skin, or oily skin. Let take a look at some of these, my perspective being that of a Board-certified Memphis Dermatologist, in Cordova, TN, for the last 30 years.

Traditional therapies for acne include antibiotics like doxycycline and minocycline, with prescription topicals (meaning “on top of the skin”) for blackheads (comedones), papules, or cysts: Tretinoin Cream, differin gel (Adapalene), benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, or topical dapsone (Aczone®). Sometimes Dermatologists also consider a five months’ course of oral isotretinoin, or Accutane, which helps by drying up the oil glands and which is quite effective, but requires strict avoidance of pregnancy while on treatment, and monthly bloodwork. We sometimes look at hormonal therapies, too, like spironolactone pills, or even courses of birth control pills.

In 2022, Dermatologists have a promising new oral antibiotic with a quicker onset of action – Sarecycline® – and a newer retinoid gel – Trifarotene®. There is also a variation of acne – called Pityrosporon folliculitis or fungal acne – which can be treated with prescription antifungal medicines.

Acne can occur on peoples’ faces, but also a variation of acne – Hidradenitis suppurativa – tends to settle in the groin and underarms – with Board-certified Dermatologists like myself prescribing newer treatment options like dapsone pills and biologic agents like Humira (adalimumab – to help to reduce scarring.

After 25 years of practicing dermatology, in 2016 I decided to establish a skincare products company - Big River Silk Skincare™ Inc. – to manufacture and distribute organic skincare products for people going onto prescription therapies: AmberSoy™ Soap Gel and the GlycoShea™ Creams. These products have been used for many years by thousands of acne patients in Tennessee and Arkansas, and they’re now available nationally. For more, check out my blog post: “Acne Strategies from Big River Silk Skincare’s Dermatologists,” at www.Bigriversilkskincare.com.

So if you or a family member has complexion issues or acne, consider getting a checkup from a Board-certified Dermatologist. My own Dermatology practice since 1993 has been with Rheumatology and Dermatology Associates, Cordova, TN, a suburb of Memphis, TN (www.Rheumderm.com or www.Bigriversilkskincare.com) (1-901-753-0168). Or you can find a Dermatologist in your own neighborhood by going to the American Academy of Dermatology web site, AAD.org. Just plug your zip code into the “Find a Dermatologist” tab.

George Woodbury Jr. M.D. (01/24/2022)