Dr. Jerome Potozkin is recognized as a dermatology leader in the East Bay area. Educated at New York University School of Medicine, Dr. Potozkin is a member of the American Board of Dermatology and a clinical instructor at University of California, San Francisco Medical Center.
Watch Dr. Jerome Potozkin perform a procedure on ABC News using the VISIA® system.
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Acne and Acne Scar Treatment in the East Bay
Burdening the lives of millions of Americans, acne is a widespread condition among adolescents and adults alike. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases estimates that 80 percent of people between the ages of 11 and 30 develop acne. Many adults in their 40s or 50s are also affected by the condition. While acne is not a life threatening disorder, it can contribute to low self-esteem and poor self image. Also, if left untreated, acne may leave disfiguring scars. At our practice in Walnut Creek, Dr. Jerome Potozkin offers a variety of remedies for people with various types of acne. For patients whose acne has left them with unsightly scars, Dr. Potozkin offers numerous acne scar treatment options at our East Bay practice.
What Is Acne?
Acne is a skin condition that affects the oil glands, which produce oil (or sebum) to lubricate and protect the skin. An overproduction of oil, however, may plug follicles in the skin, especially if the sebum is mixed with dead skin cells or other debris. Bacteria within the pore may cause swelling, creating an acne lesion. Since the symptoms of acne sometimes resemble those of rosacea, it is important to seek treatment from a board-certified dermatologist who is trained to identify and treat a wide range of skin conditions. Although the exact cause of acne remains elusive, hormones and some medications may contribute to its development, and the use of certain cosmetics or skin care products can exacerbate the condition.
Acne Treatment
Since there are multiple types of acne, an individual may respond better to some treatments than others. It is important, then, that acne be diagnosed and treated by a dermatologist who is experienced in dealing with the condition. Acne treatment options at our East Bay practice may include the following:
- Topical Treatments: There are a number of topical remedies that may help to reduce the occurrence of acne lesions. Benzoyl peroxide is a widely used acne treatment that controls acne by killing acne bacteria and clearing debris from the pores. Topical retinoid medications, such as Retin-A® and Differin®, also work to unclog pores and promote cellular turnover.
- Accutane®: A form of vitamin A, isotretinoin (or Accutane®) helps to regulate the amount of oil produced by the oil glands and encourages cell renewal. Because of the risk of fetal harm, Accutane® should not be used by pregnant women or nursing mothers.
- Blue Light: Patients who do not achieve sufficient results with topical treatments may be suitable candidates for blue light acne treatment at our East Bay practice. When combined with a photosensitizing solution, the application of blue light kills the bacteria that cause acne.
- CoolTouch®: Laser energy penetrates deep into the skin to shrink oil glands, allowing them to produce just enough oil to keep the skin moist. Because the laser light also stimulates the production of collagen, CoolTouch® laser treatments have the added benefit of smoothing the skin and improving depressed acne scars. Three to six treatments may be desired for optimal results.
Acne Scar Treatment
Once an individual is finally free from acne, he or she may be left with unpleasant reminders. Acne scars can affect people of all ages, colors, and skin types. Fortunately, we offer acne scar treatment options at our East Bay practice to help patients with even the most severe acne scars.
- Laser Treatments:
- The CoolTouch® laser promotes collagen growth deep within the skin, which may help to diminish acne scars. For those still suffering from acne, CoolTouch® laser therapy may also be helpful, as it shrinks the oil glands, thereby regulating the production of oil. For maximum improvement of acne scars, three to six CoolTouch® treatments may be recommended.
- Acne scar treatment at our East Bay practice with the Fraxel® re:store™ or re:pair™ laser corrects damaged areas of the skin, promoting a fresher, healthier-looking complexion.
- Injectables: Depressed scars may be improved dramatically with the use of certain injectable fillers. When injected into pitted acne scars, a product such as Restylane® can lift the scar, giving the skin a smoother appearance.
- Skin Grafting: Severe, "ice pick," acne scars can often be significantly improved with a skin graft. During the skin grafting procedure, Dr. Potozkin transfers a small portion of healthy skin from a discrete location, such as behind the ear, to the treatment site.
Contact Dr. Jerome Potozkin
If you are troubled by acne or acne scars and are interested in learning more about your acne and acne scar treatment options, please contact our East Bay dermatology practice to schedule an appointment.
