Acne Center - Cambridge, MA
Cambridge Dermatologist Doctors for AcneType of Physician: Dermatologist What is a Dermatologist? A certification by the Board of Dermatology; practitioners treat pediatric and adult patients with disorders of the skin, mouth, hair and nails as well as a number of sexually transmitted diseases. They also have expertise in the care of normal skin, the prevention of skin diseases and cancers, and in the management of cosmetic disorders of the skin such as hair loss and scars. Specialty: Dermatology Common Name: Skin Doctor Dermatologist Doctors in Cambridge * Boston University Medical Center Dermatology  Boston University Medical Center Dermatology  Boston University Medical Center Dermatology  Boston University Medical Center Dermatology  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Dermatology  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Dermatology  Rockoff Center  Beth Israel Deaconess Dermatology Dept  Children's Hospital Boston Allergy Immunology Dermatology Rheumatology  Beth Israel Deaconess Dermatology Dept  Beth Israel Deaconess Dermatology Dept  Dermatology Associates of Southern New Hampshire  Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Dermatologic Surgery Department  Children's Hospital Boston Allergy Immunology Dermatology Rheumatology  Children's Hospital Boston Allergy Immunology Dermatology Rheumatology  Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Dermatologic Surgery Department  Children's Hospital Boston Allergy Immunology Dermatology Rheumatology  Beth Israel Deaconess Dermatology Dept  Children's Hospital Boston Allergy Immunology Dermatology Rheumatology  Beth Israel Deaconess Dermatology Dept  Beth Israel Deaconess Dermatology Dept  Beth Israel Deaconess Dermatology Dept  Thomas S Kupper MD  Boston Center for Ambulatory Surgery  Harvard Institutes of Medicine Dermatology  Brigham Dermatology Associates  Brigham Dermatology Associates  Brigham Dermatology Associates  Oon Tian Tan MD  A Razzaque Ahmed MD  Canton Dermatology  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Dermatology  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Dermatology  Brookline Village Dermatology PC  MGH Dermatology  Dermatology Associates of Concord  Dermatology Associates of Concord  Dermatology Associates of Concord  Dermatology Associates of Concord  Dermatology Associates of Concord  Dermatology Associates of Concord  Dermatology Associates of Concord  Dermatology Associates of Concord  Dermatology Group  Dermatology Associates of MGH  Dermatology Associates of MGH  Associates In Dermatology  Dermatology Associates of MGH  Joseph C Kvedar MD  Dermatology Associates of MGH  Dermatology Associates of MGH  MGH Dermatology Surgical Unit  Dermatology Associates of MGH  Dermatology Associates of MGH  Stephen O Kovacs MD  Brookline Dermatology Associates  Dermatology Associates  Tufts Medical Center Dermatology  Boston University Medical Center Dermatology  Dermatology Associates  Tufts Medical Center Dermatology  Tufts Medical Center Dermatology  Boston University Medical Center Dermatology  Tufts Medical Center Dermatology  South Shore Skin Surgeons PC  Boston University Medical Center Dermatology  Tufts Medical Center Dermatology  Boston University Medical Center Dermatology  Boston University Medical Center Dermatology  South Shore Skin Surgeons PC  Tufts Medical Center Dermatology  Tufts Medical Center Dermatology  Boston University Medical Center Dermatology  Tufts Medical Center Dermatology  Tufts Medical Center Dermatology  Richard Brown MD  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Dermatology Allergy & Immunology  Mystic Valley Dermatology Associates PC  Mystic Valley Dermatology Associates PC  Mystic Valley Dermatology Associates PC  Mystic Valley Dermatology Associates PC  Associates In Dermatology  Boston Family Dermatology  Barry Paul MD  Barry Paul MD  Skincare Physicians  Skincare Physicians  Skincare Physicians  Skincare Physicians  Skincare Physicians  Skincare Physicians  The Dermatology & Laser Center  Kathleen M Greco MD  Associates of South Shore Dermatology  Associates of South Shore Dermatology  Centre Dermatology & Aesthetic Medicine  Centre Dermatology & Aesthetic Medicine  Centre Dermatology & Aesthetic Medicine  Marilyn R Capek MD  Robert J O'Brien Jr. MD & Associates Cambridge, MassachusettsUpcoming Local Events2012-05-19
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Acne (Pimples)Read the Acne (Pimples) article » What is acne? What are the different types of acne?Acne (acne vulgaris, common acne) is not just a problem for teenagers; it can affect people from ages 10 through 40. It is not unusual for women, in particular, to develop acne in their mid- to late-20s, even if they have not had breakouts in years (or ever). On the positive side, those few individuals who have acne into their 40s may well grow out of it. Acne can appear on the skin as any of the following:
These blemishes occur wherever there are many oil (sebaceous) glands, mainly on the face, chest, and back. You can do a lot to treat your acne using products available at a drugstore or cosmetic counter that do not require a prescription. However, for tougher cases of acne, you should consult a physician for treatment options. What causes acne?No one factor causes acne. Acne happens when oil (sebaceous) glands come to life around puberty, stimulated by male hormones from the adrenal glands of both boys and girls. Sebum (oil) is a natural substance which lubricates and protects the skin, and under certain circumstances, cells that are close to the surface block the openings of sebaceous glands and cause a buildup of oil underneath. This oil stimulates bacteria (which live on everyone's skin and generally cause no problems) to multiply and cause surrounding tissues to become inflamed. Inflammation near the skin's surface produces a pustule; deeper inflammation results in a papule (pimple); deeper still and it's a cyst. If the oil breaks though to the surface, the result is a "whitehead." If the oil accumulates melanin pigment or becom... Recommended Reading Related to Acne (Pimples)IntroductionLaser resurfacing is a relatively new treatment for reducing facial wrinkles and skin irregularities, such as blemishes or acne scars. The technique directs short, concentrated pulsating beams of light at irregular skin. Laser skin resurfacing removes skin very precisely, layer by layer, resulting in fewer problems with hypopigmentation (lightening of skin). This popular procedure is known by several other names, including lasabrasion, laser peel or laser vaporization. Who Is a Good Candidate For Laser Resurfacing? If you have fine lines or wrinkles around or under the eyes, the forehead, the mouth, or scars from acne, non-responsive skin after a facelift, then you may be an ideal candidate for laser skin resurfacing. If you have active acne or if you have very dark skin, you are not a candidate. This technique is also not recommended for stretch marks. How Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Work?... Other Related Acne ArticlesEmergency Contact for Cambridge
Nearby Cambridge Hospitals *Cambridge Hospital Youville Hospital and Rehabilitation Center M I T Medical Arbour HRI Hospital Mount Auburn Hospital Somerville Hospital Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary Massachusetts General Hospital Children's Hospital Boston Dana Farber Cancer Institute Shriners Hospitals for Children Boston Burn Hospital Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Brigham & Women's Hospital Franciscan Hospital for Children Kindred Hospital Boston Caritas St Elizabeth's Medical Center New England Baptist Hospital Tufts New England Medical Center Boston Medical Center VA Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain Campus Radius Specialty Hospital Boston Arbour Hospital Lawrence Memorial Hospital Whidden Memorial Hospital Lawrence F Quigley Memorial Hospital Lemuel Shattuck Hospital Faulkner Hospital Massachusetts Mental Health Center Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for the Aged McLean Hospital Bournewood Hospital Caritas Carney Hospital Melrose Wakefield Hospital Winchester Hospital VA Boston Healthcare System West Roxbury Campus HEALTHSOUTH New England Rehabilitation Hospital Newton Wellesley Hospital Milton Hospital Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Needham Quincy Medical Center Lahey Clinic Medical Center North Shore Medical Center Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital Westwood Lodge Hospital Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital Kindred Specialty Hospital Natick MetroWest Medical Center Leonard Morse Hospital Massachusetts Hospital School Caritas Norwood Hospital Kindred Hospital Boston North Shore Salem Hospital & the Birthplace North Shore Children's Hospital Emerson Hospital Shaughnessy-Kaplan Rehabilitation Hospital Kindred Specialty Hospital Braintree New England Sinai Hospital & Rehabilitation Center South Shore Hospital MetroWest Medical Center Framingham Union Hospital Tewksbury Hospital Beverly Hospital Kindred Specialty Hospital Stoughton Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Center Isham Health Center Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital Boston VA Healthcare System Brockton Saints Medical Center Lowell General Hospital HC Solomon Mental Health Center UMass Memorial Marlborough Hospital Lawrence General Hospital Baldpate Hospital Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital Westborough Caritas Holy Family Hospital and Medical Center Pembroke Hospital Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
Suggested Reading on Acne (Pimples) by Our Doctors
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Related Diseases & Conditions
19 articles-
Boils
- A boil is a skin abscess, a collection of pus localized deep in the skin. There are several different types of boils. Among them are the following: furuncle or carbuncle, Cystic acne, Hidradenitis suppurativa, and Pilonidal cyst.
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Ingrown Hair
- Ingrown hairs may be caused by improper shaving, waxing or blockage of the hair follicle. Symptoms and signs of ingrown hairs include itching, tenderness, and small red pus bumps. Ingrown hairs usually heal on their own, but topical antibiotics, chemical depilatories, and hair-removal laser may be used in the treatment of ingrown hairs.
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Rosacea
- Rosacea is a skin disease that causes redness of the forehead, chin, and lower half of the nose. In addition to inflammation of the facial skin, symptoms include dilation of the blood vessels and pimples (acne rosacea) in the middle third of the face. Oral and topical antibiotics are treatments for rosacea. If left untreated, rhinophyma (a disfiguring nose condition) may result.
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Cysts
- Cysts are saclike structures that can occur throughout the body and usually contain a semisolid, liquid, or gaseous substance. Infections, tumors, genetic conditions, chronic inflammatory conditions, and wear and tear can cause cysts. Though some cysts may be palpable, others may not produce any symptoms. Treatment depends upon the location and cause of the cyst.
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Stress
- Stress occurs when forces from the outside world impinge on the individual. Stress is a normal part of life. However, over-stress, can be harmful. There is now speculation, as well as some evidence, that points to the abnormal stress responses as being involved in causing various diseases or conditions.
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Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), also known by the name Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is a hormonal problem that causes women to have a variety of symptoms including irregular or no menstrual periods, acne, obesity, and excess hair growth. Treatment of PCOS depends partially on the woman's stage of life and the symptoms of PCOS.
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Folliculitis
- Folliculitis is a skin condition that causes small red bumps to form around the hair follicles. Skin bacteria such as Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas my infect the follicles. Treatment involves over-the-counter bacterial washes, topical antibiotics, and/or topical steroids.
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Keratosis Pilaris
- Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a common skin disorder in which small white or red bumps appear around hair follicles on the upper arms, thighs, buttocks, and cheeks. The cause of KP is unknown. There is no cure for keratosis pilaris, and the condition may resolve on its own. Gentle exfoliation, professional manual extraction, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion, along with topical products, are the best treatments for this condition.
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Keloid
- A keloid is a scar that doesn't know when to stop. When the cells keep on reproducing, the result is an overgrown (hypertrophic) scar or a keloid. A keloid looks shiny and is often dome-shaped, ranging in color from slightly pink to red. It feels hard and thick and is always raised above the surrounding skin.
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Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a combination of physical and emotional disturbances that occur after a woman ovulates and ends with menstruation. Common PMS symptoms include depression, irritability, crying, oversensitivity, and mood swings. For some women PMS symptoms can be controlled with medications and lifestyle changes such as exercise, nutrition, and a family and friend support system.
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Sleep
- A number of vital tasks carried out during sleep help maintain good health and enable people to function at their best. Sleep needs vary from individual to individual and change throughout your life. Not getting enough sleep can hurt memory performance, health, and your mood.
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Puberty
- The time when boys and girls begin the process of sexual maturation is called puberty. During this time, both sexes undergo a series of biological changes that include a rapid increase in height, bone growth, weight increase, the growth of pubic hair, breast development and the onset of menstruation in girls, and testicle, penis, and muscle enlargement in boys.
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Blepharitis
- Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids. Acne rosacea, Staphylococcal bacteria, allergies, sensitivities to makeup or contact lens solutions, head lice, or other conditions may cause blepharitis. Symptoms and signs include itchy eyelids, burning sensation in the eyes, crusting of the eyelids, light sensitivity, red, swollen eyelids, loss of eyelashes, and dandruff of the lashes and eyebrows. Proper eyelid hygiene and a regular cleaning routine controls blepharitis.
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Molluscum Contagiosum
- Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection caused by the poxvirus. Molluscum contagiosum appears as small tan or pink bumps on any part of the skin. Symptoms include a red or flushed appearance of the infected skin. Treatment may involve cryotherapy, manual extraction, surgical removal, the use of Retin-A, or the application of chemical acid.
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Scars
- Scar formation is a natural part of the healing process after injury. The depth and size of the wound incision and the location of the injury impact the scar's characteristics, but your age, heredity and even sex or ethnicity will affect how your skin reacts.
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Steroid Abuse
- Anabolic steroids are synthetic substances that are related to testosterone and promote skeletal muscle growth and the development of male sexual characteristics in both men and women. In the 1930s, it was discovered that anabolic steroids could promote skeletal muscle growth in lab animals, which lead to anabolic steroid abuse by bodybuilders and weight lifters.
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SAPHO Syndrome
- SAPHO syndrome is a chronic disorder that involves the skin, bone, and joints. SAPHO syndrome is an eponym for the combination of synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis. SAPHO syndrome is related to arthritic conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis and reactive arthritis. Treatment is directed toward the individual symptoms that are present, and includes medications such as nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and cortisone medications.
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Teens
- Teenagers recognize that they are developmentally between child and adult. Teen health prevention includes maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, preventing injuries and screening annually for potential health conditions that could adversely affect teenage health.
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Pregnancy and Drugs (Prescription and OTC)
- Taking prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs or supplements should be discussed with your doctor. There are some medications that have been found to cause no problems in pregnancy, however, medications such as Accutane for acne, should never be taken during pregnancy.
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Boils
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Medications
50 articles -
Procedures & Tests
6 articles -
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21 articles -
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6 articles -
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14 articles -
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