Acne

Treatment for Acne

Dr. John F. Rupp, a Board-certified dermatologist, and his Certified Physician Assistants at Dermatology Specialists of Kansas City, can evaluate your skin concerns and put forth a strategy for treating your acne. The professionals at Dermatology Specialists know that everyone’s acne is different and an individualized approach with each patient is a must to achieve success.

Call us at (816) 942-1150 or

Learn more about Acne

What is acne?

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions Dermatologists see.  It is an inflammation of the pores of the face, neck, chest and back.  Many refer to acne as blackheads or whiteheads when there is no inflammation; just clogged pores. When the spots are red and sometimes sore, they are referred to as pimples, zits, papules, or pustules. Nodular acne is when the pimples become really inflamed, larger and hard.

What causes acne?

Basically, acne forms when pores in your skin become clogged with oil and dead skin cells that don’t exfoliate or shed like they should.  When the oil and dead skin cells stay in the pore opening too long, the bacteria deep in the pores start to feed on the oil.  The immune system is triggered and inflammation of the pores begins. Various factors such as immunity and hormones are the major causes of most of our acne. 

How is acne treated?

Controlling acne can be a struggle for many.  Not only can it be painful and potentially scarring, it can also create anxiety, low self-esteem and depression. The good news is that effective treatments are available to help you control your acne, and feel better about how you look. The aim of treatment is to clear the inflamed pores that are causing acne, kill the harmful bacteria and keep the pores from becoming clogged again. The first step in treating your acne is to try an over-the-counter product that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.  If this fails, then a visit to see the providers at Dermatology Specialists would be the smart next step. Our professionals have many treatment options. It is important to control the acne before it gets too inflamed, as that inflammation could lead to permanent scarring. Our professionals will listen to your concerns, examine your skin thoroughly and formulate a personal treatment plan that will get you on your way to clear skin.

Treatment plans can vary from cleansers and creams to oral medications for the more inflammatory types of acne.  Isotretinoin, formerly known as Accutane, is used safely and effectively by our providers for those acne patients with nodules and severe acne or for those patients that don’t respond to the usual treatments.

When you visit Dermatology Specialists of Kansas City, take comfort in knowing that our experienced dermatology professionals will be with you through your entire journey towards an acne-free future, both before and after treatment.