Treating Acne

Expert Evaluation and Evidence-Based Management

Breakouts that keep coming back, stubborn cysts that appear before important events, or persistent inflammation that leaves marks long after the lesion clears. If that sounds familiar, you’re dealing with more than a minor skin complaint. Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting upward of 50 million people each year. Yet it remains one of the most undertreated.

Acne vulgaris develops when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, triggering inflammation that ranges from minor surface blemishes to deep, painful cysts. It’s not caused by poor hygiene. It doesn’t just affect teenagers. And it’s not something you simply have to live with. Left unmanaged, moderate to severe acne causes permanent scarring and measurable psychological distress.

At Connolly Dermatology, we provide expert evaluation and acne treatment guided by evidence-based care. Our board-certified dermatologists assess your skin, identify the type and severity of your acne, and design a treatment plan that targets the specific mechanisms driving your breakouts. From first-line topical therapy to oral isotretinoin for severe cases, we match every intervention to what your skin actually needs.

If acne is affecting your skin, your confidence, or your quality of life, a dermatologic evaluation is the most important step you can take. Schedule an appointment with Connolly Dermatology and get a clear, personalized path forward.

Understanding Acne

How Acne Differs From Other Skin Conditions

Acne is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit, which is the structure consisting of a hair follicle and its associated oil-producing sebaceous gland. Four interconnected processes drive every acne lesion: excess sebum production, abnormal follicular keratinization (the buildup of dead skin cells within the pore), colonization by Cutibacterium acnes (the bacteria intrinsically linked to acne), and the inflammatory immune response that follows.

These four mechanisms don’t always operate with equal intensity. That’s why acne manifests so differently from person to person. Some people develop only whiteheads and blackheads. Others experience widespread papules and pustules. Still others develop deep, painful nodules and cysts that penetrate into the dermis and leave permanent scars.

Types of Acne Lesions

Non-Inflammatory Lesions: These are the earliest, most superficial form of acne. Whiteheads (closed comedones) form when a follicle becomes completely blocked beneath the skin surface, producing a flesh-colored bump. Blackheads (open comedones) occur when a clogged follicle opens to the air; the dark color isn’t dirt but oxidized melanin and sebum. Both are precursors to inflammatory lesions if left untreated.

Inflammatory Papules: Small, raised, red bumps between 2 and 5 millimeters in diameter. They’re tender to the touch and form when the follicle wall ruptures and triggers a local immune response.

Pustules: Similar to papules but topped with a white or yellow pus-filled center. They’re more superficial than nodules and generally heal faster, though they still carry a risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation.

Nodules: Large, hard, deeply embedded lesions that extend beyond a single follicle. They’re painful, slow to resolve, and carry a significant risk of scarring. Nodular acne warrants prompt dermatologic attention.

Cysts: The most severe form of individual acne lesion. Cysts are large, fluctuant, pus-filled structures deep within the skin. They’re intensely painful, highly prone to rupturing, and leave pitted or hypertrophic scars without appropriate treatment.

Acne vs. Similar Skin Conditions

Not every blemish is acne, and accurate diagnosis matters. The table below outlines key differences between acne and conditions that share overlapping features.

This table highlights common differences, but presentations vary. A dermatologist provides definitive diagnosis when features overlap or a condition fails to respond to standard treatment.

Severity Classification

Dermatologists classify acne severity using established criteria from the American Academy of Dermatology. Severity drives treatment selection more than any other single factor.

Severity classification guides your dermatologist’s recommendations but is never the only consideration. The impact on your daily life, emotional wellbeing, and scarring risk are equally important factors in designing a treatment plan.

Is Acne Dangerous?

Acne itself is not medically dangerous. It does not become cancerous and does not spread systemically. However, dismissing it as a cosmetic problem underestimates its real-world impact.

Untreated moderate to severe acne causes permanent scarring that cannot be reversed without procedures. It’s associated with significant rates of anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal, particularly in adolescents and young adults. Rare but serious forms, including acne fulminans, cause systemic symptoms including fever, joint pain, and bone abnormalities requiring urgent dermatologic and sometimes systemic medical management. For these reasons, prompt and appropriate treatment matters far more than most people realize.

Signs and Symptoms of Acne

Acne presents across a wide spectrum of appearances and severities, which is why understanding what you’re looking at helps you communicate accurately with your dermatologist and recognize when treatment is overdue.

Comedones: The Starting Point

Every acne lesion begins with a comedo. A closed comedo (whitehead) is a small, flesh-colored bump that forms when a follicle is plugged below the skin surface. An open comedo (blackhead) forms when that plug reaches the surface and oxidizes. Neither lesion is inflamed yet. But both are unstable. Without treatment, comedones progress to inflammatory lesions as the follicle wall thins and eventually ruptures.

Papules and Pustules

Papules are small, raised red bumps caused by the immune system’s response to a ruptured comedo. They’re tender, sometimes painful to the touch, and range from 2 to 5 millimeters in diameter. Pustules develop from papules as white blood cells accumulate and produce the yellow pus center that most people associate with a classic pimple. Both are considered mild to moderate inflammatory acne.

Nodules and Cysts

Nodules are large, solid, painful lumps embedded deep within the skin. They involve more than one contiguous follicle and can take weeks to resolve. Cysts are the most extreme form, large and fluctuant with a pus-filled cavity. Both lesion types drive nearly all permanent acne scarring. They require prompt, aggressive treatment. Over-the-counter products don’t reach deep enough to address them effectively.

Post-Inflammatory Changes

Even after an active lesion resolves, it often leaves behind evidence of its presence. Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) appears as a flat, red or pink discoloration that lingers for weeks to months. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) causes darkened patches that can persist for months, particularly in people with medium to deeper skin tones. These changes are not scars but they are distressing and respond well to targeted treatments.

Scarring

Acne scarring is a direct consequence of deep or repeated inflammation destroying collagen in the dermis. It comes in several forms. Icepick scars are narrow, deep pits that extend into the dermis. Boxcar scars are broader depressions with sharp edges. Rolling scars create a wavy, undulating surface. Hypertrophic scars and keloids are raised, firm areas that develop when the skin overproduces collagen during healing. Scarring is largely preventable with timely, appropriate treatment.

Location

Acne most commonly affects the face, particularly the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. The upper back, chest, shoulders, and neck are also frequent sites, especially in men and in cases driven by hormonal fluctuations. Acne on the jawline and lower face in adult women often signals an androgen-driven or hormonal component.

Symptoms To Watch For

Many people manage mild acne without professional intervention. But certain signs indicate that your condition requires dermatologic evaluation and more targeted treatment.

See a dermatologist if you experience:

•         Painful nodules or cysts that do not resolve within a few weeks
•         Acne that has not improved after 8 to 12 weeks of consistent over-the-counter treatment
•         Scarring or persistent dark marks following breakouts
•         Acne emerging or worsening in adulthood, particularly along the jawline
•         Acne accompanied by irregular menstrual cycles or signs of excess androgens
•         Significant emotional distress, anxiety, or social withdrawal related to your skin
•         Sudden, severe acne accompanied by fever or joint pain (urgent evaluation required)

Earlier intervention means less scarring, faster clearance, and better long-term skin outcomes. Waiting rarely works in your favor.

Risk Factors for Developing Acne

Acne is not caused by dirty skin or poor diet alone. It’s a multifactorial condition rooted in biology, and understanding the real drivers helps you make better decisions about prevention and management.

Hormonal Fluctuations

Androgens, the male sex hormones present in both males and females, are the primary hormonal driver of acne. They stimulate the sebaceous glands to enlarge and produce more sebum. This is why acne peaks during puberty, when androgen levels surge dramatically. In women, hormonal acne often worsens in the week before menstruation, during pregnancy, and at perimenopause. Conditions that elevate androgen levels, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), carry a particularly strong association with persistent, treatment-resistant acne.

Genetics and Family History

If one or both of your parents had significant acne, your likelihood of developing it is substantially higher. Research confirms a hereditary component to sebum production, follicular keratinization patterns, and inflammatory responses. Genetics also influence how severely you scar. This doesn’t make acne inevitable, but it does mean some individuals need more aggressive preventive and therapeutic strategies.

Cutibacterium Acnes

C. acnes is a gram-positive bacterium that lives naturally on human skin. In a normal follicular environment, it causes no problems. But when excess sebum and keratinocytes create an oxygen-poor, nutrient-rich environment within a clogged pore, C. acnes proliferates rapidly. The immune system’s response to this overgrowth produces the inflammation that turns a blocked pore into a papule, pustule, or nodule.

Certain Medications

Several medications are well-documented acne triggers. Corticosteroids, both systemic and topical, stimulate sebaceous glands and can cause a steroid-specific form of acne characterized by uniform pustules across the trunk. Lithium, certain anticonvulsants, anabolic steroids, and some hormonal therapies also carry elevated acne risk. If you develop acne after starting a new medication, that connection is worth discussing with your prescribing physician and dermatologist.

Occlusive Skincare and Cosmetics

Products that block pores, including heavy moisturizers, oil-based foundations, and certain sunscreens, can worsen acne in susceptible individuals. This is called acne cosmetica. Choosing non-comedogenic products labeled as suitable for acne-prone skin significantly reduces this risk. Occlusive clothing, sports helmets, and backpack straps can also mechanically obstruct follicles along the forehead, chin, and back.

Diet

The relationship between diet and acne has been debated for decades, but current evidence supports a meaningful connection for some individuals. High-glycemic foods, those that rapidly spike blood glucose and insulin, appear to worsen inflammatory acne. Dairy consumption, particularly skim milk, has also been associated with increased acne severity in multiple studies. These dietary links are real but variable. They work as adjunctive modifiers, not primary causes.

Stress

Psychological stress does not directly cause acne, but it worsens existing acne by stimulating the release of cortisol and other neuroendocrine mediators that influence sebum production and inflammation. This explains the common experience of flares during exams, major life events, or periods of prolonged stress.

Can You Prevent Acne?

You cannot always prevent acne, especially when genetic and hormonal factors dominate. But you can meaningfully reduce its frequency and severity.

Choose Non-Comedogenic Products

Switch to skincare, sunscreen, and makeup products specifically formulated for acne-prone skin. Check labels for terms like non-comedogenic or oil-free.

Cleanse Gently and Consistently

Wash affected areas twice daily with a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser. Washing more frequently or scrubbing aggressively actually irritates the skin barrier and worsens inflammation. Less is genuinely more here.

Resist Picking and Squeezing

Manually extracting or popping lesions pushes bacteria and debris deeper into the dermis, worsens inflammation, and dramatically increases scarring risk. Every dermatologist will tell you the same thing: leave it alone.

Manage Dietary Triggers

If you notice consistent breakout patterns following high-glycemic meals or dairy consumption, reducing your intake of these foods is a simple, low-risk intervention worth trying.

Seek Regular Dermatologic Care

Routine appointments allow your dermatologist to adjust your treatment as your skin changes, catch early signs of scarring, and prevent minor flares from becoming significant breakout episodes.

Diagnosis and Evaluation of Acne

Acne diagnosis is clinical. No blood test diagnoses it. No imaging reveals it. A skilled dermatologist evaluates your skin directly, classifies the severity and type of your acne, identifies any underlying contributing factors, and builds a treatment strategy from that foundation.

During your appointment, a systematic evaluation ensures nothing is missed and your treatment plan is calibrated to what’s actually driving your acne.

Clinical Skin Examination

Your dermatologist examines the distribution, density, and character of your lesions. They assess the ratio of non-inflammatory to inflammatory lesions, the presence or absence of nodules and cysts, existing scarring or post-inflammatory changes, and the location pattern of breakouts. Jawline-predominant acne in an adult woman, for example, strongly suggests a hormonal component that influences both diagnosis and treatment selection.

Severity Grading

Using validated grading systems, including the Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) scale endorsed by the American Academy of Dermatology, your dermatologist classifies your acne as mild, moderate, or severe. This classification directly determines which treatments are appropriate and in what combination. It also establishes a baseline for measuring your treatment response at follow-up visits.

Hormonal Assessment in Women

When acne presents in adult women, particularly with features suggesting androgen excess, including irregular periods, excessive hair growth, or acne concentrated along the jawline and lower face, your dermatologist may recommend hormonal evaluation. Blood tests measuring free testosterone, DHEAS, and luteinizing hormone help identify underlying endocrine conditions like PCOS that require targeted hormonal treatment alongside standard acne therapy.

Medication and Skincare Review

Your dermatologist reviews your current medications, supplements, skincare routine, and cosmetic products to identify any acne-triggering or acne-worsening agents. Corticosteroids, certain hormonal medications, and occlusive skincare products are common culprits that are easy to overlook without a thorough review.

Psychosocial Impact Assessment

Acne’s effect on mental health and quality of life is a legitimate part of dermatologic evaluation. Research published in journals including the British Journal of Dermatology documents rates of depression and anxiety in acne patients comparable to those with chronic systemic diseases. Your dermatologist considers this impact when deciding how aggressively to treat and whether additional support resources are appropriate.

Skin Culture When Indicated

In cases of acne that worsens despite antibiotic treatment, a skin swab and culture help identify antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains or the presence of gram-negative folliculitis, a condition that mimics acne but requires entirely different management. This testing is targeted, not routine.

When Should You Get Acne Evaluated?

You should see a dermatologist if you notice:

•         Acne that has not responded to over-the-counter treatments after 8 to 12 weeks
•         Nodules or cysts causing pain or persistent inflammation
•         Scarring or darkened marks developing from breakouts
•         Acne emerging or worsening in your 20s, 30s, or beyond
•         Hormonal signs accompanying your acne in women
•         Sudden, severe, or widespread acne with systemic symptoms
•         Significant emotional distress linked to your skin condition

Getting evaluated early doesn’t mean starting the most aggressive treatment immediately. It means having a professional map out exactly what you’re dealing with and the most effective, appropriate path to clearing it.

Acne Treatment Options

Effective acne treatment targets the specific mechanisms driving your breakouts. There is no single product or approach that works for everyone. The most successful treatment plans are layered, using combinations of agents that address sebum production, follicular plugging, bacterial colonization, and inflammation simultaneously. Here is what the evidence supports, organized by severity and mechanism.

Topical Retinoids

Retinoids, derived from vitamin A, are the foundation of acne treatment for nearly all patients. They normalize follicular keratinization, preventing the dead skin cell buildup that forms comedones in the first place. They also have meaningful anti-inflammatory properties. Options include tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene, and the newer trifarotene.

Adapalene 0.1% is available over the counter and is generally well-tolerated. Tretinoin (0.025% to 0.1%) and tazarotene require a prescription and are more potent but more irritating. All topical retinoids increase sun sensitivity and require consistent sunscreen use. An initial phase of apparent worsening is common as the skin purges retained comedones. Improvement typically becomes visible within 3 to 4 weeks of consistent use.

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) is one of the most effective and well-tolerated topical antibacterial agents available. It kills C. acnes bacteria within the follicle and, critically, does not contribute to antibiotic resistance. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends it in virtually all acne patients as a cornerstone of treatment, whether as monotherapy for mild acne or in combination with antibiotics for moderate disease.

BPO is available in concentrations ranging from 2.5% to 10%. Higher concentrations are not necessarily more effective but do increase irritation. It can bleach fabrics and hair, so application technique matters. Gel formulations tend to be the most effective delivery vehicle.

Topical Antibiotics

Topical clindamycin and erythromycin reduce C. acnes colonization and suppress local inflammatory cytokines. They’re effective for mild to moderate inflammatory acne but should never be used as monotherapy because of antibiotic resistance concerns. Combining them with benzoyl peroxide prevents resistance development and significantly improves outcomes. Fixed-dose combination products containing both agents offer convenient once or twice daily application.

Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid with both comedolytic and antibacterial properties, along with the added benefit of reducing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. At 20% cream concentration, it’s an excellent option for patients who don’t tolerate retinoids well, those with darker skin tones prone to PIH, and pregnant patients for whom retinoids are contraindicated. It’s minimally irritating and can be used twice daily.

Clascoterone (Winlevi)

Clascoterone 1% cream is the first topical androgen receptor inhibitor approved for acne, targeting the hormonal mechanism at the skin level without systemic androgenic effects. Approved for patients 12 and older, it’s applied twice daily and represents a significant advance for hormonally-driven acne in both males and females. It does not carry the systemic risks associated with oral hormonal therapies.

Oral Antibiotics

For moderate acne that has not responded adequately to topical therapy alone, oral antibiotics remain an important treatment option. Doxycycline and minocycline, both members of the tetracycline class, are the current first-line choices. At doses of 50 to 100 mg twice daily, they reduce C. acnes colonization and suppress the inflammatory cascade driving papules and pustules.

According to the 2025 American Academy of Dermatology guidelines, systemic antibiotics must not be used as monotherapy. They’re always prescribed alongside a topical retinoid and benzoyl peroxide. This combination approach accelerates clearance, reduces resistance risk, and allows the antibiotic course to be tapered and discontinued once control is achieved, typically after 2 to 3 months. Long-term antibiotic use beyond this window is discouraged.

Sarecycline, a newer narrow-spectrum tetracycline, specifically targets acne-associated bacteria with less disruption to the gut microbiome than older broad-spectrum agents.

Hormonal Therapy

For women with hormonal or androgen-driven acne, including those with PCOS, oral hormonal therapies offer significant benefit beyond what topical and antibiotic treatments provide alone.

Combined oral contraceptives containing both estrogen and a progestin reduce ovarian androgen production and lower sebum output. Multiple formulations are FDA-approved for acne. Improvement typically requires 3 to 6 months of consistent use.

Spironolactone, an aldosterone antagonist with potent anti-androgenic properties, is prescribed off-label for acne in women at doses of 25 to 200 mg daily. It’s particularly effective for adult women with jawline-predominant, hormonally-triggered breakouts. Regular monitoring of potassium levels is recommended during treatment.

Oral Isotretinoin

Oral isotretinoin is the most powerful and effective acne treatment available. It directly addresses all four pathogenic factors simultaneously: reducing sebum production by up to 90%, normalizing follicular keratinization, suppressing C. acnes colonization, and exerting profound anti-inflammatory effects. For severe acne, cystic acne, scarring acne, and moderate acne that has failed multiple prior treatments, isotretinoin is the standard of care recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology.

A typical course runs 16 to 20 weeks at a dose of 1 mg per kilogram of body weight daily. Cumulative dosing of 120 to 150 mg per kilogram achieves the best long-term remission rates. Many patients achieve lasting clearance after a single course.

Isotretinoin requires careful management due to its side effect profile:

•         Dryness of the lips, skin, eyes, and nasal passages (universal and manageable with moisturizers)
•         Elevated triglyceride and cholesterol levels (monitored with regular blood tests)
•         Liver enzyme changes (monitored periodically)
•         Severe birth defects if taken during pregnancy (mandatory contraception and monthly pregnancy testing required for women of childbearing age)
•         Rare reports of mood changes and depression (discussed with all patients before starting)

These requirements make close physician oversight essential throughout the treatment course. Connolly Dermatology manages isotretinoin patients through the iPLEDGE program, the mandatory risk management system that ensures safe prescribing.

Intralesional Corticosteroid Injections

For individual painful nodules or cysts that need rapid resolution, intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injections directly into the lesion produce dramatic improvement within 24 to 48 hours. This targeted approach significantly reduces inflammation, minimizes the risk of scarring from that specific lesion, and provides relief while longer-term systemic treatment takes effect. It’s not a substitute for comprehensive management but a valuable adjunct for troublesome individual lesions.

Chemical Peels and Light-Based Therapy

Superficial chemical peels using salicylic acid or glycolic acid help reduce comedonal burden, accelerate skin turnover, and address post-inflammatory pigmentation. Light-based therapies, including blue light, which targets porphyrins produced by C. acnes, and photodynamic therapy (PDT), offer adjunctive benefit for inflammatory acne. These are useful additions to a comprehensive treatment plan but are not replacements for medical therapy in moderate to severe cases.

Acne Scar Treatment

Once active acne is under control, existing scarring can be addressed through a range of procedures. Chemical peels and microneedling improve surface texture and stimulate collagen remodeling. Laser resurfacing, including fractional CO2 and erbium lasers, is effective for icepick and boxcar scars. Subcision releases tethered rolling scars from beneath the skin. Dermal fillers temporarily elevate depressed scars. Hypertrophic scars and keloids respond to intralesional steroid injections, and in some cases, laser therapy.

Scar treatment is most effective once acne is in full remission and no active inflammatory lesions remain.

Why Choose Connolly Dermatology for Acne Treatment

Care Guided by Experience and Clinical Judgment

Acne is common. But common does not mean simple. Choosing the right treatment combination, knowing when to escalate therapy, managing isotretinoin safely, and addressing the hormonal and scarring dimensions of the condition all require clinical expertise that goes far beyond what a pharmacy shelf offers. Connolly Dermatology provides physician-led acne care rooted in current evidence and tailored to every individual patient.

Board-Certified Dermatologists

Our dermatologists are trained in the full spectrum of acne presentations and treatment strategies. Every recommendation follows the most current American Academy of Dermatology guidelines and reflects the best available clinical evidence. You’ll never receive a cookie-cutter plan that ignores what makes your acne unique.

Comprehensive Treatment Options

We offer every evidence-based treatment available for acne, including topical retinoids and combination agents, oral antibiotics, hormonal therapies for women, oral isotretinoin with full iPLEDGE monitoring, intralesional corticosteroid injections, chemical peels, light-based therapies, and acne scar procedures. Your dermatologist designs a plan that matches your severity, skin type, lifestyle, and goals.

Isotretinoin Expertise

Isotretinoin is the most effective acne treatment available. It’s also the most complex to manage. Our dermatologists guide patients through the full iPLEDGE process, monitoring labs, adjusting dosing, and managing side effects so you get the full benefit of this treatment with the safety oversight it requires.

Hormonal Acne Evaluation

For adult women struggling with persistent, hormonally-driven acne, we evaluate the endocrine factors contributing to your breakouts and offer appropriate hormonal therapies alongside traditional acne management. Treating the root cause produces more durable results than simply suppressing surface symptoms.

Honest Communication About Outcomes

Acne treatment takes time. Most regimens require 8 to 12 weeks before visible results appear. We set realistic expectations from the start and check in with you throughout treatment to assess progress and make adjustments. You’ll never feel dismissed or left wondering if your treatment is actually working.

Patient Education and Support

Understanding why you’re using each component of your treatment plan makes you far more likely to stay consistent, and consistency is what delivers results with acne treatment. We take time to explain the purpose of every product and medication and make sure you understand exactly how and when to use them.

Comfortable, Compassionate Care

Acne affects more than your skin. It affects how you feel about yourself, how you show up in social situations, and how you approach each day. Our team treats every patient with the respect and empathy that a condition with this degree of personal impact deserves.

What To Expect During Treatment

Guiding You Through Evaluation and the Next Steps

Starting acne treatment with a dermatologist can feel unfamiliar, especially if you’ve spent years trying to manage things on your own. At Connolly Dermatology, we guide you through every stage of your care so you understand what’s happening with your skin and what to expect as treatment progresses.

Before Your Appointment

Preparing in advance helps your dermatologist get the full picture quickly. Note how long you’ve had acne, what you’ve already tried, and how your skin responded. Bring your current skincare products and a list of all medications and supplements. Women should note whether their acne follows a cyclical pattern and share any relevant menstrual or hormonal history. The more detail you provide, the more precisely your treatment can be tailored.

During the Evaluation

Your dermatologist reviews your medical history and then examines your skin systematically. They assess the type, distribution, and severity of your lesions, evaluate existing scarring and pigmentation changes, and identify any features suggesting hormonal involvement or a medication trigger.

Your dermatologist explains what they’re seeing in straightforward terms, discusses your treatment options, and answers every question you have before any plan is finalized. You’ll understand not just what you’re being prescribed, but why each component is included and what it targets.

If isotretinoin is recommended, your dermatologist walks you through the iPLEDGE requirements, the baseline lab work needed, and what to expect during the course. If an intralesional steroid injection for an active nodule or cyst is appropriate, that can often be done during the same appointment.

After Your First Visit

Most acne regimens require consistent use for 8 to 12 weeks before you see meaningful improvement. This is normal and expected. Some patients experience a brief initial purge phase, particularly with topical retinoids, as retained comedones surface before the skin begins to clear.

Follow-up appointments are scheduled at regular intervals, typically 6 to 12 weeks after starting treatment, to evaluate your response and make any necessary adjustments. If your acne has responded well to initial therapy, maintenance strategies are discussed to prevent relapse. If progress has been insufficient, treatment is modified, not abandoned.

Throughout your treatment course, the team at Connolly Dermatology remains accessible. Questions between appointments are taken seriously. Your progress is tracked carefully. And when you achieve the clear skin you’ve been working toward, we’ll make sure it stays that way.

Get Clear Answers from Connolly Dermatology

Make Informed Decisions About Your Skin Health

Acne is a chronic inflammatory condition driven by hormones, bacteria, genetics, and follicular biology. It’s not a reflection of cleanliness, diet choices, or willpower. And it’s not something you simply have to manage on your own with whatever is on the pharmacy shelf.

The right treatment plan, designed by a board-certified dermatologist who understands how your specific acne works, produces dramatically better outcomes than trial-and-error self-treatment. It prevents scarring. It clears skin faster. And it addresses the underlying drivers of your breakouts instead of just suppressing the surface symptoms.

If acne is affecting your skin or your quality of life, schedule a visit with Connolly Dermatology. Our board-certified dermatologists provide expert evaluation, personalized treatment, and the ongoing support you need to achieve and maintain clear skin.

Schedule a visit with a dermatologist to get clear, informed guidance about your skin.

What To Expect During Treatment

Guiding You Through Evaluation and the Next Steps

Wart treatment can feel daunting, especially if you’ve already tried over-the-counter products without success. At Connolly Dermatology, we walk you through every stage of your care so you know exactly what’s happening and why.

Before Your Appointment

It helps to come prepared. Note when the wart first appeared and whether it has grown or spread. Record any over-the-counter treatments you’ve already tried and how your skin responded. Bring a list of current medications, especially if you take immunosuppressive drugs or have a condition affecting your immune system.

During the Evaluation

Your dermatologist reviews your medical history and examines the lesion thoroughly. They assess the type, number, size, and location of your warts and look for features that might indicate a different diagnosis. Dermoscopy may be used for a closer look. For plantar lesions, careful paring of the surface helps confirm the diagnosis and assess depth.

Your dermatologist explains what they’re seeing, discusses your options, and answers every question you have before any treatment begins. If the wart is straightforward and treatment is appropriate, it can often be performed during the same appointment.

Cryotherapy, the most commonly performed in-office treatment, takes only a few minutes. The liquid nitrogen is applied using a spray or cotton applicator. Most patients describe a stinging or burning sensation during application that resolves quickly. In-office procedures are typically completed in under 30 minutes.

After Treatment

Following cryotherapy, expect blistering and peeling in the treated area over the next several days. Your dermatologist provides aftercare instructions, including keeping the area clean, protecting the blister, and managing any discomfort. Most treated sites heal within 10 to 14 days.

Following curettage and electrodesiccation, the site heals over 1 to 2 weeks with appropriate wound care. Suture removal, if applicable, is typically scheduled within 7 to 10 days.

If tissue was sent for biopsy, results are shared promptly. Your dermatologist explains what the findings mean and whether any further treatment is needed. For most patients, one to several treatment sessions clear the wart entirely. Follow-up appointments monitor for recurrence and allow retreatment if needed.

Get Clear Answers from Connolly Dermatology

Make Informed Decisions About Your Skin Health

Warts are benign viral growths caused by HPV. They spread easily, persist far longer than you’d expect without proper treatment, and can become genuinely painful when they develop on high-pressure areas like the soles of your feet. The right management approach depends on the type of wart, where it appears, your immune status, and how it has responded to prior treatment.

If you have a wart that won’t respond to over-the-counter treatment, one that’s growing, spreading, or causing pain, or simply one you’d like evaluated by an expert, Connolly Dermatology is here to help. Our board-certified dermatologists provide accurate diagnosis and evidence-based care matched to what your skin actually needs.

Schedule a visit with a Connolly Dermatology dermatologist and take the first step toward clear, healthy skin.