619-317-1837 BOOK ONLINE VIRTUAL OFFICE VISIT Acne Specialist Dermatology & Laser Center of San Diego Our Services Acne Tweet Dermatology & Laser Center of San Diego Dermatologists located in Hillcrest, San Diego, CA & Chula Vista, CA More than 40 million people suffer from acne, and many of those people have severe acne that can cause significant emotional distress. At the Dermatology & Laser Center of San Diego, our doctors develop individualized treatment plans to help patients battle acne and feel better about their appearance and themselves. 619-317-1837 BOOK ONLINE Acne Q & A What causes acne? Acne occurs when the hair follicles, the tiny openings in the skin that support the hair shafts, become plugged, sometimes with dirt but often with dead skin cells. Follicles normally secrete oil that keeps the skin surface soft and protected. But when follicles are plugged, these oils become trapped, providing an ideal environment for bacteria to grow and multiply. In response, the body sends immune cells to battle the bacteria, resulting in inflammation, redness and discomfort in and around the follicle. The severity of acne can vary considerably from one patient to the next, and acne can also become worse during flareups that can be triggered by stress, hormones or other factors. In addition to physical symptoms, acne can cause significant emotional side effects including depression. What treatments are available for acne? Acne can present in different ways, including whiteheads, blackheads, pustules, papules and cysts, and each type needs a different approach. The good news is, today there are many different topical and oral medications available for the treatment of different types of acne, and light and laser therapies are also used in some patients. Many patients respond best to a combination of treatments, and the dermatologists at the Dermatology & Laser Center are experienced in customizing treatments for each individual patient. What if a treatment stops being effective? One of the most common concerns among acne patients who are being treated is that an approach that had been working suddenly stops being effective. In most cases, this happens when you build up a tolerance to an approach you've been using for some time. Usually, switching to a new approach, if only temporarily, will improve your skin's response to treatment and in some cases enable you to return to your original product in time. BOOK ONLINE Major Insurance Providers Accepted We accept all PPO insurance plans. Our primary PPOs are Tricare, Healthnet, Cigna, Aetna, Anthem Bluevross, Blueshield of California, United Healthcare, First Health, Pacificare, and Beech Street. If your insurance plan is not listed, please contact our office. We accept Visa, Master Card, Discover, and CareCredit. View full list of companies TESTIMONIALS Words from our patients 1 2 3 OUR LOCATIONS Choose your preferred location 4060 4th Avenue Suite 209, San Diego, CA 92103 619-317-1837 BOOK ONLINE 319 F Street Suite 102, Chula Vista, CA 91910 619-317-1958 BOOK ONLINE 6386 Alvarado Court Suite 205, San Diego, CA 92120 619-320-1260 BOOK ONLINE Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Accessibility Notice Contact Us Dermatology & Laser Center of San Diego, San Diego, CA Phone (appointments): 619-317-1837 Phone (general inquiries): 619-298-9535 Address: 4060 4th Avenue, Suite 209, San Diego, CA 92103 Dermatology & Laser Center of San Diego, Chula Vista, CA Phone (appointments): 619-317-1958 Phone (general inquiries): 619-476-1200 Address: 319 F Street, Suite 102, Chula Vista, CA 91910 Dermatology & Laser Center of San Diego, San Diego, CA Phone (appointments): 619-320-1260 Phone (general inquiries): 619-287-2877 Address: 6386 Alvarado Court, Suite 205, San Diego, CA 92120 4.93/5 (509 reviews)