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Peter A. Vitulli, JR., D.O. F.A.O.C.D, F.A.A.D. | Board Certified Dermatologist | MOHS Microscopically Controlled Surgery for Skin Cancer | Medical, Surgical, Skin Cancer and Cosmetic Dermatology
4600 Military Trail, Suite 107, Jupiter, Florida 33458 | Directions

Your dermatologist in Jupiter helps you discover the best skin care to avoid acne scarring

Acne is often considered a normal, unavoidable part of life. Most of the teens we see have at least a few marks on their face at any given time, and we may have experienced acne to some degree in our youth. Although a common sight in the teen years, acne can also affect adults of any age. For many, treatment from a skilled dermatologist makes all the difference. At A Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery in Jupiter, Dr. Vitulli helps patients of all ages discover the best skin care regimen to avoid acne and the scarring that can result from breakouts.

The causes of acne

For many years, greasy foods, unhealthy eating habits, poor sleep, and the lack of hygiene have been thought the culprits of acne. What really puts teens at risk for breakouts are hormones. During this time in life, when hormones are wildly fluctuating, there is a subsequent increase in oils and sebum in the skin. In normal amounts, oil and the waxy sebum provide protection to the skin, keeping it moist. When produced in excess, these substances can clog the pores, blocking dead skin cells and bacteria inside.

Bacteria are present even on healthy skin. When they collect in clogged pores, however, they rapidly multiply as they accumulate around hair follicles. The irritation from bacteria is seen as pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, and cysts.

Acne scarring

As if breakouts were not bad enough, the development of pimples also raises the concern of scarring. Long after acne has cleared, scars and unevenness in the texture of skin can remain. This is not always the case, though. When a pore opens to allow fluid to drain, it is called non-inflammatory acne. Because pus is not trapped in pores, scarring is less likely to occur. Popping any type of pimple, however, increases the chance of scarring, even in non-inflammatory acne.

Inflammatory acne is a condition in which scarring is more likely. This type of breakout includes pressure within the affected follicles. This pressure can lead to the rupture of affected follicles and the release of sebum and bacteria into surrounding tissue. The scars that come from this type of acne may be temporary or permanent.

Avoid scarring

If a breakout is mild, with only minor irritation, it is possible to see clearing with over the counter medications, which are usually based on salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. The goal of acne treatment is to reduce bacteria in the skin and keep pores open so that oil may drain freely. This drainage should keep the follicle walls from rupturing.

Every person’s skin is different, and it will respond in varying degrees to over the counter medications. If you do not see results from commercial acne products, or your skin becomes more irritated, professional treatment with your dermatologist is recommended. In our Jupiter dermatology practice, Dr. Vitulli performs in-depth skin assessments that lead to customized care tailored to your unique skin. Acne treatment may include topical or oral antibiotics, or advanced laser treatment to destroy acne-causing bacteria.

Contact a Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery for personalized acne treatment.
A Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery Dr. Peter Vitulli

A Center for Dermatology
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Dr. Peter Vitulli is a highly sought-after and popular board-certified dermatology and board-certified Mhs surgeon in Jupiter. Having earned his medical degree at the College of Osteopathic Medicine of Nova SouthEastern University, he completed his residency and internship at the University of Tennessee and attended a dermatology residency program at Nova SouthEastern University. Dr. Vitulli possesses vast training and experience in all aspects of pediatric and adult dermatology and offers comprehensive treatment solutions with an interdisciplinary diagnosis approach and impeccable follow-up care. He is particularly passionate about the management of skincare. With over two decades of experience in providing exceptional surgical and aesthetic services and medical care, he holds Fellowships and Memberships with several prestigious professional associations including the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology and the American Society of Mohs Surgery, among others.

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Just finished with surgery. Dr. Vitulli and staff were great! Talented, dedicated and professional... Dr. Vitulli even called to check on me recovering at home. Great doc and practice! Nurse Mel is awesome! Needless to say...my entire family sees Dr. Vitulli exclusively.
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