Pustular Acne Treatment, as Introduced by Imi-seok Theme Dermatology Clinic.

1. What Is Pustular Acne?

Pustular acne is a papular type of acne that appears as small, bumpy, raised spots on the skin because sebum and waste products are not being discharged smoothly. When papular acne gets worse, inflammation develops, and this is called pustular acne.

Pustular acne is a representative inflammatory type of acne and appears as if it is filled with pus. If pustular acne is left untreated, it may appear in the form of blackheads or whiteheads. Forcing out sebum can also cause scars, so it is important to receive professional treatment and thoroughly cleanse the skin that has been contaminated by sebum and waste products.

In particular, if pustular acne is left untreated, many people experience acne-related pigmentation or red marks that cause stress. Because it often leaves permanent traces, it is important not to leave it untreated and to consult a specialist promptly.

So why does pustular acne occur?

2. Why Pustular Acne Develops

Pustular acne often occurs in adults as well as teenagers due to irregular lifestyle habits, drinking and smoking, clogged pores from leftover makeup residue, and stress. In particular, as mask wearing has become more common recently, the skin’s temperature and humidity have increased, raising the likelihood of inflammation.

Beyond these causes related to basic lifestyle habits, what else can cause acne?

1. Excessive sebum secretion

Pustular acne can occur when the production or activity of sex hormones such as androgens or dihydrotestosterone increases, causing the sebaceous glands to secrete too much sebum.

2. Excessive follicular keratinization / dilation

Pustular acne can also occur when excessive keratin builds up in the hair follicle, blocking the follicle opening, causing sebum to stagnate, and dilating the follicle due to clumps of keratin.

3. Proliferation of acne bacteria

When sebum becomes trapped in the skin and air circulation in the follicle is blocked, an environment is created that is favorable for acne bacteria (P. acnes), which thrive in low-oxygen conditions. Pustular acne can also develop due to the proliferation of acne bacteria.

4. Inflammatory reaction and foreign-body response formation

Free fatty acids produced when sebum is broken down by already present acne bacteria (P. acnes) can cause inflammation in the follicle, and pustular acne can also become severe when multinucleated white blood cells gather in that area and worsen the inflammation.

3. Pustular Acne Treatment Methods

Imi-seok Theme Dermatology Clinic uses a total of nine laser devices for pustular acne treatment. Among them, Terraclear is a laser effective for acne treatment, pigmentation, redness relief, pore reduction, and sebum reduction. Terraclear is a procedure approved by the U.S. FDA, and treatment proceeds in the following order.

First, the skin is pulled into the tip to remove impurities and waste products from the skin. Next, the inside of the pores is cleansed to eliminate the causes of acne. Finally, treatment is performed by pulling the skin close to the tip and irradiating it with the laser. Terraclear is a laser that can reduce pigmentation and redness accumulated in the skin, and it is one of the representative lasers used on skin affected by pustular acne.

In addition to Terraclear, we also provide patient-specific treatment using a variety of lasers.

The Sylfirm X laser is a microneedle radiofrequency laser that incorporates the advantages of existing microneedle RF devices such as "Scarlet" and "Sylfirm," and is widely used in acne treatment.

Pladuo uses plasma energy to increase the skin renewal cycle and help with overall skin regeneration. In particular, clinical findings have shown that argon plasma helps relieve inflammatory conditions such as acne.

Icon Green is an upgraded version of conventional fractional lasers and induces regeneration deep within the skin while safely protecting the skin’s surface.

Vbeam Perfecta is effective for skin that has become red due to acne. It acts on acne bacteria and can help treat acne, so it is used for acne treatment along with facial redness.

The Agnes laser is a procedure that improves acne by coagulating and destroying the sebaceous glands with micro-insulated needle radiofrequency energy.

New Smooth Beam is a laser certified by the U.S. FDA. It is a laser treatment that reduces acne by acting directly on the sebaceous glands, which are the root cause of acne, without squeezing the acne. It is effective for improving chronic acne and for patients who have difficulty taking medication, and it also helps shorten the duration of medication use.

IPL lasers can be used simultaneously for a variety of conditions, including pigmentation, blood vessels, and pores. In addition, compared with general laser procedures, it has the advantage of improving conditions without damaging the skin.

The ART laser restores the function of the sebaceous glands, which are the root cause of acne, to normal and helps care for acne, and it is also effective for pigmentation such as melasma. It is an effective laser procedure for improving both melasma and acne.

After laser treatment using these various devices, combining it with medical skin care that helps restore skin damaged by acne can enhance treatment results. We also recommend considering the various medical skin care services offered by Imi-seok Dermatology Clinic, such as Obagi Lunch Peel, Astradome Facial, and iontophoresis care.

4. Precautions After Pustular Acne Treatment

Once pustular acne treatment is complete, the treated area may appear red for about 1 to 2 days after the procedure. This will subside over time, so there is no need to worry too much.

There are precautions that must be followed after the procedure for effective acne treatment.

• Avoid direct exposure to ultraviolet rays on the day of the procedure

• Avoid using scrubs until the inflammation subsides after the procedure

• If itching or a strong feeling of heat occurs after the procedure, visit the clinic for examination

• Continue using moisturizer and sunscreen consistently

• Avoid saunas or Korean steam rooms

• Do not scratch or squeeze the treated area after the procedure

Imi-seok Theme Dermatology Clinic uses premium laser treatment equipment and continuously adds and replaces devices while managing them carefully. It is also a dermatology clinic that provides reliable treatment to many patients based on more than 600,000 clinical cases.

It operates on the principle of planning treatment programs according to the diagnosis and prescription of a board-certified dermatologist and proceeding with treatment tailored to the patient’s condition, so you can visit with peace of mind.

Imi-seok Theme Dermatology Clinic, composed of skilled dermatology specialists! We treat by addressing the fundamental skin problem, not just temporary symptom relief. If you are suffering from pustular acne, please feel free to contact us for a consultation at any time!