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Applegarth Dermatology PC

Serving the areas of Valparaiso and LaPorte, Indiana

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INSURANCES ACCEPTED:

*Please note these are our top companies that we participate with.  This is not a complete list.  Please contact your insurace carrier to verify whether or not we are in your provider network.

Traditional Medicare

Railroad Medicare

Sagamore

Cigna

Encore

United Healthcare

CHA

Coventry

CCN

First Health

Aetna

PHCS

Multi Plan

UMR

Lutheran Preferred

Indiana Health Network

Anthem BCBS PPO

Anthem BCBS PDS

Caresource - Medicare Plan

AARP Medicare Complete

IU Health Plans - Medicare and Commercial

Tricare

Anthem Medicare Advantage HMO

AMBETTER

EFFECTIVE 2/22/19: WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING ALLWELL

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Our team of professionals and staff believe that informed patients are better equipped to make decisions regarding their health and well-being. For your personal use, we have created an extensive patient library covering an array of educational topics, which can be found on the side of each page. Browse through these diagnoses and treatments to learn more about topics of interest to you.

As always, you can contact our office to answer any questions or concerns.

acne-pimple-popping.jpg
Too often, people worsen their acne by squeezing pimples and other acne blemishes.

If you have a pimple that you’re about to pop, stop! You’ll want to read this first.

Do-it-yourself pimple popping can backfire

Squeezing pimples and other acne blemishes may seem so simple that anyone can do it, but there is an art to doing it right. You need proper technique to avoid:

  • Permanent acne scars
  • More-noticeable acne
  • More-painful acne
  • An infection

These unwanted side effects are likely when you pop pimples at home. If you push some of the contents inside the pimple deeper into the skin, which often happens, you increase inflammation. This can lead to more-noticeable acne. Some people develop acne scars and pain.

When you pop pimples yourself, you also run the risk of getting an infection from the bacteria on your hands.

Dermatologists know how to remove acne safely

Dermatologists use a few different techniques to physically get rid of acne. One is called acne extraction, which involves using sterile instruments to get rid of blackheads and whiteheads.

Acne extraction is usually offered when other acne treatment fails to clear the skin. it’s rarely a first choice because it takes time and can be expensive.

When performed by a dermatologist, acne extraction is a safe way to get rid of blackheads and whiteheads.

Another technique that dermatologists use allows them to get rid of a deep, painful acne cyst or nodule. To do this, a dermatologist will inject the blemish with a corticosteroid. This speeds healing and reduces the risk of scarring.

An injection is fine for treating one especially painful acne nodule or cyst. It cannot be used to treat several acne blemishes. If you receive too much corticosteroid, it can cause unwanted side effects.

Only a doctor should inject a corticosteroid.

To remove a large pimple or painful acne cyst or nodule, your dermatologist may also use a procedure called incision and drainage. It involves using a sterile needle or surgical blade to open the blemish and then removing what’s inside.

Because dermatologists use proper technique, this procedure can help drain a pimple, cyst, or nodule.

What to expect from acne removal procedures

During acne extraction, a dermatologist uses sterilized equipment to clean out your pores. You may need to have your skin exfoliated first.

Blackheads and whiteheads can return, so you’ll need to follow a skin care plan to prevent new blemishes.

A corticosteroid injection will flatten most acne nodules or cysts within 48 to 72 hours.

The key to clearing a pimple with incision and drainage is to do this at the right time.

3 things that can improve acne clearing

These techniques aren’t necessary for every blemish. Acne often clears with acne medicine and the right skin care.

While you’re waiting for your skin to clear, it can be tempting to pop a large pimple or squeeze out a blackhead. That can delay clearing.

Here are three things you can that will help you see clearer skin more quickly.

  1. Keep your hands away from your face. Touching, picking, and popping can worsen acne.
  2. Relieve pain with ice. Some acne can be painful, especially nodules and cysts. Ice reduces the inflammation.
  3. Treat your acne. Many people can clear their acne with treatment that they can buy online or at a drugstore. Treatment takes time to work. If you don’t see results in 4 to 6 weeks, a dermatologist can help you clear your skin.

Patience today, clearer skin tomorrow

While you may still be tempted to pop that pimple, you now know the benefits of using a different approach. And that can lead to clearer skin.


Image: Thinkstock

References
Fulton JE, Acne Rx: What acne really is and how to eliminate its devastating effects! Self-published; 2001.

Zaenglein AL, Pathy AL, et al. “Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris.” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;74:945-73.


Learn More

  • Acne
  • Rashes
  • Skin Cancers
  • Warts

Patient Education

Patient Education
  • Acne and rosacea
    • Acne
    • Acne scars
    • Acne products: How to avoid allergic reaction
    • Acne: Tips to help you see clearer skin
    • Adult acne
    • Isotretinoin: Treatment for severe acne
    • Rosacea
    • Rosacea: Skin Care Do's and Don'ts
  • Bumps and growths
    • Keratosis pilaris
    • Moles
    • Seborrheic keratosis
  • Color problems
    • Acanthosis nigricans
    • Melasma
    • Melasma:Tips to Make It Less Noticeable
    • Tinea versicolor
    • Vitiligo
  • Contagious skin diseases
    • Genital warts
    • Head Lice
    • Herpes simplex
    • Impetigo
    • Molluscum contagiosum
    • Nail fungus
    • Ringworm
    • Scabies
    • Shingles
    • Warts
  • Dry / sweaty skin
    • Dry skin
    • Hyperhidrosis
  • Eczema / dermatitis
    • Atopic dermatitis
    • Contact dermatitis
    • Dyshidrotic eczema
    • Neurodermatitis
    • Nummular dermatitis
    • Stasis dermatitis
    • Eczema: Tips to help children feel better
    • Eczema Bleach bath therapy
  • Hair and scalp problems
    • Alopecia areata
    • Hair loss
    • Scalp psoriasis
  • Itchy skin
    • Bedbugs
    • Hives
    • Poison ivy, oak, and sumac
  • Painful skin / joints
    • Hidradenitis suppurativa
    • Psoriatic arthritis
    • Scleroderma
  • Rashes
    • Lichen planus
    • Lupus and your skin
    • Pityriasis rosea
  • Scaly skin
    • Actinic keratosis
    • Psoriasis
    • Psoriasis Skin Care Guide
    • Psoriatic arthritis
    • Seborrheic dermatitis
  • Skin cancer
    • Basal cell carcinoma
    • Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP)
    • Imiquimod: A treatment for some skin cancers, genital warts
    • Melanoma
      • Next steps after a melanoma diagnosis
    • Merkel cell carcinoma
    • Sebaceous carcinoma
    • Squamous cell carcinoma
    • Skin cancer in people of color
    • Skin Cancer Prevention
    • Who's got your back
    • Can you spot skin cancer?
  • Skin, hair, and nail care
    • Skin care
      • How to Apply Sunscreen
      • How to Shave
      • Skin Self-Exam: How to Do
      • Face Washing 101
      • How to Apply Self-Tanner
      • Get the most from your skin care products
      • Dry skin relief
      • Preventing skin conditions in athletes
      • How to care for tattooed skin
      • How to care for pierced ears
      • How to Treat Diaper Rash
      • Skin Care on a Budget
      • How to Treat Boils and Styes
      • How to Treat Dandruff
      • How to Treat Shingles
      • How to Treat Cold Sores
      • How to Treat Hives in Children
      • Wrinkle Remedies
    • Hair care / hair loss
      • How to Style Hair Without Damage
      • Tips for Healthy Hair
      • How to remove gum without cutting hair
      • Coloring and perming tips
    • Injured skin
      • Tips for treating poison ivy
      • How to treat sunburn
      • Proper Wound Care: How to Minimize a Scar
      • How to Prevent and Treat Frostbite
    • Nail care
      • Manicure and pedicure safety
      • Tips for Healthy Nails
  • Other conditions
    • Diabetes warning signs
  • Videos

Our Location

1861 S. Sturdy Rd
Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 548-0360
 
3444 Monroe
La Porte, IN 46350
(219) 362-0161

Map & directions

Appointment Request

Valparaiso, IN Dermatologist Applegarth Dermatology PC 1861 S. Sturdy Rd. Valparaiso, IN46383 (219) 548-0360 Dermatologist in Valparaiso, IN Call For Pricing
La Porte, IN Dermatologist Applegarth Dermatology PC 3444 Monroe St. La Porte, IN46350 (219) 362-0161 Dermatologist in La Porte, IN Call For Pricing
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