Expert Acne Treatment in Encinitas, CA.

woman suffering from acne in Encinitas California

Get clear, healthy skin with Dr. Sheila Krishna at Coastal Pacific Dermatology. We treat all types of acne with proven medical solutions tailored to your skin.

Schedule Consultation

📞 (760) 783-5502

200+ 5 Star Reviews

Immediate Appointments

Board Certified

Understanding Acne

What Is Acne?

Acne happens when hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It can appear on the face, neck, chest, back, or arms, and shows up in different forms. Identifying the type guides the right treatment plan.

Comedonal

Blackheads and whiteheads caused by pores plugged with oil.

Inflammatory

Red, sometimes painful bumps that form when oil is trapped in the follicle.

Cystic

Tender, swollen lumps deep under the skin that can cause scarring if untreated.

Scarring

Deep, swollen lumps that may leave interconnected scars across the skin.

Personalized Care

How Dr. Krishna Approaches Acne

A thorough look at your skin, history, and lifestyle, then a plan that fits your life, not a one-size-fits-all script.

Comprehensive Evaluation

Review of lifestyle, underlying conditions, and any medications that may be playing a role.

Accurate Diagnosis

Assess type and severity, and check for look-alike conditions like folliculitis or milia.

Personalized Plan

A treatment plan built around your skin, your goals, and what has or has not worked before.

Treatment Options May Include:

Lifestyle and skincare recommendations
Over-the-counter options like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid
Prescription topicals (tretinoin, topical antibiotics)
Prescription oral medications, including isotretinoin
Chemical peels (salicylic and glycolic acid)
Complementary and alternative methods

I was dealing with acne issues for a year and it was causing significant stress. They diagnosed me and came up with an effective treatment plan. My skin cleared up in less than two weeks.

Russ D., patient review

Your Questions, Answered

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes acne?

Acne is caused by a combination of factors: overproduction of oil, increased shedding of skin cells that plug the oil gland, buildup of bacteria and debris, skin inflammation, hormone fluctuations, and genetics. Lifestyle factors, underlying conditions, and some medications can also play a role.

Can acne cause scarring?

Yes. If left untreated, inflammatory and cystic acne can cause scarring. Treating acne early is one of the main reasons dermatologists recommend not waiting to start a plan.

When should I see a dermatologist for acne?

Consider an appointment if over-the-counter products are not working, your acne is painful, it is leaving marks, or it is affecting your confidence. An experienced dermatologist can also tell acne apart from look-alike conditions like folliculitis or milia.

What acne treatments does Dr. Krishna offer?

Treatment may include lifestyle recommendations, over-the-counter options like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, prescription topicals such as tretinoin and topical antibiotics, prescription oral medications including isotretinoin, and chemical peels. Dr. Krishna builds a personalized plan after a full evaluation.

Is acne treatment covered by insurance?

Acne is a medical condition and most insurance plans are accepted at Coastal Pacific Dermatology. Call the office at (760) 783-5502 to verify coverage before your visit.