Clearer skin is possible.
Acne, which mostly affects teens, is a common skin condition in the United States. Girls first develop it at approximately ages 14-17 and boys from 16-19. Famous folks such as Tina Fey, Kendall Jenner, Moon Unit Zappa, Jillian Michaels, and a host of others have shared memories of this dreaded adolescent disease.
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Acne Atlanta, GA
Acne is a dreaded adolescent disease that also has an adult counterpart. Unfortunately, some experience the agony of the condition in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. The dermatologists at MetroDerm in Atlanta use the most advanced technology to treat acne.
Acne mostly manifests itself on the face, but it can also be located on the back and chest. In some cases, all three areas may be affected. The condition can range from mild, where blackheads, whiteheads, and a few inflamed spots are present, to severe where there may be large, deep lesions that can take weeks to settle and may cause scarring. Acne is not contagious; it cannot be passed from one person to another
Some say this condition needs to run its course and that treatment is unsuccessful and unnecessary. This could not be further from the truth. Besides the psychological stress, permanent damage to the skin can result if the condition goes untreated. It can last for years and cause scarring if left untreated.
Acne is not caused by poor hygiene or dirt and cannot be cured by washing more frequently. There is no evidence that eating chocolate or sweets can cause or worsen this dermatologic condition. However, some individuals may find that certain foods make their acne worse. It may help to avoid these foods, but a strict diet alone will not cure it.
The sebaceous (oil) glands are small glands surrounding the fine hairs on the skin. These glands produce sebum (oil), which is released via the hair follicles. Acne is usually triggered by puberty when rising levels of male hormones (androgens) in both boys and girls cause the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. This excess sebum causes the lining of the hair follicles to become inflamed, making them narrower and resulting in the formation of plugs at the surface of the skin. Bacteria can then grow causing redness, swelling and the formation of pus. The “black” in a blackhead is not dirt but dried oil and shed skin cells.
Treatment
The choice of treatment depends on the severity. All acne should be treated. It will not improve if left untreated and could become worse. At MetroDerm, P.C., the dermatologists understand the psychological stress of acne and related skin conditions. They work with patients to develop a treatment plan that may include medication and aesthetic treatments. The dermatologist will take a patient history and examine him or her then prescribe a treatment plan to prevent dead skin cells from blocking the oil glands, reduce excessive oil production and reduce acne-causing bacteria. If the condition is mild, the doctor can prescribe topical lotions, creams or gel for the skin. If it is severe, there is a variety of proven treatments available to treat this distressing condition. Prescription strength medications and doctor supervision of acne treatment are preferable to over-the-counter products and a hit or miss treatment regimen. Please be sure to inform the dermatologists if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This will affect the protocol the doctor prescribes for treatment.
- Use good quality doctor recommended products to clean your face morning and evening.
- Avoid squeezing or picking pimples. This may cause scarring or worse inflammation.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Avoid foods that cause your acne to flare.
- Drink plenty of water and exercise regularly.
- Avoid tanning beds due to the long-term risks of sun damage and skin cancer.
- Humid weather may worsen the acne due to excess sweating.
- Long hair may irritate acne. Pull your hair back to avoid friction and oils from causing problems.
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PROCEDURES & TREATMENTS
REGAIN YOUR CONFIDENCE
Acne
Acne is a dreaded adolescent disease that also has an adult counterpart. Unfortunately, some experience the agony of the condition in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. The dermatologists at MetroDerm in Atlanta use the most advanced technology to treat acne.
Acne mostly manifests itself on the face, but it can also be located on the back and chest. In some cases, all three areas may be affected. The condition can range from mild, where blackheads, whiteheads, and a few inflamed spots are present, to severe where there may be large, deep lesions that can take weeks to settle and may cause scarring. Acne is not contagious; it cannot be passed from one person to another
Some say this condition needs to run its course and that treatment is unsuccessful and unnecessary. This could not be further from the truth. Besides the psychological stress, permanent damage to the skin can result if the condition goes untreated. It can last for years and cause scarring if left untreated.
Acne is not caused by poor hygiene or dirt and cannot be cured by washing more frequently. There is no evidence that eating chocolate or sweets can cause or worsen this dermatologic condition. However, some individuals may find that certain foods make their acne worse. It may help to avoid these foods, but a strict diet alone will not cure it.
The sebaceous (oil) glands are small glands surrounding the fine hairs on the skin. These glands produce sebum (oil), which is released via the hair follicles. Acne is usually triggered by puberty when rising levels of male hormones (androgens) in both boys and girls cause the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. This excess sebum causes the lining of the hair follicles to become inflamed, making them narrower and resulting in the formation of plugs at the surface of the skin. Bacteria can then grow causing redness, swelling and the formation of pus. The “black” in a blackhead is not dirt but dried oil and shed skin cells.
Treatment
The choice of treatment depends on the severity. All acne should be treated. It will not improve if left untreated and could become worse. At MetroDerm, P.C., the dermatologists understand the psychological stress of acne and related skin conditions. They work with patients to develop a treatment plan that may include medication and aesthetic treatments. The dermatologist will take a patient history and examine him or her then prescribe a treatment plan to prevent dead skin cells from blocking the oil glands, reduce excessive oil production and reduce acne-causing bacteria. If the condition is mild, the doctor can prescribe topical lotions, creams or gel for the skin. If it is severe, there is a variety of proven treatments available to treat this distressing condition. Prescription strength medications and doctor supervision of acne treatment are preferable to over-the-counter products and a hit or miss treatment regimen. Please be sure to inform the dermatologists if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This will affect the protocol the doctor prescribes for treatment.
- Use good quality doctor recommended products to clean your face morning and evening.
- Avoid squeezing or picking pimples. This may cause scarring or worse inflammation.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Avoid foods that cause your acne to flare.
- Drink plenty of water and exercise regularly.
- Avoid tanning beds due to the long-term risks of sun damage and skin cancer.
- Humid weather may worsen the acne due to excess sweating.
- Long hair may irritate acne. Pull your hair back to avoid friction and oils from causing problems.
REQUEST A CONSULTATION
TESTIMONIALS
“Dr. McClure has no peer in his field. Apart from his incredible skill as a surgeon, he is also wise and compassionate, too. He knows when it’s the right thing to do nothing. I would not be alive today were it not for his treatment of my melanoma years ago. My wife and I trust him more than any other doctor whom we have ever known.”
“I’ve been Dr. Kim’s patient for over 10 years and she is amazing! I recommend her to everyone and am grateful for the care and compassion she has shown me. Unfortunately, because of my skin, I see her a lot, but she makes visits and procedures as stress free as possible.”
“I have been going to Dr. Alford for several years. She is great! She is so pleasant and listens to any concerns you may have. She is thorough and professional. I always look forward to seeing her. If you’re looking for a great dermatologist, I highly recommend Dr. Alford.”
“I’ve been a patient of Dr. Garvey for a little more than six months. She has provided me relief from a serious varicose vein issue. I couldn’t be happier or more impressed with her knowledge, skill, and bedside manner. She has my highest recommendation. Her nurse, Eulene, and office manager, Chris, are also wonderful. Thanks to Dr. Garvey and team!”
“Dr. Pearl and her staff are amazing. I can’t speak highly enough about them all.”
“I have always had the best of care from Dr. Niren. I’ve been going to her since 1986, and I have nothing but praise for her professionalism and the time she spends with me.”
“Dr. Papadopoulos did a wonderful job on my recent surgical procedure on my arm. He made me feel at ease and explained everything to me in terms that I could understand. He was precise and succinct during the surgery, and my recovery could not have gone any smoother. I highly recommend Dr. Papadopoulos for any and all skin cancer surgery.”
“Dr. Neckman came highly recommended by my wife, and I was a little nervous on my first visit. She made me feel very comfortable and almost like a sister was looking out for her brother. She explained everything very well and took care of me with speed and compassion. Couldn’t recommend a dermatologist more.”
“Dr. Berghoff has been my doctor for years and has identified and repaired significant skin issues on several occasions that could have resulted in serious health issues. I always leave his office feeling like I know what my skin health is!”
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