Acne

Despite its reputation as an adolescent condition, acne can affect people of all ages due to its wide variety of causes. Acne removal treatment in Atlanta at Peachtree Dermatology Associates involves understanding the cause of your acne and developing the appropriate treatment protocol. Our team of board-certified dermatologists has decades of combined experience treating conditions like acne, and meeting the unique skincare needs of patients of all ages and ethnic backgrounds our treatment approach sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy, clear skin.

To learn more about the acne treatments available to you, request a consultation online with Peachtree Dermatology Associates today, or give us a call at (404) 355-1919 to schedule your appointment.

What Causes Acne?

Acne is the product of clogged pores, which can be caused by excess oil and plugging of the pores resulting in comedones, or whiteheads and blackheads. These comedones often appear on the face, chest, back, and upper arms. When bacteria begin to grow within the clogged pore, infection and inflammation result, causing small red or white pimples. At the more extreme end of the spectrum are larger, deeper red nodules and cysts, which can be unsightly and painful.

Acne typically has a strong hormonal component. The hormonal fluctuations of adolescence and adulthood can result in an overproduction of oil, called sebum, which contributes to clogged pores. Other exacerbating factors include:

• Medications: Medications that contain hormones, including corticosteroids and androgens, can contribute to acne.
• Diet: Although it’s a myth that greasy foods and sweets cause acne, foods such as white bread and dairy products have been shown to exacerbate the condition.
• Over cleansing: It seems counterintuitive, but scrubbing your face with harsh soaps can actually make acne worse by causing irritation and increasing oil production. Our physicians recommend using mild cleansers that are intended just for the face. We can suggest proven products from our office or even recommend our favorite drugstore brands to suit your needs.
• Lifestyle habits: Regularly touching your face, touching your phone to your cheek or chin, or even having bangs that lay against your forehead can all encourage the development of pimples. During your appointment with us, we’ll discuss some of the lifestyle habits that may be making your acne worse and suggest changes that are easy to implement.

If left untreated, acne can lead to permanent discoloration and scarring as well as feelings of anxiety and self-consciousness. While acne isn’t a medical emergency, our physicians understand the physical and emotional discomfort that uncontrolled acne may cause. We treat each acne patient with care and sensitivity, blending clinical treatments with easy at-home regimens to generate results that are beautiful and sustainable.

Your Acne Treatment Options

Most acne patients are well-served by a customized regimen of topical medications, which may include topical antibiotics, retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or a combination. In some cases, oral medications such as antibiotics, contraceptives, or other medications may be beneficial. In the office, we may perform surgical drainage and extractions, as well as anti-inflammatory injections for immediate improvement of acne cysts. Finally, discoloration and other irregularities, like mild scars, can be improved by chemical peels or microdermabrasion.

No two acne patients are exactly alike. We understand that each person has unique factors contributing to his or her condition, and this principle guides us when developing customized treatment plans that are easy to follow and likely to yield the best results. A lifetime of beautiful skin starts with a visit to Peachtree Dermatology Associates.