subject: Getting Control Of Your Acne With The Help Of Your Manhattan Dermatologist [print this page] Acne is the most common skin condition suffered by people in the United States. In fact, around 40 to 50 million Americans suffer from acne according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Also known as zits, pimples and blemishes, acne can be annoying, embarrassing and persistent.
Luckily, an experienced dermatologist who specializes in treating conditions that affect the skin can help heal, prevent and control your acne. With proper treatment in its early stages, acne can usually be dealt with successfully and controlled before it leads to scarring and other skin damage.
What Causes Acne?
Acne develops when the skin's follicles are blocked with an overproduction of oil by the oil glands of the skin. The excess oil creates an environment for bacterial overgrowth, which leads to inflammation and lesions on the surface of the skin in the form of blackheads, whiteheads pimples, and sometimes in deeper skin lesions called cysts. Severe acne can cover the face, neck, chest and back.
Since adolescents experience high hormonal activity during puberty, teens are most commonly affected by acne as they tend to produce excess oil. But it's not just a teenage problem. Adults suffer from acne too, a battle that can lead to depression and social anxiety when not treated successfully.
Factors that can trigger the occurrence of acne include hormonal activity, family history, over activity of the sebaceous glands, bacteria and medications.
Preventing and Treating Acne
There are a myriad of face wash and products sold for the treatment of acne, many without any proven effects. That's why visiting your dermatologist on Upper East Side is the best way to find an acne treatment that will be the most appropriate and most effective for your acne.
There are many simple ways to prevent and control mild cases of acne from home, including:
Wash your face gently with warm water and soap each day
Avoid excess washing and harsh scrubbing as this will only irritate your acne and lead to dry skin
Avoid touching your face as the oils from your hands can clog your pores
Do not pop or pick at acne lesions; it will only aggravate your skin more
Remove makeup before bed and avoid wearing heavy makeup
Remember, acne can't be cured over night as it takes time for acne to heal. For severe cases of acne or when self-care techniques aren't effective, visit your New York City dermatologist.
When to See Your Manhattan Dermatologist
Waiting for acne to disappear on its own can be aggravating, lead to permanent scarring, and even cause severe depression. In fact, severe cases of acne may only get worse and lead to additional skin damage. Advanced acne treatments from your dermatologist can help heal existing acne, stop new lesions from forming, prevent scarring and minimize the embarrassment and emotional stress caused by this condition.
The severity of acne and the extent of treatment will vary for each patient. If you are one of the million's of Americans that suffer from this skin condition, don't put off treatment. See your dermatologist for professional treatment and care right away for blemish-free skin.
