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Acne Care
Acne FactsAcne is the most common skin disorder in the United States. It affects nearly 100% of all teenagers of which, more than 40% will require the help of a physician to manage it.
It typically occurs during our early teens. However, adults can develop acne as well. Acne can be very short-lived, lasting one to two years or, in some cases, it can last up to 20 years.
Acne is not caused by certain foods (e.g. chocolate), poor hygiene or stress. There are several factors involved, each of which must be addressed during treatment.
What Causes Acne?There are several factors that result in the development of acne. However, to fully understand how it is managed, it is important to understand the anatomy of the hair follicle.
All of the hair on our body grows from a hair follicle and each hair follicle has one or more sebaceous glands (oil glands) which are responsible for naturally moisturizing the hair and skin. The inner lining of the hair follicle produces a waxy protein called keratin. The amount of keratin produced is directly proportionate to the amount of oil being secreted. On the surface of the skin there is a bacteria known as P. acnes. This bacterium typically isn't harmful, but it feeds on and multiplies in the oil secreted from the oil glands.
This skin condition is usually triggered by hormones. During our teenage years, males and females begin to produce more androgen hormones. These hormones cause the oil glands to secrete more oil and subsequently more keratin. Too much keratin can block the opening of the hair follicle, causing oil to build up, the hair follicle to swell, and the acne lesion to become more inflamed.
Social ImpactAcne is a disease that has significant social implications. It causes a poor body image, decrease in self-confidence, embarrassment, depression, anger and frustration. All of this leads to social withdrawal.
Unfortunately, patients who suffer from severe cases are frequently stereotyped as having poor hygiene, which may result in a loss of friends or even unemployment.
Complications of Acne
Other than the social implications listed above, acne can have long-term damaging effects on youthful skin. Constant picking can lead to unsightly scars, blemishes and infection.
Treatment
If you've been frustrated with over-the-counter creams, lotions, skin astringents and antibiotics that aren't working, then it's time to consider professional medical help.
Phoenix-based Southwest Vein and Laser Institute has a structured acne care program that is designed to address all of the factors that cause acne.
The first step in the process is a FREE consultation. This enables our staff to get a thorough history of the onset of your acne, its severity, its progression and what you've been doing to manage it.
The next step is a treatment protocol specifically designed to address each of the issues causing your acne so that we can get you the best results quickly. Since everyone is unique, Southwest Vein & Laser Institute's acne care program is customized specifically for you. We have structured an acne management program to include bi-weekly to monthly treatment visits. The treatments involve five to eight different procedures aimed at treating the acute inflammatory acne.
If our patients are not currently on an adequate skin care regimen at home we offer medical skin care products specific for acne.
Southwest Vein and Laser Institute will closely manage any oral and topical prescription acne medications if they are required.
Southwest Vein and Laser Institute also manages the problems resulting from chronic acne in Arizona. Of the many acne treatments we offer, one of the most popular is a chemical facial peel, which treats skin blemishes from old acne lesions. We offer Microdermabrasions to treat textural irregularities of the skin. We offer Fractional Skin Resurfacing treatments to improve the appearance of scarring. We also offer Pulsed Light Acne Treatments that destroy the bacteria to clear current acne breakouts.
Our GoalsWe understand that everyone is unique and so is their acne. What works for one individual may not work for another. Thus, their medical care has to be customized for their particular needs. Our goals are to provide individualized acne care, improve self-esteem, image, and confidence, and minimize long term complications of acne.
If you live near Scottsdale, Tempe, Glendale, Cave Creek, Arrowhead or Phoenix, acne treatments and chemical peels from experience professionals are within reach. The details of the procedures are explained at the time of your FREE consultation. Call today and we'll have you holding your head up high in no time!
Photos Courtesy of Palomar Medical Technologies
