Acne Dermatologist in Atlanta Personalized Acne Treatments
Acne Dermatologist in Atlanta Personalized Acne Treatments
Blog Article
Are you one of the 40 to 50 million Americans who suffer from acne?
As one of the most common skin disorders in the United States, acne can present in teenagers and adults of any skin tone. It can develop on the face, chest, back or shoulders. For those who experience moderate to severe acne on their faces, it can result in adverse emotional effects.
Although there is a great deal of information available about acne and the causes and treatments for it, much of the information is incorrect. If you are experiencing breakouts or chronic acne, it is best to consult with a board-certified dermatologist.
Dr. Sherrie-Ann Straughn of Buckhead Dermatology in Atlanta, Georgia has been successfully treating patients with acne for over 20 years. She specializes in treating acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in skin of color and is an active member of the Skin of Color Society.
What Causes Acne?
Anyone can get acne. Although most commonly seen in teenagers, many adults are experiencing late-onset acne well into their 30s and 40s. Many factors could contribute to the development of acne, including:
- Hormonal changes during puberty or menstruation
- High-stress levels
- Genetic predisposition to acne
- Irritants such as makeup, hair products or pollution
- Sweaty or dirty clothing such as hats or sports equipment
A blemish forms when the dead skin cells inside of a pore do not rise to the surface of the skin and shed as they are supposed to. Instead, the cells mix with oils in the skin and a bacteria called P. acnes resulting in inflammation.
Types of Acne
Whiteheads: Also called closed comedones, whiteheads develop from a buildup of sebum and dead skin cells. As the name suggests, whiteheads will have a white appearance.
Blackheads: Like whiteheads, blackheads are a buildup of sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria. The difference is that blackheads are open comedones, meaning that the oils inside the blemish have been exposed to oxygen and have turned dark in color.
Papules: Papules are small, raised bumps that appear on the skin. They are red and swollen, and often more painful than whiteheads and blackheads.
Pustules: A pustule is an inflamed, pus-filled pimple. They are often very red and have a pus-filled top.
Cysts: A more severe type of acne, cysts are pus-filled pimples that form deep under the skin. They are often very painful and can take a long time to heal.
Nodules: Similar to cysts, nodules form deep within the skin and can be very painful. Nodules typically feel hard to the touch and often do not appear red like other blemishes.