From the desk of Dr. Kyjuan H Brown
In recognition of Acne Awareness Month, Northshore Medical & Aesthetics would
like to educate the public on the Emotional Impact of Acne Scarring.
More than 85% of all people experience acne at some point in their lives, according to the American Dermatology Association. According to the ADA, acne is the most common skin disorder and affects 40-50 million Americans and more than 40% of adolescents having acne or acne scarring that requires treatment by a dermatologist. Acne scars not only require the attention of physicians, but are also proven to have psychological and social implications. According to an independent study, 71% of those surveyed feel that their scars from acne negatively affect their self-confidence. To combat the self-image issues that acne scars leave with patients, Northshore Medical & Aesthetics Center are committed to raising awareness and give hope to patients via educating them on the various treatment modalities available.
The unfavorable influence acne scars have on a person self-esteem and self confidence is a concerning social issue that cannot be ignored. Acne scars are without a doubt a skin condition that can have long lasting physical, emotional and psychological effect on individuals. “The overwhelming majority of patients I see are emotionally scared and even depressed as a result of their condition,” says Dr. Brown, GP with Special Interest in Dermatology and Medical Director of the Northshore Medical & Aesthetics Center.
“As an acne sufferer myself, I want to give hope to patients and to inform them that effective treatments for the management of this condition do exist,” continues Dr. Brown.
We encourage all who are negatively impacted by acne scars to recognize Acne Awareness Month by educating themselves on tips for making a positive change in how they feel about their situation, as well as seeking treatment.
To help patients build positive self-esteem and address the emotional impact associated with acne scarring, below are some tips taken from the National Association for Self-Esteem:
Acknowledge your potential
and value who you are
 
In order to inspire self-confidence and create a healthier self-image, you need to first respect and value yourself and acknowledge your full potential and capability. Taking appropriate action to respect yourself, while understanding your worth, leads to happiness and an overall better attitude. Because the mind is a powerful tool and our thoughts undeniably affect our words and actions, fighting the emotional scars of acne can be difficult, but can start by simply changing the way you think about it.
 
Seek treatment and
know your options
 
The burden of acne scars is significant and can sometimes seem impossible to overcome, but know that you have options. Consult with a dermatologist and get educated on available treatments, while also seeking an overall healthier lifestyle. Living a healthy life, combined with the right treatments, are steps in the right direction for achieving the face of confidence you've always wanted.
 
Consider therapy
 
 
Psychotherapy can make a critical impact in helping a patient cope with and feel positive about a difficult situation. Alleviating psychological distress through talking with a qualified physician may assist with how you view the negative aspects of your acne scars.
As part of its Acne Awareness Month recognition, Northshore Medical & Aesthetics is distributing an infographic titled, "The Emotional Truth About Acne," to visually illustrate acne scars' negative effects. We encouraged the public to share the infographic with others to help raise awareness around this important issue. Click to download
 
Are you a visual Learner? Watch these helpful Acne videos
 
 
You can reduce your acne by following these skin care tips from dermatologists:
1.   Wash twice a day and after sweating. Perspiration, especially when wearing a hat or helmet, can make acne worse, so wash your skin as soon as possible after sweating.
2.   Use your fingertips to apply a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser. Using a washcloth, mesh sponge or anything else can irritate the skin.
3.   Be gentle with your skin. Use gentle products, such as those that are alcohol-free. Do not use products that irritate your skin, which may include astringents, toners and exfoliants. Dry, red skin makes acne appear worse.
4.   Scrubbing your skin can make acne worse. Avoid the temptation to scrub your skin.
5.   Rinse with lukewarm water.
6.   Shampoo regularly. If you have oily hair, shampoo daily.
7.   Let your skin heal naturally. If you pick, pop or squeeze your acne, your skin will take longer to clear and you increase the risk of getting acne scars.
8.   Keep your hands off your face. Touching your skin throughout the day can cause flare-ups.
9.   Stay out of the sun and tanning beds. Tanning damages your skin. In addition, some acne medications make the skin very sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light, which you get from both the sun and indoor tanning devices. Using tanning beds increases your risk for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, by 75%.
10.   Consult a dermatologist if: 1) Your acne makes you shy or embarrassed. 2) The products you've tried have not worked. 3) Your acne is leaving scars or darkening your skin.
At Northshore Medical & Aesthetics Center, we have a wide range of treatments that would help you manage your skin condition. After your consultation with Dr. Brown, he would tailor make a program that would work for you.
Acne Treatments can be broken up into 2 main categories:
1.    Medical Management
  a. Topical Medications
  b. Oral Medications including but not limited to:
    i. Antibiotics
    ii. Birth control Pills
    iii. Accutane
 
2.    Aesthetic Management
  i. Facial Cleansing System
  ii. Microdermabrasions
  iii. Chemical Peels
  iv. Dermafrac Treatment
  v. Laser Resurfacings
  vi. Acne Facials
  vii. Photo Therapy
  viii. And much more…
Today, virtually every case of acne can be successfully treated. Dermatologists can help treat existing acne, prevent new breakouts and reduce your chance of developing scars. If you have questions or concerns about caring for your skin, you should make an appointment with Dr. K. Brown by calling 293-5476.
Dr. Brown is here to help you.
Your Community Doctor!
 
 
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It works!!! I just want to say the whole experience was wonderful. The staff are very helpful. I was nervous about starting the program, not sure of the outcome but everything about this program is true. I started the program for 23 days and when I saw the results I instantly changed to continue the whole program. At first I thought that I would be a challenge but I wanted this to work and it did. I lost 29 pounds in 40 days. It changed me knowing what to put into my body, how to read labels, how to prepare my meals properly and many other things. If you are skeptical about this program trust me it WORKS!! I would like to thank all the staff at North Shore Medical and I can't wait to go onto my next program.
 
by AC on 01-Nov-2013
 
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