What Causes Acne & What You Can Do To Treat It

What Causes Acne & What You Can Do To Treat It

Acne is very common. Because of the commonality of this condition, we know a lot about it and the best ways to treat it. In general, acne has three causes. Clogged pores with dead skin, oil, or bacteria, may cause acne. Just one of these factors may be present, or all three may be there and contribute to clogged pores. Our team of dermatologists from the Atlanta Center for Dermatological Diseases are skilled providers that will find the cause of and treat your acne in Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming, and Sandy Springs, GA.

What Can Cause Acne?

A surprise to many people is that acne has little to do with lifestyle factors. Poor diet and hygiene habits and other external factors are less influential in the development of acne than genetics. Risk factors for acne are:

  • Genetic predisposition: If your biological parents had acne in their younger years, you'll probably deal with it as well. Likewise, if you had or have it, you will probably pass it on to your kids. 
  • Hormones: For women, acne is commonly more noticeable around menstruation. In both genders, acne will usually worsen in puberty when testosterone levels are highest.
  • Stress: Another hormonal factor, the hormone cortisol, increases during stressful times and can contribute to acne. 
  • Frequently wearing hats and helmets: This habit can lead to clogged pores.
  • Air pollution and high humidity
  • Certain medications
  • Frequent contact with oil or grease: Clogged pores can result from working in a kitchen where there is frequent contact with grease and frying oil, or routinely using oily personal care products. 

What Treatment Options Are There?

Acne may show up as just an annoying pimple now and then. At the other end of the spectrum, it can be a very painful, chronic condition. Treatment of your acne in Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming, and Sandy Springs, GA will be based on your unique severity of acne. Some treatment options are, but are not limited to:

  • Over-the-counter products: These consist of face creams and other topical ointments that contain specific ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, among others.
  • Other prescription medication: Topical and oral antibiotics may be prescribed, as well as an oral or topical retinoid treatment that is stronger than what is available over the counter. Retinoid treatments are particularly effective in treating cases of severe, cystic acne.

Contact us

Treat your acne in Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming, and Sandy Springs, GA at  Atlanta Center for Dermatological Diseases. Schedule a consultation with one of our dermatologists by calling our Alpharetta office at (770) 664-5225, our Cumming location at (770) 844-1902, Roswell at (770) 751-1133, or Sandy Springs at (404) 252-4333.

Our Locations

Sandy Springs Office

5673 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd.
Suite 850

Sandy Springs , GA 30342
(404) 252-4333
(404) 252-7000 fax

Roswell Office

1265 Upper Hembree Rd.
Suite 100

Roswell , GA 30076
(770) 751-1133
(770) 751-7410 fax

Alpharetta Office

3400C Old Milton Parkway
Suite 340

Alpharetta , GA 30005
(770) 664-5225
(770) 664-4337 fax

Cumming Office

327 Dahlonega Street
Suite #1501

Cumming , GA 30040
(770) 844-1902
(770) 205-3991 fax