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"Dear Dr. Crutchfield, our family is so grateful for the wonderful improvement in Mary's life that you and your kind, sensitive staff have made possible. As a teenager she became increasingly demoralized, withdrawn and embarrassed with the way her acne made her appear, even though she knew it was not her fault. She hated having her picture taken. We tried every over-the-counter acne product and even ordered a product we saw on TV but nothing helped. As a patient, you have always welcomed her as a personal friend, encouraged her, and focused on the positive future. And here she is, a few months later, a sophomore in college, with beautiful skin, confident, out-going and ready to take on the world! Our family thanks you and your outstanding staff from the bottom of our hearts for the wonderful job you did at clearing up Mary's acne and letting her true, beautiful personality shine through". - Grandma Bonnie A., Northfield, MN
Charles E. Crutchfield III, M.D. is a graduate of the Mayo Clinic Medical School. Dr. Crutchfield is a Board Certified Dermatologist and Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Dr. Crutchfield conducts active psoriasis research (he has a Master's Degree in Molecular Biology) and has recently received a United States Patent on one of his psoriasis treatment medications. Dr. Crutchfield lectures locally and nationally on the treatment of psoriasis. When other medical students, dermatology residents and physicians learn about psoriasis, they are often learning it from Dr. Crutchfield. Dr. Crutchfield also treats many physicians and nurses with psoriasis. When other Twin Cities' healthcare providers need psoriasis treatment, they often choose Dr. Crutchfield. We are happy to share that Dr. Crutchfield is recognized in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine "Top Doctor" issue for 2004-2005. Now that you know a little bit about Dr. Crutchfield we invite you to take a look at our results. Below are pictures of just a few of the many happy patients we have treated at Crutchfield Dermatology.
Effective Treatments For Acne
At Crutchfield Dermatology we have many effective treatments for acne, including the new Aramis Laser. We will design an acne-clearing program that’s just right for you, just as Dr. Crutchfield did for his patients featured here.
Schedule an appointment today. Our goal is to make you look good and feel great with beautiful skin.
Acne Vulgaris
is the term for pimples and complexion problems that trouble many young people. Pimples occur mainly on the face, but they may often involve the neck, chest, back, and upper arms. Acne is only a skin problem and has nothing to do with your general health.
What causes acne?
Acne is caused by the oil glands in the skin breaking open. At adolescence, the oil glands in the skin start producing an oily material called sebum. Sebum is discharged under the skin surface. Sometimes the wall of the oil gland breaks and spills the sebum within the skin. The sebum irritates the skin tissues and causes redness and swelling, in other words, a pimple. Complicating this picture are plugged oil glands. These are commonly known as blackheads and whiteheads. Blackheads are not caused by dirt. Removing blackheads will prevent pimples. Topical medicines that contain vitamin A products (like Retin-A, Differin, and Tazorac) are agents that are particularly effective in treating whiteheads and blackheads. The medical term for blackheads is open comedones and the medical term for whiteheads is closed comedones. In mild acne, only a few oil glands break open. In severe acne, many break open. How easily oil glands do this seems to be the result of genetics. Acne runs in families. It is impossible to prevent acne, since there is no way to change the way oil glands act in the skin and what the tendency is to form clogged pores.
Age and acne.
Acne usually begins in a mild form in the teen years. It gradually worsens and after a time improves. How long you have acne is impossible to predict. Acne gets worse and improves by itself. There is usually no explanation for these ups and downs. Do not assume that because your acne gets worse you have done something wrong. And, if you acne gets better briefly, it may not have happened because of anything you have done recently. In women, acne frequently worsens about the time of their menstrual cycle.
Skin hygiene.
Dirt does not cause acne, despite what you may have been told. The oil on the skin surface does no harm. Special soaps, astringents, abrasives, and acne cleansers are a waste of money. Your face should be washed with a gentle nondetergent cleansing bar and plain water only as much as you need to keep it clean. Too much washing and scrubbing of the skin can cause irritation and make the acne situation much worse. Although some think cleanliness may be next to godliness, it does not help acne. Do not pick, squeeze, or otherwise manipulate your pimples, as this can cause long-term scars.
Diet and acne.
Foods do not cause acne. Many persons try all sorts of diets and are frustrated because these do not help. In some people, certain foods may make acne worse. The most common foods are chocolate, nuts, and cola drinks. A few people who drink large quantities of milk (more than one quart per day) may find that this worsens their acne. These trigger factors are rare; however, if you notice any of these foods tend to make your acne worse, you can avoid your personal acne triggers. Aggravation of acne by food varies from person to person. Many patients can eat chocolate without trouble, while others find that even a few pieces of chocolate will produce new pimples. As previously mentioned, if you notice there are certain foods that make your acne condition worse, certainly, avoid these.
Nerves and acne.
Acne is not caused by nerves and worry, but may become worse under stress, such as examinations or pressure at work. These are usually mild, temporary flare-ups. Some persons react to stress by picking, squeezing, or rubbing their pimples, and this will certainly not help and only make the condition worse.
Treatment:
There are many excellent treatments for acne. At Crutchfield Dermatology, we will formulate a specific treatment plan designed for your individual situation. Treatments that we use are topical retinoids, topical antibiotics, other topical medications, oral antibiotics, and the new F.D.A. approved Aramis Laser. Crutchfield Dermatology has a specialty acne treatment center, and as you can see from the pictures on our website, we have many excellent treatments for acne. Acne treatment is one of our areas of specialty and expertise.
Dr. Crutchfield recommends the following helpful and outstanding links Patient Information on Acne:
American Academy of Dermatology
AcneNet Information on Acne
Acne Information
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