Category Archives: Johnson City

Here’s a Quick Tip for Acne!

Posted on December 13, 2011 | Leave a comment

If you have acne, ICE is a cheap, helpful treatment. Here’s why: With acne, there is bacterial infection and inflammation. With that, there’s a rush of white blood cells to the area. But these white blood cells also deliver an enzyme that breaks down the follicle wall. THAT results in prolonged healing time. To interrupt this cycle, freeze water in Dixie cups. Ice your face twice a day (yes! directly with the ice dome) for a minute, two minutes if you can stand it! Refreeze the cup for reuse. As ice is used up, simply peel down the paper cup to expose more. Your Blemishes Will Heal Much, Much More Quickly!

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Posted in Acne, Acne Clinic, Basic Acne Information, Ice, Johnson City, OTC Acne Treatment, Skin Care

It IS a Big Deal. I’m here to help.

Posted on September 17, 2010 | Leave a comment
I’m not going to believe you if you tell me having acne is no big deal. Self-confidence is challenged with every glance in the mirror. It can make people feel ugly.  Some acne sufferers feel so self-conscious that they stop hanging out with friends. Some adults with acne call in sick on the worst of their acne flare-up days because they are too embarrassed to be seen in public. Studies show that having acne sometimes leads to depression and anxiety, social withdrawal, and poor body image. There is often a marked reduction in self-confidence, decreased self-esteem, issues with anger, embarrassment and frustration.

Dr. John Y Koo, a San Francisco dermatologist and psychiatrist shares some of his clients’ thoughts:

“I think that if I had more self-esteem about the way I looked, I think I would have been more outgoing. I would have gone to more parties. I probably would have been more outspoken in class and would not have felt so insecure about going up and speaking in front of a group of classmates.”

”It is really humiliating to feel like I have no control over my acne. I hold my head down, and I am ashamed to look at people; I feel so embarrassed. I am 25 years old and to be acting this way is very frustrating.”

“I feel like I don’t look right no matter how hard I try to dress up and look nice—there is always that area of pimples there, and it is very unsettling. There really hasn’t been a day gone by that I don’t think about it, or look at my face…. Should I spend that much energy on it? I could be doing other things…instead of wasting 5 to 10 minutes every day looking at my face in the mirror, or playing with it, picking at my acne.”

Clients may feel like they’ve tried every over the counter treatment, and many have been under the care of a dermatologist, sometimes for long periods of time.  Parents may have the idea that the best thing to do is wait it out. That’s just not true. Even if the child outgrows their troubled skin, the damage is already done.  There may be long lasting issues regarding self-esteem and social anxiety.

Helping clients get clear skin also helps relieve the psychological issues that can accompany it. It IS a big deal. I’m here to help.

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Posted in Acne, Acne & Self-Esteem, Depression, Dr. John Koo, Johnson City, Skin Care