Teenage Acne – Helpful Advice for Parents
As your child grows and matures through puberty, their bodies change, their hormones rage and they sometimes develop an acne skin disorder. Acne produces pimples and redness, and usually occurs on the face and back but may also occur elsewhere on the body. Teenage acne can be especially devastating, since this is the age when your child is trying to understand who they are and find their place in the world.
Sufferers can become withdrawn and depressed, which can cause them to miss out on the fun that they should be having in their youth. As parents, it is important for you to boost the self-esteem of your teenager. Assure them that teen acne is very common and just a fact of life, and will disappear after a few years.
Occasionally, the acne is especially severe or does not go away, and more drastic measures may be needed. In such cases a dermatologist should be consulted.
The Effects of Teenage Acne on Self-Esteem
If your child develops teen acne make sure to let them know that it’s only temporary and a normal part of growing up. Having acne does not make them any less of a person. They are just as amazing as they have always been, and they will continue to grow better as a person regardless of what their skin may look like now.
If they do not enjoy going outside, or hanging out with their friends, do not force them. Reassure them that other people are not judging them because of the skin, and anyone that does is not worth knowing anyway.
It is important for your teen to understand that teenage acne is only a temporary skin disorder, and is a relatively minor problem in the grand scheme of things.
Teenage Acne Treatment
Over-the-counter creams or solutions can help with minor acne marks and pimples. It is recommended that your teenager try these products before making a consultation with a dermatologist. If your teenager’s acne condition does not clear up, or is or appears to be getting more severe, then it might be time for a doctor’s opinion.
Upon a doctor’s examination, your teenager may be prescribed acne treatment medicine. Such prescription strength medicines are effective in clearing up severe forms of acne. However, they are recommended only if basic over-the-counter products have proven ineffective. The reason is that many of the stronger medicines can affect the kidneys, which can lead to long-term problems. Your doctor may need to perform regular blood tests to ensure that none of these problems develop.
Generally, teenage acne is due to hormone fluctuations and will clear up naturally with age. As long as your child understands that, they will have a better chance of coping with it during this particularly vulnerable time in their lives.