If your teen is suffering from acne, you may be wondering if it’s a serious problem, or if it will go away on its own over time.
Here is an overview of what you need to know about teen acne.
What Is Teen Acne, And Why Does It Happen?
Just like regular acne, teen acne occurs when your teen’s pores are clogged by oil and debris on the skin surface. Whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules and cysts are all common.
The primary culprits of acne are heredity and hormones. If you had severe acne as a teenager, chances that your children may. In addition, puberty causes hormonal changes that cause the sebaceous (oil) glands around the hair follicles to enlarge and produce more sebum. This can cause the follicles to become clogged, which results in acne.
How Can Teen Acne Be Treated?
Good hygiene should be the first step. Your teen should clean their face gently with a non-medicated face wash at least twice per day followed by a moisturizer.
They should avoid vigorous rubbing or excessive use of alcohol-based products and medicated topical ointments that contain benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid – these can dry out the skin and make acne worse.
In some cases, antibiotics or products such as isotretinoin (Accutane) may be used to treat severe cases of acne.
When Should I Get Help From A Doctor For Teen Acne?
If you notice that your teen has very large, red pimples that look cyst-like, or they have pimples that are causing them serious pain or discomfort, you should see a doctor. You may also want to see a doctor if your teen has been following a skincare regimen for acne for 3 months or longer, and you have not seen any improvement.
A doctor will be able to provide prescription ointments and a custom-tailored skincare plan that will help your teen reduce the size and appearance of pimples, prevent acne scarring, and more. If your teen’s acne is very serious and is affecting their self-esteem, it’s a good idea to see a doctor for help.
Can Teen Acne Cause Long Term Damage?
Acne doesn’t just affect your teen’s self-esteem. It can leave lasting scars, and cause serious pain and discomfort in severe cases. So, if your teen has serious acne and you don’t know what to do, don’t wait. Give us a call now at (615) 385-1451 to schedule an appointment and get started.
The information and content on our website should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment or advice from your doctor.
Model/stock photo above.
