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Does your teen have acne? For teenagers, acne is one of the most painful parts of adolescence. Acne effects not only the skin, but your child's self esteem also. Support, love and information are the most instrumental things parents can give to teenagers. New Treatments Available Of course, having had acne as a youth doesn't make a parent an instant expert. New medications and over the counter items are now available that enable most common acne conditions to be brought under control. Consulting with a dermatologist is usually a good idea for any skin condition. Those spots that appear on your teenager's skin are probably acne, but there are other skin conditions that can mimic acne. Does your teen have acne? Having a discussion with a dermatologist will give you a solid diagnosis, and also provide you with the widest variety of treatment options available. Separate Myth From Fact Acne can be a sensitive subject to talk to your teenagers about, because they are likely to be embarrassed by the way they look, particularly if they have a lot of pimples, blackheads or severe acne. You know how best to talk to your child, but in general you'll want to be supportive and understanding. Educate yourself about the difference between myths and facts about acne: the myths about buttery foods, chocolate, or sex causing acne are now acknowledged to be untrue. Most likely, your teenager is already doing everything he or she knows of to eliminate the acne. Even if they are reluctant to speak about it, it's probably one of their major concerns. Acne can affect self-esteem and socialization, and in severe cases can lead to depression and social withdrawal. Psychological Scars of Acne Let your teenager know that you are on their side and that you are willing to help him or her with their acne. Talking about your own experiences may help and certainly can't hurt. It could give your teenager a better understanding of you, and a broader view on his own acne effects. Even though it may be small comfort, remind your child that for almost all teenagers, acne is part of adolescence and they are not by themselves. It is approximated that 85% of adolescents possess acne, and 40% have acne severe enough to need treatment by a dermatologist. Seek Medical Help So does your teen experience acne? If you've already purchased a couple of over-the-counter medications without success, encourage your child to go to a dermatologist. Although nothing may completely remove acne, it is good to wash the skin, keeping the pores clean and free from bacteria. Prescriptions can include oral medications, physical treatments, and salves and lotions that are placed directly on the problem areas. These treatments can help reduce the acne while offering relief from the physical discomfort it causes. Fortunately, acne effects do not last forever. As your child gets older the acne should become less of a problem, and by the time they are in their early 20s it will probably be a thing of the past. For teenagers, acne can be painful, but with your help, proper skin care, medicine and information, you can help your teen overcome this and many other obstacles.
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About the Article Author
For more info, see Teenager Acne or Acne Effects. Ron King is a web developer; visit his articles on Skin Care Product Review.
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