EMAIL A FRIEND
Does your teen have acne? For teenagers, acne is amongst the most painful parts of adolescence. Acne effects not only the skin, but your adolescent's self esteem as well. Support, love and information are the most beneficial things parents can give to teenagers.
Learn What Acne Is
Of course, having had acne as a young adult doesn't make an adult an instant expert. New medications and products are now available that enable most common acne conditions to be minimized. Meeting a dermatologist is usually a good idea for any medical problem. Those spots that break out on your teenager's skin are probably acne, but there are other skin conditions that resemble acne. Does your teen have acne? Consulting with a dermatologist will give you a definite diagnosis, and also provide you with the widest variety of treatment options available.
Separate Myth From Fact
Acne can be a difficult subject to talk to your son or daughter 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 speak with your child, but most probably you'll want to be supportive and understanding. Educate yourself about the difference between myths and facts about acne: the myths about oily foods, chocolate, or sex causing acne are now known to be untrue. Most likely, your teenager is already doing everything he or she knows of to eliminate the acne. Even if they are unwilling to speak about it, it's probably one of their major concerns. Acne can affect self-esteem and sociability, and in severe cases can lead to depression and social withdrawal. admin82
The Longer Term Effects of Acne
Let your teenager know that you are available and that you are willing to help him or her with their acne. Speaking about your own adolescence may help and certainly can't hurt. It may give your teenager a better understanding of you, and a broader position on his own acne effects. Although it may be small comfort, remind your child that for most teenagers, acne is part of adolescence and they are not by themselves. It is figured that 85% of adolescents have acne, and 40% have acne severe enough to seek treatment by a dermatologist.
Consult A Dermatologist
So does your teen possess acne? If you've already tried some over-the-counter medications without success, encourage your child to go to a dermatologist. Though nothing may stop acne, it is good to wash the skin, keeping the pores clean and free from bacteria. Prescriptions can include oral medications, physical treatments, and ointments and lotions that are put directly on the pimples. These treatments can help reduce the acne while offering relief from the physical embarassment it causes. Fortunately, acne effects do not last forever. As your child ages 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 teens, acne can be terrible, but with your help, proper skin care, medicine and information, you can help your teen surmount this and many other problems.
