Of all the difficulties associated with the teen years, acne is by far most prevalent. To some extent it affects nearly 96% of all adolescents between the ages of 11 and 17. Of this group, fully 40% suffer from acne that is severe enough to require at least some assistance from a dermatologist.
While acne isn't a life threatening skin disorder, it can still be very traumatic. Because of its onset during puberty and because it appears on the very visible areas of the body such as face neck and back, a teen's self image can be severely damaged.
During puberty one of three causes is primarily responsible for acne:
1. Excessive production of oil from the sebaceus glands
2. Rapid production of bacteria that the body can't expel
3. Excessive shedding of skin cells or other substances that clog pores and lead to inflamation
The primary goal when treating teens is to reduce as many of the above causes as possible as early as possible.
Mild teen acne can be treated by a regimen of gentle face washing twice daily coupled with a mild topical anti bacterial treatment. With no other contributing factors, acne should clear up in 3 to 6 weeks. This regimen should be continued after the acne has cleared to ensure future healthy skin and prevent future breakouts.
Moderate teen acne, where the breakout covers from 1/4 to more than half of the face may require a combination of techniques and the assistance of a dermatologist. While over-the-counter medications exist, he will be able to determine what, if any physical methods of treatment are required. He may also recommend one of several prescription topical or oral medications rather than an over-the-counter method. Early treatment of moderate teen acne is especially important in order to avoid the possibility of acne scarring.
Severe teen acne must be treated by a dermatologist. It's characterized by severe inflammation, cysts, and deep scarring. Treatment for this level of acne should be aggressive in order to reduce further damage to the skin.Dermatologists are able to successfully treat the majority of severe cases of acne by applying techniques mentioned above as well as several more involved techniques such as draining cysts, extracting blackheads, laser treatments and chemical peels. Depending on her diagnosis your dermatologists may also prescribe stronger antibiotics or possibly a steroid treatment.
Early treatment and continued maintenance is the key to preserving the skin in teens. As most cases of acne can be successfully treated, early intervention and a proper regimen can spare most adolescents the traditional mental anguish associated with teen acne.