Acne: A Skin Condition Common Among Teenagers

Acne is a skin condition that many individuals have. Despite the fact that individuals of all ages can develop this common skin condition, there is one group of individuals who are more likely to develop it. That group is teenagers. Teenagers are more at risk for acne, especially when they begin to hit puberty. For that reason, there is a good chance that you may be the parent of a teenager who has an acne problem, whether that problem is large or small.

If you haven’t already noticed, times have changed. Unfortunately, this has led to appearance concerns among many teenagers. Although you might not necessarily think that acne is a big deal, it may be to your child. That is why it is extremely important that you talk to your child about their acne, especially if they have a severe case of it. Acne may go away on its own, but it might not. If your child constantly has problems with acne, it may be a good idea to schedule a visit with a healthcare professional.

When seeking treatment for your child’s acne problem, you will likely find that you have a number of different professional options. Most primary care physicians, also commonly referred to as family physicians, should be able to treat acne. This treatment will often include an over-the-counter medication or a prescription medication. The type of action taken will likely depend on how severe your child’s acne problem is. In addition to their primary care physician, you may also want to take your child to see a dermatologist. A dermatologist is a medical professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions.

Aside from being prescribed medications or given another treatment plan, you and your teenager will likely learn more about acne. Your healthcare provider, whether it is your primary care physician or a dermatologist, should provide you with information on acne. This information should not only include how to treat it, but how to manage acne outbreaks, as well as how to prevent them. Although this important information should automatically be explained to you, it might not be. When it comes to treating acne, it is important to learn more about it; therefore, if it is not automatically explained, you need to ask.

Regardless of which type of medical professional you are speaking with, a primary care physician or a dermatologist, you will likely learn, as mentioned above, that acne is not uncommon in teenagers. It fact, it has been stated that over half of all teenagers will develop a problem with acne, at one time or another. You may also learn that acne not only includes zits, but it also includes blackheads and whiteheads. You should also learn how and why acne develops. It is even possible that your healthcare physician may have also determined an exact cause for your child’s acne problem, such as unclean skin, clogged pores, or greasy health and beauty products.

As you can easily see, you and your child can learn a lot by meeting with a healthcare worker. Despite the fact that you are advised to seek professional assistance, it may not be possible. Whether you are without insurance or you cannot afford a doctor’s visit, your child does not have to suffer from acne. There are a number of over-the-counter medications that may be able to help reduce or completely eliminate the number of blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples that your teenager has. While prescription medications may work more effectively and quicker, over-the-counter medications are great alternatives. These relatively low-cost medications can be purchased from most department stores, drug stores, or grocery stores. The amount of time it takes for your child’s acne to clear up, if it even clears up at all, will all depend on what type of product you are using.

Since acne is relatively easy to treat, at least from your standpoint, you are advised to take action. Whether your teenager complains about their acne or if you think a problem may be in the process of developing, you are advised to get them the help that they need. Whether that help comes from a medical professional or an over-the-counter medication, your teenager will likely be please that action was initiated.