Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Acne: A Skin Condition Common Among Teenagers

by: Morgan Ulrich

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 for acne 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 acne 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.

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Facing Acne: How to Cope With its Effects

As we are all aware of, there are emotional effects caused by acne. More than those obvious red bumps on your face, there are effects of acne that could not just be healed by any cream or acne solution and that is the emotional scars left by acne. Well, no doctor or any expert dermatologist could provide you with the best answers to this problem on acne.

According to studies, acne is very common when one is on his teenage years. For teenagers experiencing the pains of acne, it is very difficult to face the social impacts of acne. There are these marks of shame, depression and even self-pity. As a parent of a teenager who faces this problem, you could be one of the greatest helps. What could you do? You could do a lot.

Remind your child that acne is temporary:
As a guardian, you need to be there and give the encouragement to your child. You would probably see him or her so down due to the way people and criticisms pinch him or her. Tell that it will not last for long and that it would be successfully surpassed. Never stop to explain the importance of moving on despite the negative reactions from others for their words are not that important at all.

Bring your teen to a good dermatologist:
Do not wait for your teen’s acne problem to get worse before you go and see a dermatologist. The earlier the better, this may be cliché but very true for this matter and you could realize the truth behind this. You need to find the dermatologist who deserves your trust. Be with your teen as you have visits to the dermatologist. Also, help your teen follow the reminders and instructions of the dermatologist.

Guide your child to do the right things:
There are some things or acts that may worsen acne. See to it that you are near your teen to remind that those are not the right thing to do and it would just cause bad effects. Explain the cause and effect of acne problems and be sure to answer questions that your teen has.

Boost your teen’s self-confidence:
Self-confidence plunges down when all those mocks and teases arise. The effect to your teen would be bitter. Be there to boost the esteem he or she has inside. Be generous with praises but do not use them just to flatter. Tell your teen about how wonderful his or her talent is. This would be a lift to his/her morale.

You are a parent, and you could help out your teen feel better through the misjudgments of the society towards people with acne. This is just a stage; it would surely be put to an end. Be there and support your child like no one could.