Monday, June 28, 2010

YOUR TEEN AND ACNE

acne Pictures, Images and Photos


Zits, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads - nearly every teenager has had to deal with acne on more than one occasion.  Acne usually begins between the ages of 10 and 13.  Pimples occurs mostly on the face, but can occur on the neck, back, chest, and shoulders.  Teenagers who suffer from acne are often self-conscious and embarrassed. They can also have a poor body image.  Depression over acne can cause withdrawal from social interactions, decreased school attendance, and avoidance of family and friends. A study in New Zealand found that teen acne was associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms, anxiety, and suicide attempts.

*T
YPES OF PIMPLES:
  • COMEDONES - Noninflammatory  papules that can be open (blackheads) or closed (whiteheads).
  • PAPULES - Lesions that are inflamed and can be tender to the touch.  These usually appear as small, pink bumps on the skin. 
  • PUSTULES - Lesions that are inflamed and filled with pus.  They may be red at the base.
  • NODULES - Solid lesions that are large, painful, and lodged deep within the skin.
  • CYSTS - Pus-filled lesions deep under the skin.  These may cause scarring and pain.
*FACTS:
  • Acne is the most common skin disorder in the U.S., affecting between 40 to 50 million people.
  • Of the 85% of teenagers that suffers from acne, 25% will have permanent scars ranging from severe to light.
  • Only 11% of acne suffers will seek medical help.
  • By mid-teens, more than 40% of adolescents have acne or acne scarring.
  • Adults in their 30s, 40s, and 50s can develop acne.
TRIGGERS:
  • Changes in hormone levels, usually starting at puberty
  • Using oil-based beauty products, such as cosmetics, sunscreen, etc.
  • Certain medications
  • Irritation to the skin caused by sports helmets, jewelry, etc.
  • Stress
  • Humidity, with heavy sweating
  • Family history. If your mom or dad had acne, chances are you will too.
  • Too much washing can cause acne to get worse.
ACNE PREVENTION TIPS: 
  • Don't over wash skin or use harsh scrubs.  Use warm water and a mild soap.
  • Do not use alcohol-based astringents, which strips the skin of its natural moisture.
  • Use "oil-free" products
  • Try to keep hairspray and hair gels away from your face to prevent clogged pores.
  • If you have a pimple, don't squeeze it.  Picking can lead to more inflammation and permanent scarring.
  • Keep hands away from face.
  • Eat a diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables and drink plenty of water. (There is no proof that eating greasy foods, eating chocolate or drinking soda causes acne.)
  • While mild cases of acne can usually be treated with over-the-counter products, severe cases of may require a visit to a dermatologist, who can recommend prescription drugs/creams.

Remember, don't dismiss your teen's feelings. Even if a pimple doesn’t seem like a big deal to you, it can be a big deal to  your teen.  





*http://www.acne-resource.org
*http://www.aad.org

6 comments:

mdforkids said...

Great information about dealing with and treating acne in teenagers. I remember having it horribly and was very self conscious and miserable about it. Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts re the vaccine post. I appreciate it :)

life in a pink fibro said...

I don't have teens yet but I well remember the horrors of a pimple. Thanks for the clear information.

Unknown said...

Great information here, I don't have teens but cant stress enough having had pimples myself as a younger pre-teen how horrible it was for to the point of just crying to my mother daily. Feeling like a pizza face made my self esteem drop. I was able to get rid of my acne, and they say age cures it but I don't think so (how can it if your hormones only rage further with age), it took time and we killed it from the inside out with herbs, thanks to mommy!

Unknown said...

Yeah, acne is really a big deal to teenagers. Even just a pimple would make their life miserable, they always wanted to get rid of them fast before it'll be too late.
If acne strikes on them, specially if it's severe, this lowers their self esteem, they're always teased by their schoolmates or classmates.
Noting that acne strikes at these ages in the first place, mainly due to hormonal changes.

Bruce said...

Teenage acne can be a pain, but plenty of water and exercise can help you reduce the severity of the problem. I also suggest that try out natural remedies rather than steroids or medications.

Teenage Acne Treatment

Eyebag said...

Nice tips to avoid and handle acne and pimples. Thanks for posting this blog. Very informative.

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