Acne is a very prevalent skin issue in teenagers. While some blemishes are a normal part of growing up, chronic or significant acne can have a negative impact on the skin as well as on a teen’s self-esteem, mental well-being or quality of life. As a parent, knowing when to search for a dermatologist near me and refer your teen to the skin specialist is important to assist in managing their skin and ensuring their self-confidence gets back on track.
Teen acne is mainly the result of the hormonal changes occurring during puberty, as the body experiences an increase in the production of sebum or oil from the sebaceous glands. That oil, in conjunction with dead skin and bacteria, can build up and block pores, leading to whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, or even deep cystic acne.
Although most teens will experience acne at some point, the severity and length of time can differ drastically between people.
If your teen has been using drugstore cleansers and creams or spot treatments for a few weeks without improvement or worsening, it's time to go to a professional. A dermatologist can prescribe stronger medications that are more tailored to your teen's skin type and the severity level of the acne.
If acne is not just the occasional bump and includes:
This is an indication of moderate to severe acne that won't get better with general skincare alone. Acting quickly before skin damage and scarring become more the norm can help relieve some of the long-term problems.
Post-acne scarring or hyperpigmentation can take years to fade or completely go away. If you see any markings on your teen’s skin days later, this is a critical time, and it is time to initiate a dermatologist-guided treatment protocol ASAP, as they are the best experts in preventing any irreversible changes in skin texture.
Acne can have a significant detriment to a young person’s self-confidence, which can lead to social avoidance, anxiety, or even depression. If your teen starts avoiding friendships or is so embarrassed to go out and or simply wants to hide because of discomfort that leads to significant anxiety or distress about their skin, it’s best to find a dermatologist doctor near me and consult the specialist as they can offer validation, support, and lay out an effective treatment plan.
Sometimes, there can be a problem from trying to fix acne yourself, even with the best intentions to improve the skin. Over-scrubbing, DIY methods, trying home remedies, or overly strong actives can further irritate the skin, which can elevate acne; a dermatologist will help guide and treat your teen with the right treatment that can be safe and effective without compromising their skin any further.
Acne is best treated early, and the sooner the better! Dermatologists not only treat acne but can also help prevent future breakouts and complications. The treatment may consist of:
And, most importantly, they will tailor a regimen that fits with your teen's life and skin needs.
Not every case of acne requires a dermatology appointment, especially if the acne is mild, but some breakouts that are painful, persistent or are affecting your teen's emotional health warrant a visit. Searching for the best dermatologist near me for skin and taking your teen to a specialist like Dr Vedant Ghuse early on can present a huge value to the ongoing skin health and overall well-being. Book an appointment with Dr Ghuse today and give your child the gift of renewed skin and confidence.