What is acne?
As one of the most common skin conditions teenagers struggle with, acne can lead to embarrassing and even painful breakouts. Pimples, nodules, cysts, and other types of acne develop when pores become clogged.
Normally, all of those dead skin cells at the surface of your skin shed naturally throughout the day. With teenagers though, the production of oil — known as sebum — starts to increase. This leads to a thick layer of oil across their skin that forces dead skin cells, debris, and even bacteria to get stuck inside pores.
As a result, breakouts ensue. Some of the factors that worsen acne or trigger breakouts include:
- Family history of acne
- Certain medications, including corticosteroids
- Hormone fluctuations (common with menstruating girls)
It’s even possible for periods of extreme stress to trigger an acne breakout. So if your teen is busy juggling their extracurricular activities, school schedule, work, and social life, the stress they’re experiencing can worsen acne issues.
When should my child see a pediatrician for acne?
Acne, even if it seems minor, isn’t something you should ignore. While over-the-counter remedies may be all your child needs, they’re not effective for all types of acne, and it’s helpful for your teen to learn how to properly care for their skin from a trusted pediatrician.
Dr. Johnson encourages you to bring your child in to Camp Creek Pediatrics for an acne evaluation if they have:
- Very oily skin
- Acne scarring
- Pimples on their chest, back, or other areas
- Red bumps that are tender to the touch
Dr. Johnson spends time talking with your child about their skin and helps them learn how to manage and prevent acne breakouts.
How does a pediatrician treat acne?
Depending on the severity of your child’s acne, Dr. Johnson may recommend a combination of treatments. Acne can be stubborn to treat, so finding the right types of remedies for your child’s unique skin needs is important. Your child’s acne treatment plan from Camp Creek Pediatrics may include:
- Clinical-strength benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid ointments
- Combination oral contraceptives (for girls)
- Retinol-based creams or lotions
- Laser light-based therapy
- Antibiotic medications
- Professional extractions
- Chemical peels
Dr. Johson is diligent about helping your child find an effective solution for their acne, so they won’t have to feel self-conscious about their skin for another day.
If your child is struggling with acne breakouts, don’t hesitate to contact Camp Creek Pediatrics for an evaluation. Click on the online scheduling tool or call to book a visit by phone.
