Acne

What is acne?

Acne is an inflammatory medical condition that commonly affects adolescents and teens. The skin condition causes uncomfortable red or pink bumps to form on the skin. 

While acne is a nuisance for some children, it can be debilitating for others, damaging a child’s self-esteem and leaving behind long-term scarring. Diagnosing your child’s specific type of acne is the first step in determining the appropriate treatment. 

Are there different types of acne?

Many types of acne can affect the skin, including:

• Blackheads
• Whiteheads
• Papules
• Pustules
• Nodules
• Cysts

Mild forms of acne, such as whiteheads and papules, often respond well to over-the-counter (OTC) cleansers and spot treatments. Severe lesions, like nodules and cysts, usually require medical-grade skin care. The team at Pediatric Associates of Southwest Missouri proudly offers the most effective treatments for all types of acne.

What causes acne in adolescents?

Acne occurs when the skin’s sebaceous glands clog with sebum (an oily substance), dead skin cells, and bacteria. Hormonal changes during puberty stimulate these glands, causing an overproduction of sebum. That’s why adolescents and teens are more prone to acne than young children and adults, though the condition can persist for decades.

Other factors that can increase a child’s risk of acne include:

• Poor skin hygiene
• Genetics
• Menstruation
• Oil-based cosmetics
• Dry or oily skin
• Hair dyes
• Greasy hair

After a careful skin evaluation, the team at Pediatric Associates of Southwest Missouri can recommend the appropriate combination of treatments for your child.

What are the treatments for acne?

Treating acne often requires a multifaceted approach, depending on the type. Many adolescents and teens suffer from multiple types of acne. After your child’s comprehensive evaluation, the team may recommend:

• Benzoyl peroxide
• Salicylic acid
• Oral antibiotics
• Medical-grade cleansers
• Exfoliation
• Retinoids

Severe acne may require prescription-strength medications, such as isotretinoin (Accutane).

Is acne preventable?

While acne isn’t always preventable, there are some steps your child can take to reduce the frequency of flare-ups, including:

• Washing their face with a gentle cleanser
• Avoiding picking their pimples
• Only touching their face with clean hands
• Investing in oil-free cosmetics
• Exfoliating weekly

While food doesn’t directly cause acne, some adolescents and teens may experience flare-ups when they consume dairy or processed foods. Eliminating these foods from their diet may help relieve acne symptoms.

Call Pediatric Associates of Southwest Missouri today or schedule an appointment online to help your child or teen find relief from acne.