Acne, being a prevalent skin disorder, has the potential to significantly impair a teenager's life. Acne affects around 85% of teenagers. Although we adults understand that acne will go away, it is no comfort to the teenager who suffers from shame, concern, diminishing confidence, or even melancholy as a result. As parents, we must be supportive, yet this is insufficient. Parents must give knowledge and guidance on how to manage acne. Most of the time, therapy can significantly lessen the consequences of acne.
Unfortunately, acne doesn’t have a "one-cure-fits-all" solution. There are many types of acne, treatable by even more types of methods. It is important for you to help determine which type your teenager is experiencing to help make appropriate decisions regarding the direction of treatment. New medications have been developed since we were teenagers. What worked for us may not work for teenagers today. The good news is that most common acne conditions can be easily controlled, even if they cannot be cured completely.
Your teenager is undoubtedly trying everything conceivable to control his or her acne. It is important to remember that even if your teen isn’t asking for your help, he/she still wants it. Be supportive when approaching your teen, not accusatory. Myths about oily foods, chocolate, or sex causing acne have been proven untrue. Even discussing your personal experiences with acne may help minimize the stressors for your teen and help "humanize" you so he/she is more comfortable discussing it.
It is also wise to advise your teenager that most teenagers suffer from acne—they are not alone. Of the 85% of adolescents inflicted with acne, 40% of the cases are severe enough to require professional treatment by a dermatologist.
Consulting with a dermatologist is prudent toward reassuring your teenager. Although the spots on your teenager’s skin are most likely acne, there is potential that the condition could be something else. A dermatologist can give you a definitive diagnosis with as many treatment options as possible.
If your adolescent has tried several over-the-counter treatments with little to no effectiveness, encourage him or her to consult a dermatologist. A dermatologist may recommend a different, prescription-only ointment, lotion, or even oral medication to help clear up the problem and provide physical relief.
Above all, assure your adolescent that acne does not last forever. Acne should be a thing of the past by the time a teenager reaches their early twenties.