My teenager is starting to get acne, what should we do?

Most teenagers will have some degree of acne during the period of adolescence. Hormones made during puberty stimulate oil glands on the face, back, and chest. The oils from these glands and the cells lining the oil ducts mix to form plugs. These plugs encourage the growth of skin bacteria, causing the red bumpy appearance of acne. Additionally, acne can be an inherited trait. Since hormones and heredity cannot be changed, keeping oil ducts clean and clear is important to controlling acne.

Signs of acne:

• Red, inflamed bumps on the face, chest, and/or back
• Blackheads and whiteheads
• Possibly scars from picking previous pimples

Home Treatment:

• DO NOT squeeze or try to "pop" pimples - may cause scarring
• DO NOT scrub skin harshly
• DO NOT use makeup, lotions, or hair products containing oils
• Avoid stress and tension
• Keep skin clean by gently cleansing with a mild soap twice daily
• Try an over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide lotion or gel
  1. Start with 5% strength, apply once daily to affected skin, not just current pimples and avoid use around eyes and mouth
  2. In one week, if skin is not too red or scaly, apply twice daily
  3. In three weeks, increase to 10% strength applied once daily
  4. In one more week, if skin is not too red or scaly, apply twice daily
  5. After six weeks of consistent use, the redness and scaliness should be gone and skin should be clearer

Prevention:

• Keep hands, hair, sweat bands, and hats off face
• If the treatment is working, DO NOT stop using it

Call our office if:

• Using benzoyl peroxide treatment does not improve skin in six weeks
• Acne is widespread on the chest and back
• You have other questions or concerns