Most kids develop pimples as they approach their teenage years and their hormones gear up for puberty, with eight out of 10 preteens getting acne, according to TeensHealth. This skin disorder is normal for kids as they mature, but some cases are severe enough to cause mental trauma and lasting effects. Many youngsters control their pimples with store-bought products, but some need a dermatologist's help and stronger treatments.
Definition
Acne is a skin condition that occurs in both kids and adults, although youngsters are mostly affected because their hormones make their skin oilier. This excess oil, along with bacteria and dead skin cells, plugs pores partially or fully, creating a pimple. The problem usually resolves itself by adulthood, and most kids can satisfactorily control it in the meantime with over-the-counter pimple creams.
Effects
Acne affects kids physically and mentally. Some pimples are hard to see, while others are very prominent. Blackheads and whiteheads are not inflamed, although blackheads develop a small black top. Pustules are larger and pus filled, and nodules and cysts are very visible large, red bumps. Pimples are often itchy, and some are sore to touch. The appearance of lesions embarrasses many kids and hurts their self-esteem -- sometimes even leading to depression, California psychologist Bobbie McDonald says on the CNN Health website. Kids with pimples may be teased and can become socially isolated.
Treatment
Many kids successfully control their pimples with products containing benzoyl peroxide and by gently washing the face no more than twice a day. The treatment helps dry skin oil and kill bacteria, lessening acne's severity. Some youngsters have persistent problems despite self-treatment attempts. Physicians can prescribe antibiotics and high-potency creams if needed and provide skin treatments like dermabrasion and laser therapy. A strong drug called isotretinoin treats severe cystic acne but carries risk and is usually used for adults.
Considerations
The acne drug isotretinoin is sometimes blamed for raising suicide risk in patients, but Swedish researchers from the Karolinska Institute found that this effect might be related to acne-related depression rather than the medication. A 2010 review of records for 5,756 people who took isotretinoin in the 1980s, and a review of hospital and death records through 2001, showed that 128 of those patients made suicide attempts. However, some of those attempts happened up to three years before the patients started on the drug. Isotretinoin is reserved for the worst acne cases, which might make people who take it more likely to be depressed and suicidal because of their pimples and appearance.
References
- TeensHealth: Acne
- "CNN Health"; How Acne and Depression Feed Each Other; Elizabeth Landau; November 2010
- AcneNet: Acne Can Change the Way You See the World
- "USA Today"; Major Acne Problem May Raise Suicide Risk, Study Finds; November 2010
- Karolinska Institute; Severe Acne Increases the Risk of Suicide Attempt; November 2010
- MayoClinic.com: Acne Treatment and Drugs
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