Severe acne in teens can have devasting psychological, emotional and social consequences. Self-consciousness, embarrassment, anger and lack of confidence are some of the negative implications of letting acne go untreated, warns the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Although severe acne generally takes longer to resolve, there is a treatment that will work for any teenaged boy or girl.
Acne Factors
Acne is more common in teens that any other age group due to the influx of male sex hormones called androgens that stimulate the sebaceous glands in the skin, causing a superfluous amount of oil production. Factor in the bacteria normally present on the skin and the shedding of dead skin cells within the hair follicles, and teenagers' clogged pores are the ideal place for acne to form. Acne varies in degrees of severity, depending on the number and types of lesions that form.
Severe Acne
In 1990, the AAD developed a method to classify acne, based on its level of severity. Mild acne consists of papules and pustules, but no deep cysts or nodules characteristic of severe acne. Moderate acne consists of papules and pustules, along with a few or several nodules. Teens with severe acne often have an extensive number of papules, pustules, as well as numerous deep-seated nodules. The AAD indicates that severe acne is not only disfiguring and painful; nodules and cysts are more likely to rupture and cause extensive scarring.
Treating Severe Acne
The AAD enumerates several physical procedures and prescription medications used to address severe acne. In-office treatments may include surgical excision and drainage of large acne lesions, or corticosteroid injections delivered into cysts that reduce inflammation and hasten healing time. Oral medications may include antibiotics that reduce the number of bacteria present on the skin, or, for girls, use of oral contraceptives, which regulate hormones and reduce excess oil production.
Isotretinoin
A successful oral medication used to treat severe acne is isotretinoin, a Vitamin A derivative that is administered daily for between 16 and 20 weeks. Isotretinoin is extremely effective in curing severe acne, tackling the usual culprits that cause deep lesions to form--excess oil, bacteria, dead skin cells and inflammation. However, isotretoin comes with many potential side effects, such as intense headaches, blurry vision, nausea and vomiting, seizures, diarrhea and suicidal ideation, warns the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It also causes birth defects, so its use must be carefully monitored in teen girls, who must use two forms of birth control while undergoing treatment, as well as submit to routine pregnancy tests.
Treatment for Every Teen
The AAD indicates that almost 100 percent of teens between the ages of 12 and 17 have acne, with boys typically experiencing the worst case of severe, lingering acne. Although some teens effectively treat acne with drugstore topical medications, around 40 percent of teens see a dermatologist each year for more aggressive treatment. Many myths are attached to teen acne, one being that it must simply be allowed to run its course. But with numerous effective treatments available, any case of acne can be resolved, no matter how severe.
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