Acne is a common curse of the teenage years. The Mayo Clinic explains that dead skin cells and oil plug up the hair follicles, which leads to the development of pimples, blackheads, whiteheads and other lesions. An American Medical Association survey found that acne can have a profound effect on teenagers. More than a third have been frustrated or embarrassed by their pimples and almost half believe their complexion affects the way people treat them. Fortunately, teens have many treatment options.
Time Frame
Acne is most common in teenagers although it can happen to anyone in any age group. The Family Doctor site explains that it usually stops by age 25, although it can persist in the later adult years. Teenagers get it more frequently because they are going through hormonal changes. Teen boys are somewhat more likely to get it because they have oilier skin.
Causes
Not all teenagers will develop acne. According to Family Doctor, genetics have a heavy influence. Youngsters whose parents had acne are much more likely to get it too. Some teens also have a sensitive immune system that reacts strongly to bacteria when it gets trapped in the hair follicles. This can lead to frequent acne outbreaks. The Mayo Clinic states that grease and chocolate do not cause acne, but teens who eat starchy foods may be more prone to it because of elevated blood sugar. Teens who do not have good personal hygiene may get acne because they don't clean away excess oil and bacteria can grow more readily on their skin.
Store-Bought Treatments
Teenagers have many treatment options for creams that can be purchased at pharmacies, department stores and other retailers. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are the two most common treatments according to Family Doctor, and they are effective for most teens. Both of these medications come in soaps, lotions, creams, gels or pads. They work by drying up excess oil, killing bacteria and making affected skin peel away. They can take up to eight weeks to produce visible results.
Medical Treatment
Some teenagers develop severe acne that does not respond to store-bought treatments. There are medical treatments, such as prescription gels and creams, which can be given to teens who don't get results on their own after treating their acne for eight weeks. The doctor might prescribe a retinoid cream, which must be used with caution because it makes users more prone to sunburn. Antibiotics are also used to treat stubborn acne. They can be taken orally or applied as a cream, gel or lotion.
Warning
Acne during the teen years can cause lifelong scarring if it is severe. This is especially true if you squeeze your pimples or pick at the skin lesions, Family Doctor explains, and scars can also be caused by rough, excessive scrubbing. Scars can often be treated if they do develop.
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