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Role Of Parents When Their Teen Have Acne |
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One of the best ways for parents to help their children
is to learn as much as possible about the various types of acne and how
it can be treated. Armed with this knowledge you can help your teenager
make appropriate decisions about medications or whether or not to
consult with the dermatologist.
Just because
you had acne when you were a teenager doesn't make you an expert. New
medications and new methods of treatment have been developed so that
most common acne conditions can be brought under control. There are a
variety of approaches, so knowing what is available will help you decide
which is best for your child.
Consulting with a dermatologist is
always a good idea for any skin condition. Those spots that appear on
your teenager's skin are most likely to be acne, but there are other
skin conditions that resemble it. Consulting with a dermatologist will
give you a definite diagnosis and also provide you with as many
treatment options as possible.
Talking with your teenager about
acne can be touchy because he or she is likely to be embarrassed by
their appearance. You know best how to approach your teenager, but in
general you need to be supportive and understanding. Never accuse your
child of following habits that cause acne -- the myths about oily foods,
chocolate, or sex causing acne have been proven to be untrue.
Most
likely, your teenager is trying everything he or she can to control the
acne. Even if they don't want to talk about it, it most likely is one of
their major concerns. After all, acne can affect self image and
sociability and in severe cases can lead to depression and withdrawal.
Let
your teenager know that you are available and that you are willing to
help him or her with their acne. Talking about your own experiences may
help and certainly can't hurt – it may give your teenager a broader
perspective on the condition.
Even though it may be small
comfort, remind your child that most teenagers suffer from acne -- they
are not alone. It is estimated that 85% of adolescents have acne, and
40% have acne severe enough to need treatment by a dermatologist. If,
after trying a few over-the-counter medications without success,
encourage your child to go to a dermatologist. Medical treatments can
include oral medicines, physical treatments, and ointments and lotions
which are applied directly on the acne. These treatments can help clear
up the acne while offering relief from the physical discomfort it causes.
Acne
does not last forever. As your child gets older the acne should become
less of a problem, and by the time they are in their early 20s should be
a thing of the past.
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