When acne’s spotted, these tips can help

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, acne is one of the most common skin conditions in children and adolescents. We all remember the feeling of embarrassment and self-consciousness that comes with a pimple — and we wish it would clear up over night. But the American Academy of Pediatrics said that it can take three to six weeks or longer to see a change, and 12 weeks for maximum improvement. However, with time and intervention from a dermatologist, your child’s skin can improve.

“We wish that patients realized that we are generally going to treat acne rather than cure it and that it takes time to do so,” said Dr. Seth Orlow, chairman and professor at the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology at NYU Langone Medical Center. “Even the most effective treatments work slowly, so you need to stick with them to see the benefits.”

Acne can be part of growth and development.

“Adolescent acne is a skin condition of puberty when the body is producing increased levels of hormones called androgens, which in turn cause increased production of oily sebum and increased blockage of the oil glands facilitating the growth of acne bacteria,” said Orlow.

When the oil gets trapped, you have acne inflammation.

“Some individuals are more susceptible to this problem and that is why some have worse acne than others,” said Orlow.

Remind your child that nobody is to blame for the acne.

“It has little if anything to do with cleanliness, and you cannot scrub it away,” said Orlow. Some kids are at higher risk than others.

“In women, irregular periods, excess facial hair, and obesity may be linked to acne,” said Orlow. Time is the best medicine.

“Red marks that are left as inflamed acne lesions go away with continued treatment, so please do not pick at your acne lesions because we want to avoid scarring, and not foster it,” said Orlow.

When it comes to treatment, people usually start with over-the-counter medications for mild acne.

“I suggest something that contains benzoyl peroxide, which helps prevent the formation of acne pimples, or salicylic acid, which helps open up the clogged pores,” said Orlow.

If over-the-counter treatments don’t seem to work, make an appointment with a dermatologist. Prepare for your appointment by making a list of “everything you used before, and try to recall what worked and what did not,” said Orlow.

Be an active participant in your healthcare.

“Do not be afraid to ask questions like how much to put on, exactly how to use the medications, and if something seems so impractical that you cannot make it work, let your doctor know rather than just not using it,” said Orlow. Topical retinoids are often prescribed to help, or, oral antibiotics may be given for moderate to severe cases.

Patients failing to comply with treatment regimens are one of the biggest obstacles that dermatologists face.

“Too often, patients become frustrated with slow progress, and as a result, lose interest in following recommendations,” said Orlow.

While there are always new remedies, the idea behind treatment is the same as it was years ago.

“The focus is on three key factors: preventing dead skin cells from blocking the oil glands, reducing excessive oil production, and reducing acne-causing bacteria,” said Orlow.

While most over-the-counter medications take care of skin cell shedding and acne bacteria, they do not all attack the excessive oil production. Finding a doctor that you trust can make a difference as well.

“Board-certified dermatologists are well-trained to treat even the most severe acne, but you need a doctor with whom you feel comfortable and who can serve as both quarterback and cheerleader simultaneously,” said Orlow.