What is acne?
When oil and dead skin cells build up inside a pore, it creates a lump underneath the skin (otherwise known as a pimple). The accumulation of pimples and cysts is called acne, and it can affect small areas of the skin or the entire face, neck, shoulders, and back.
Acne causes three types of blemishes:
- Blackheads: clogged pores that have a dark appearance
- Whiteheads: a zit with a white peak
- Cystic acne: large, deep pimples
What causes acne?
As mentioned, pimples form when oil and dead skin cells clog your pores. Oily skin and oil-based skin products create the perfect environment for zits to form.
For women, hormonal changes during puberty and menstrual cycles cause the skin to become oily. For men, testosterone fluctuations can cause skin changes. That extra surface oil seeps into the pores and clogs them, causing pimples to form.
Genetic factors also play a role in acne. If you or your spouse has suffered from acne, your child is more likely to have it too. Stress, certain medications, clothes that irritate the skin, and sweat can also worsen acne.
How can my pediatrician help with acne?
If over-the-counter products and acne-fighting hygiene habits don’t help clear up acne after several months, Dr. Carruth can give your child a prescription-strength gel or cream. Some prescription acne creams contain medication or antibiotics to help clear the pores.
Dr. Carruth may prescribe antibiotics to help heal deep blemishes and cysts. In addition to prescription acne medication, he may suggest the following for severe cases of acne:
- Using benzoyl peroxide on acne-prone skin
- Prescription topical or oral retinoid medication
- Topical azelaic acid treatments
- Pimple or cyst draining (done by a medical professional)
- Birth control pills (for young women)
Many treatments take between six to eight weeks to go into effect, and they sometimes make acne worse before it clears. Finding the right combination of products for your child takes patience. Dr. Carruth can recommend at-home acne treatments and lifestyle changes to prevent acne before prescribing medication as a last resort.
If acne is causing your child distress, call or visit Dr. Carruth online to get him or her started on treatment.
