More than just your child's complexion is affected by acne. Studies have shown that teens with acne often suffer emotional and social distress and sometimes even depression.
"Teen acne can have a devastating effect on self-esteem and body image, and can really do a number on kids," says Ted Grossbart, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist and assistant clinical professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School in Boston.
The Tolls of Teen Acne
Teens with acne can experience:
Embarrassment
Shame
Depression
Anxiety
Problems with socialization
"I have some teen patients who refuse to go to school because of their acne," says Richard Antaya, MD, medical director of Yale Dermatology Associates at the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Conn.
Dr. Antaya says that teen acne has even played a part in some teenage suicides: "It can be that trying to kids." In fact, one study of teenagers in New Zealand found that teen acne was associated with a significantly increased risk of depressive symptoms, anxiety, and suicide attempts.
Keep in mind that each teen responds differently to having acne. Some kids are tremendously bothered by their acne, says Antaya, while others with moderate to even severe acne are not bothered by it at all.
Says Grossbart, "A kid who is particularly confident and secure will have a better time weathering teen acne." But he warns that emotional distress and acne can become a vicious cycle. "In addition to producing emotional turmoil, acne goes the other way as well, and stress is a trigger for acne," explains Grossbart, emphasizing how important it is for teens with acne to get stress under control to help avoid breakouts.
How Parents Can Help
Parents of teens with acne should keep the following in mind:
Take your teen to a dermatologist if necessary. "Getting the best medical treatment is essential," says Grossbart. Antaya adds that it is particularly important for teenagers who seem embarrassed or ashamed of their acne to receive treatment. Over-the-counter acne treatments, such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, may be enough to clear up acne. In more severe cases, prescription medication may be required. Either way, don't delay.
Encourage gentle skin care. Antaya says that many parents think their child's acne is caused by a lack of face washing or bad hygiene, but acne is actually caused by hormonal fluctuations, bacteria, and natural oils in the skin. Too much face washing can irritate the skin, making acne worse.
It may take time for acne treatment to work. "Acne treatments are all preventative," says Antaya. Most treatments don't clear acne that is already there, and it usually takes about three months for an acne treatment to achieve its maximum effect. So it's important to be patient and encourage your child to continue with treatment, even if it doesn't appear to be working right away.
Consider psychological help. If your child seems to be withdrawing socially - not participating in social activities that he or she once enjoyed and refusing to go out with friends - it may be time to talk to your child's doctor about professional counseling. As you work to help your teen cope with acne, Grossbart says to remind him or her that they are not their skin.
While teen acne can be a challenging problem to treat, there are a number of treatment options that may be able to help clear your child's skin. With medical attention and your support, they will get control over the problem of teen acne.
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