Sarasota Dermatology Blog

When Should You Take Your Teenager to a Dermatologist for Acne?

Posted on 05. Feb, 2009 by Bradley J. Abrams, D.O. in Acne

The majority if us have experienced acne as a teenager, however an unpleasant of an experience it can be, it is a very common skin condition. Acne occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog your skin’s pores. These clogged pores lead to pimples, whiteheads, or blackheads, which can show up on the face, neck, back, and chest.

I’ve had some parents ask me if their teenager’s acne really warranted a trip to see me. Your teenager may not need to see a dermatologist if gentle cleansing with soap or the use of over the counter products control their acne. A board certified dermatologist can prescribe topical medications to treat your teenager’s acne. For more severe cases, a dermatologist can prescribe an oral retinoid. It is recommended to have your teenager treated by a board certified dermatologist if:

• Gentle cleansing with soap or the use of over the counter products doesn’t control their acne.
• Their pimples become large, hard and/or filled with fluid. Pimples that are large and deep are called cystic acne. Cystic acne can lead to infections and scarring.
• You, the parent of the teenager, had severe acne as a teenager.
• They begin to avoid social situations due to their acne.
• They become embarrassed or depressed because the have acne.

As a dermatologist, I am constantly reminding teenagers that their acne should be behind them when they are into their 20′s. Knowing when to have your teenager seen by a dermatologist can help minimize their experience with acne during their teen years.

As a parent you can remind your teenager to cleanse and care for their skin and encourage their self-esteem through reassuring them that acne generally does not last forever.

Tags: acne, blackheads, clogged pores, dead skin cells, dermatologist, pimples, retinoid, severetopical medications, skin condition, soap, whiteheads