• Skip to content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Shop ModernMom
  • Become An Insider

ModernMom

The premiere destination for moms

  • Parenting
    • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Kids
    • Tweens and Teens
    • ModernMom Monday Videos
  • Cooking
  • Living Healthy
    • Breast Cancer
    • Health & Fitness
    • Body after Baby
    • Beauty
    • Relationships
    • Love
  • Lifestyle
    • Crafts
    • At Home
    • Education
    • Travel
    • Pets
    • Decorate
    • Money
    • Brooke Burke
  • Celebrate
    • Holidays
      • Easter
      • Valentine’s Day
      • New Year’s
      • Christmas
      • Hanukah
      • Halloween
      • Thanksgiving
    • Birthdays
    • Parties
  • Must Have
  • Contests
  • Entertainment

Teen Skin Problems

January 5, 2011 by ds_81 Leave a Comment

There are plenty of skin disorders that can trouble in teens ranging from seborrheic dermatitis, or dandruff, on the top of their heads, to tinea pedis, or athlete’s foot, at the tip of their toes. The most common skin problem facing teens is acne vulgaris, known in teen vernacular as pimples, zits, whiteheads or blackheads. Around 85 percent of teens will suffer from an acne breakout every year, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Identification

You must identify the skin problem before you can treat it. Many common skin conditions have similar symptoms but have different causes that respond to different treatments. Some skin problems, such as skin cancer, can be serious or even fatal. If an unexplained rash or mole-like growth appears on your teen’s skin that you cannot identify you should seek professional care from your primary care physician or dermatologist.

Effects

Skin problems can have serious repercussions for teenagers, particularly complexion breakouts like acne, which can appear anywhere on the body but frequently affect the face. Old wives’ tales attribute acne to poor personal hygiene or a diet that is high in greasy fried foods or chocolate. These attitudes can lead to ridicule from peers and classmates. Teens may be embarrassed by their appearance, grow anxious or even depressed. Teen skin problems can result in decreased self-confidence, low self-esteem, social withdrawal and higher rates of unemployment, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Misconceptions

Many traditional methods of dealing with acne and other teen skin problems simply don’t work, and in some cases make the problem worse. No one knows the exact cause of acne, but the AAD believes a combination of fluctuating hormones, bacteria, clogged pores and excess skin oil, called sebum, is the primary culprit. Diet is not a contributing factor in acne, so cutting out dairy foods, chocolate or french fries won’t make a difference. Acne is not the result of poor hygiene and is not affected by surface dirt. Scrubbing the skin vigorously with harsh soaps won’t help and may contribute to the problem.

Treatment

Most teen skin problems can be effectively treated, but it may take some time. There are no miracle cures for skin problems, and any product that claims otherwise should be viewed with skepticism. Mild skin problems, such as a few pimples, may respond to over-the-counter topical medications containing salicylic acid or benzole peroxide. Moderate to serious skin conditions, such as ringworm or moderate acne, typically require prescription medications that may be either topical or oral. Serious teen skin problems such as severe acne can result in permanent scarring. Treatment may include a combination of prescription medications, light therapy and surgery.

Prevention/Solution

Some types of teen skin problems, such as common acne or eczema, cannot be prevented, but a commonsense approach to health and lifestyle may help to reduce their effects. Eliminate known triggers to breakouts, such as detergents or cosmetics with fragrances and dyes. The AAD recommends teens maintain a regular routine of cleansing their skin with mild cleansers followed by applying good quality skin moisturizers. Aggressive scrubbing with harsh soaps or astringents can do more harm than good. Teens should avoid excess exposure to the sun, which can age the skin prematurely. Tanning booths, which can dramatically increase the risk of melanoma skin cancer in young people, should be strictly forbidden to teens, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Comments

comments

Filed Under: Living Healthy

About ds_81

After attending Hardin Simmons University, Kay Dean finished her formal education with the Institute of Children's Literature. Since 1995, Dean has written more than 2,000 articles for publications, including "PB&J," Disneys "Family Fun,""ParentLife,""Living With Teenagers" and Thomas Nelsons New York Times best-selling "Resolve." After 17 years of homeschooling her five children, Dean discovered that motherhood doesnt stop with an empty nest.

Reader Interactions

Primary Sidebar

Tell a friend

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Search

ModernMom Boutique

ModernMom TV

Featured

20 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Had Kids

After seeing and holding the newest member of our family … [Read More...] about 20 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Had Kids

Must Have

ToniBox

Meet Toniebox – A Loveable Storytime Friend For Your Kids

If you are looking for something to occupy your children … [Read More...] about Meet Toniebox – A Loveable Storytime Friend For Your Kids

Did you know?

Tips on Exercising While Pregnant

Tips on Exercising While Pregnant

Post-Pregnancy Headaches

Post-Pregnancy Headaches

toddlers and frequent urination

Toddlers and Frequent Urination

early signs you are pregnant with twins

Early Signs You Are Pregnant With Twins

Functions of Flour in Baking

What Are the Functions of Flour in Baking?

What Happens When You Mix Lemon Juice With Baking Soda?

What Happens When You Mix Lemon Juice With Baking Soda?

Early Signs of Pregnancy While on Birth Control

Early Signs of Pregnancy While on Birth Control

Footer

  • About Us
  • Contact ModernMom
  • Advertise With Us
  • Press
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Contributors

Copyright © 2021 Modern Mom. All Rights Reserved.

Reproduction of any portion of this website only at the express permission of Mom, Inc.

The information provided on ModernMom is for educational use only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.