Teens With Serious Acne
Many people consider acne to be a simple rite of passage that most teenagers endure and later grow out of. However, in recent years, doctors are beginning to take acne more seriously, especially severe cases that cause physical pain, leave scarring and may continue into adulthood. A minor pimple is to be expected here and there, but if you notice your teen developing acne that consists of red and inflamed cysts or nodules, it’s important to treat it like the legitimate medical problem that it is.
The Differences Between Minor and Severe Acne
Minor acne usually consists of small, non-inflamed bumps or lesions. It isn’t painful and usually either goes away on its own or responds well to over-the-counter creams. Severe acne consists of large, painful and inflamed cysts that begin in the deep layers of the skin and may last for weeks or even months at a time. This form of acne can be completely devastating to those who suffer from it because it usually doesn’t respond to typical treatments. Doctors are still unsure what causes this type of acne, but a mix of genetics, hormone shifts, stress levels and dietary factors are possibly to blame.
The Social, Physical and Emotional Consequences
Teens who are dealing with severe acne need compassion, respect and help. Not only are they more likely to receive bullying and ridicule at school, but they also may lose friendships because of the tendency to isolate themselves socially. Sometimes, it’s easier to hide indoors than face the world with acne.
There can also be serious emotional consequences from acne. The constant need to try and cure the breakouts can lead to an obsessive fixation on diet, medications and health supplements, which can sometimes turn into an eating disorder. Having acne can also lead to depression, anxiety, self-harming tendencies and even suicide attempts. Sadly, there have been teens who took their own lives because of being unable to find a solution to their acne problems.
Lastly, there can be serious physical problems that come from acne. Cystic acne can often damage the bottom layers of the skin and leave permanent scarring. It can also be incredibly painful, interfering with chewing, smiling, laughing, putting on makeup, giving hugs or any other activity that involves moving or touching the face. Cystic acne on the back or other parts of the body may interfere with sports and other activities as well.
The bottom line is this: Acne is serious, and it needs to be treated that way. Ignoring your teen’s acne problem, telling him or her to lighten up about it or otherwise shrugging it off can have lasting consequences. If your teen is suffering from acne that has not responded to over-the-counter treatments, please consider a visit to the dermatologist. Professional treatments are improving each year, and there is real help available for tough cases.
