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Dermatologists
Offer Advice to Parents on How to Talk to Teens About Acne
 (ARA)
- Acne is the most common skin disorder in the United States,
involving 85 percent of the population at some point in their
lives. Approximately 20 million teenagers have acne.
"Acne can
be especially emotionally devastating for teens because they
are extremely conscious of their appearance and their image,"
says Hilary Baldwin, M.D., associate professor of dermatology
at the State University of New York at Brooklyn. "Several
studies have shown that acne sufferers can experience everything
from decreased self-esteem and problems with body image to depression
and anger."
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Dermatologists encourage
parents to seek medical treatment for teenagers with acne and
warn against taking a "wait and see" approach. "Many
parents are often stuck in the mindset of past generations that
nothing can really be done about acne," says Sandra Swanson,
a Charlotte, N.C. dermatologist. "They still believe in
those old wives' tales that chocolate, pizza, french fries, and
their child's hygiene habits are to blame, and that pimples can
be healed or prevented by simple lifestyle changes." |
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Avoiding treatment,
however, can make acne worse and may increase the chance for
permanent scars. "The ultimate goal of acne therapy is to
help clear up the pimples you have and to prevent the occurrence
of future breakouts," says Larry Green, assistant professor
of dermatology at George Washington University School of Medicine.
"In general, if your child is not responding to home remedies
and over-the-counter treatments after one month, it's a good
idea to see a dermatologist. Dermatologists have a greater chance
for long-term success if treatment is started sooner rather than
later."
On www.caringforyourskin.com, dermatologists from around the country
offer advice to parents on how and when to talk to teens about
acne and acne treatment, and share some of the common mistakes
they see parents make during their child's treatment.
Perhaps the most
common mistake parents make occurs during the first visit to
the dermatologist's office. Too often, parents monopolize the
conversation with the doctor and do not give their child a chance
to verbalize his/her feelings.
"For those
parents, I let them know in no uncertain terms that this is not
their condition, but rather the child's condition and I need
to hear from him/her," says Omaha, Neb. dermatologist Joel
Schlessinger, M.D. "I think it is imperative that parents
be there at the first visit and always be available to discuss
issues such as medication, but direct communication between doctor
and patient is critical to successful treatment."
"As far
as supporting their child's acne treatment is concerned, most
parents do really well," says Katie Rodan, M.D., Clinical
Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Stanford University School
of Medicine in Stanford, Calif. "I like to have parents
in the room because I want their input regarding oral vs. topical
medications and other issues that arise where I may need their
consent. I also like parents to know the treatment regimen because
they can help their kids find a workable routine and can give
'soft' reminders to use the medications."
"Parents
play an integral role during treatment," says Montclair,
N.J. dermatologist Jeanine Downie, M.D. "They need to be
supportive and encouraging, but must resist the impulse to nag
or criticize, as it could have a counter-effect (i.e., the child
may elect to rebel by not complying with the doctor's instructions)."
Dr. Downie generally provides her teen patients with written
instructions they can put in visible places (such as a bathroom
mirror) to serve as gentle reminders. "This gives them a
sense of ownership to the treatment plan."
For more advice
on "Talking to Your Teen About Acne," and other skincare
topics, visit www.caringforyourskin.com.
Tips for teens
are available on www.pimpleportal.com. The site offers information
about the causes of acne, how it can be controlled, dispels common
myths about the condition, and offers information about a variety
of over-the-counter and prescription treatments. Visitors can
also ask a panel of dermatologists questions about acne, makeup,
and subjects ranging from skin to nails to hair.
Courtesy
of ARA Content |
