Studies have revealed that almost all adolescents in the age group of 12-20 get occasional whiteheads, blackheads and pimples. And these numbers have nothing to do with the race and the society to which these youngsters belong. Does acne actually have something to do with adolescence? Read on to know more about this theory.
Acne In Adolescence
It is true that the likelihood of developing acne is the maximum during teenage years. This is because it is during these years that the hormone levels go sky rocketing. These high hormone levels encourage the sebaceous glands to produce greater amounts of sebum. Sebum is an oily substance produced by the glands that are attached to the hair follicles.
Individuals in their puberty first notice acne when a lesion occurs due to a blocked hair follicle. The follicle is plugged with sebum and dead cells. The good thing is that even though acne begins to appear in the age group of 10-14 years, it does not last for more than 5 to 10 years. However, this holds true for only about 80% of all those who experience this skin condition. The remaining, who are afflicted with severe acne, might have to fight their battle with acne till they reach almost 30-35 years of age.
Some teenagers also develop severe acne due to the growth of comedones. Their acne reaches its peak within 3-5 years and thereafter subsides.
Effects Of Adolescent Acne
Adolescence is probably the most beautiful time in any individual’s life. It is therefore but natural for anyone afflicted with acne to feel emotionally depressed. Some sensitive teenagers stop going out as they consider their acne as a ‘social misfortune’. Pimples and that too those of the severe kind are considered as the worst thing to happen in their life.
Here are the results of a recent survey that describes the emotional distress of teenagers who suffer from acne:
• Almost 40% of teenagers stop going to school till their acne subsides.
• Several claim that they do not wish to have a boyfriend or a girlfriend due to their severe skin affliction.
• Many stop making friends or going out with their parents.
This reveals how adolescence acne affects these young minds. What these teens do not realize is that having acne is not the end of the world. In fact with the various medical treatments available, today it has become increasingly simple to get rid of this unsightly skin condition.
Treatment For Adolescent Acne
Timely treatment for acne can reduce the negative emotional effects as well as instill greater self-confidence in a teenager. Treatment can even help acne from spreading and finally, prevent facial scarring too. But what is extremely important is to understand that acne should be treated as soon as possible. This prevents it from growing and taking longer to be treated.
Kinds Of Teenage Acne - How To Treat It?
Teenagers can be afflicted with mild to severe acne.
• While mild pimples can easily be controlled at home, the severe kind needs medical attention.
• If you are afflicted with the milder form, then gently wash the afflicted areas with a topical solution containing benzoyl peroxide.
• If the above does not help within a time span of 5-7 weeks, then consult a dermatologist. A good dermatologist is sure to come up with a sure-fire way to control your condition.
Today there is a lot that can be done to treat all kinds of acne. All you need to do is face the situation with confidence and search for the ideal acne treatment.