Although your child may not quite be a teenager, he or she may already be showing signs of pimples and blackheads. In fact, around 8 in 10 preteens suffer from acne. This common condition can cause a lot of emotional distress in preteens, so it’s good to know how to help them handle the time when they start getting acne. Here are some tips on how to control acne, and a telemedicine appointment with Dr. Yvette Tivoli of Atlantic Derm in Delray Beach, FL, can help you further treat it.
Tips for Controlling Acne
Diet and Acne: Many dermatologists agree that foods that have a high content of trans fats and saturated fats can contribute to acne breakouts. By making sure that your child follows a diet that is rich in protein and low in high Glycemic Index (GI) foods, this can help to reduce the effects of hormones and excess oils on your preteen’s skin.
Stress and Acne: Although stress alone cannot cause acne. If your child is prone to breakouts, stress, in combination with changing hormones, can worsen them. This can end up being a vicious cycle as your preteen begins to stress over their acne because it’s making them self-conscious.
Personal Hygiene and Acne: Here are some daily hygiene tips to help your preteen combat acne:
- Use a gentle medicated facial wash twice each day. This should also be done at the end of a hot day or after a sport’s session.
- Use a gentle toner such as an apple cider solution or cucumber juice after washing.
- Apply an anti-bacterial acne lotion, make sure it’s oil-free.
- If the acne is also on the body, wear loose, breathable clothes.
- Using a clay facial mask once each week will help prevent excessive oil build-up and keep dirt from the pores
- Keep long hair tied back.
- Resist the urge to pick or scratch acne; it will only worsen the situation.
Treatment Choices for Acne
There’s quite a range of over-the-counter medications suitable for treating mild to moderately severe acne. Products range from lotions, creams, scrubs, concealers and face masks. Make sure you choose products that are not too harsh for sensitive young skin as they may cause further irritation.
If you have tried over-the-counter treatments for your preteen’s acne and they have not been successful, the best thing you can do is visit a dermatologist. A medical professional is best equipped to treat acne, especially if it is severe. The prescribed treatment may take the form of topical or oral medication. Talk to them about their acne and reassure them that it is something they can regain control of.
Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, Atlantic Derm is complying with extended social distancing guidelines. our office will be closed until April 30, 2020. However, they are offering Delray Beach residents telehealth visits. If you’d like to find out more, call Dr. Tivoli at (561) 802-7546.