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Conditions that Cause Acne Vulgaris

People with acne can experience pain, discomfort, and a lack of self-esteem and confidence due to the appearance of their complexion. These concerns are dramatically increased in children and young adults who can become extremely self-conscious of their skin and suffer emotional and psychological trauma. The stress that comes as a result can be one of the many causes that can make acne worse for the child who is suffering with these skin concerns. So what causes acne to develop and how can treatment make a difference in targeting the cause and alleviating
the symptoms?

Pores Become Clogged

When the pores become clogged from an overabundance of the skin’s natural production of a protective, moisturizing oil called sebum, along with dead skin cells and the growth of bacteria, acne can start to occur along various different areas of the face and body. Sometimes, the area where the acne breakout is taking place can have an effect on the type of acne that occurs and the severity of the breakout.

Inflammatory Response

Once the pore has become clogged with sebum, dead skin, and bacteria has started to grow, the body’s immune system will trigger an inflammatory response that leads to the formation of lesions that start to appear on the skin.

Lesions Emerge on the Surface of the Skin

As the lesions grow, they can take on many different forms based on the variety of factors that lead to their occurrence. Pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads are among the most common with some of these lesions going away on their own or disappearing with the assistance of over-the-counter medications that contain benzoyl peroxide. Some children and teens may suffer more painful lesions that present as cysts or nodules that penetrate deeper below the surface of the skin and may require prescription medication.
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Common Contributing Factors

Pediatric and adolescent acne can occur due to many different causes:

Hormonal Changes

Hormones play a big role in the development of acne and can become more apparent for boys and girls who are nearing or going through puberty.

Hormonal Changes

Genetics

Acne can run in the family and when immediate family members have a history of breakouts, the chances of children developing acne is increased as certain skin characteristics are passed down from one generation to the next.

Stress Factors

Stress Factors

Stress can increase the chances of acne breakouts through hormonal imbalances that trigger an increase in sebum and the inflammation that can occur as a result. Skin health can also be affected by poor sleep which may be a by-product of stress for teens in particular.

Nutrition

Nutrition

Diet can play a contributing role in the development of acne in kids and teenagers. Sugar, dairy, and processed foods have all been shown to cause acne breakouts.

Prescription Medications

Prescription Medications

Certain prescription medications such as corticosteroids and lithium, among others, can cause acne or exacerbate the condition.

Sensitivity to Skincare Products

Sensitivity to Skincare Products

Some teenagers may have skin sensitivities to some skincare products laden with heavy oils and stringent components that can irritate skin, clog pores, and result in acne breakouts.

Treating Acne

Diagnosing and
Treating Acne

Knowing what causes acne and how your child or teenager’s skin can be affected by this condition is imperative for developing a thorough and accurate diagnosis with an effective treatment plan that targets the problem. Dr. Greenberg takes a unique approach to evaluating your child or teenager’s skin, taking into account medical and family history, lifestyle, skincare routines, and other contributing factors that play a role in the health and overall well being of the skin.
Common Treatment Options
Based on the diagnosis after evaluation, Dr. Greenberg will develop a treatment plan that may include topical medications such as retinoids, azelaic acid, or benzoyl peroxide and/or oral medications such as antibiotics and hormonal treatments. Additional facets to treatment may include lifestyle changes, stress management, hygiene management, and skincare routines, as well as follow up appointments to ensue the treatment is having the intended impact.

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Consultation Today

Acne can have a dramatic negative impact on your child or teenager and the sooner you can diagnose the issue, the faster you can eliminate it from their life. Dr. Greenberg has been treating acne in pediatric and adolescent patients with positive long-term results. The time to call is now, don’t wait until your child or teenager’s acne condition gets much worse.

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