Since acne and pimples is such a common condition that many teenagers suffer from, parents of teenage children are sure to have experienced it themselves. As adults, we know that acne will pass, but this is small comfort to teenagers who are suffering from the embarrassment of acne. Parents need to be morally supportive, but also need to be a source of information and advice about how to treat acne.

One of the best ways for parents to help their children is to learn as much as possible about the various types of acne and how it can be treated. Armed with this knowledge you can help your teenager make appropriate decisions about medications or whether or not to consult with the dermatologist.

Just because you had acne when you were a teenager doesn’t make you an expert. New medications and new methods of treatment have been developed so that most common acne conditions can be brought under control. There are a variety of approaches, so knowing what is available will help you decide which is best for your child.

Consulting with a dermatologist is always a good idea for any skin condition. Those spots that appear on your teenager’s skin are most likely to be acne, but there are other skin conditions that resemble it. Consulting with a dermatologist will give you a definite diagnosis and also provide you with as many treatment options as possible.

Talking with your teenager about acne can be touchy because he or she is likely to be embarrassed by their appearance. You know best how to approach your teenager, but in general you need to be supportive and understanding. Never accuse your child of following habits that cause acne — the myths about oily foods, chocolate, or sex causing acne have been proven to be untrue.

Most likely, your teenager is trying everything he or she can to control the acne. Even if they don’t want to talk about it, it most likely is one of their major concerns. After all, acne can affect self image and sociability and in severe cases can lead to depression and withdrawal.

Let your teenager know that you are available and that you are willing to help him or her with their acne. Talking about your own experiences may help and certainly can’t hurt – it may give your teenager a broader perspective on the condition.

Even though it may be small comfort, remind your child that most teenagers suffer from acne — they are not alone. It is estimated that 85% of adolescents have acne, and 40% have acne severe enough to need treatment by a dermatologist. If, after trying a few over-the-counter medications without success, encourage your child to go to a dermatologist. Medical treatments can include oral medicines, physical treatments, and ointments and lotions which are applied directly on the acne. These treatments can help clear up the acne while offering relief from the physical discomfort it causes.

Acne does not last forever. As your child gets older the acne should become less of a problem, and by the time they are in their early 20s should be a thing of the past.

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Scientific knowledge about acne is gradually clearing up some of the misconceptions surrounding this condition, but there are many myths that persist. Here are some common acne myths.

Myth #1 - Acne is caused by poor hygiene. This belief may have arisen because of the skin infections associated with acne. However, lack of cleanliness is not the reason for outbreaks of acne. The mixture of sebum and dead cells which cause acne is situated beneath the surface of the skin where it is impossible to clean it away. However, gentle cleansing with soap and water once or twice a day will keep the skin as healthy as possible. Be careful not to scrub too hard, however, as this may make acne worse.

Myth #2 - Acne is caused by certain foods. There is a long-standing belief that eating chocolate will cause the face to break out in pimples. There is no scientific evidence for this — studies have shown no statistically significant relationship between eating chocolate and acne. The same holds true of other foods associated like potato chips and sugar. It is true, however, that eating too much of these foods is unhealthy, and you wish to keep as healthy as possible at all times and especially if afflicted with acne. Limiting chocolate and sugar consumption is always a good idea.

Even though chocolate and french fries do not cause acne, there are some foods which do seem to aggravate it. There seems to be a relationship between milk and acne, and foods high in iodine also seem to cause pimples. Iodine is found in seafood, so those with acne may be advised not to eat too much seafood.

Myth #3 - Acne is related to sex. At various times we heard that masturbation or celibacy causes pimples. There is no evidence for this. There is a link between sexual activity and hormone production, however, but the relationship between sex and the production of sebum (the oily substance which combines with dead skin cells to cause acne) is unclear. Anger and stress also affect hormone levels.

Myth #4 - Acne has to run its course. There are many treatments available for acne, so those who are suffering from the discomfort and embarrassment that acne causes can find relief by consulting with a dermatologist or using over-the-counter medicine.

Myth #5 - Acne is only a teenage condition. It is true that most adolescents have acne, but it also affects some adults. Acne will usually clear up by time one enters their early 20s, but some people experience acne for the first time when they are in their 30s or 40s.

Myth #6 - Acne only affects appearance. Acne is a skin condition which can also cause psychological distress. Those with severe acne are especially vulnerable to feelings of depression and low self-image. There is a strong link between severe acne conditions and social withdrawal.

Myth #7 - Popping pimples is the best way to get rid of them. In fact, popping pimples may aggravate acne by spreading the bacteria which is causing it. Popping can also lead to scarring which in severe cases can be permanent.

Myth #8 - Sunbathing is good for acne. Exposure to the sun has the effect of drying out excess oils, so it does in fact have a short-term effect of improving acne. However, the skin quickly becomes accustomed to sun exposure so no long-term benefit is gained. Sun exposure may also damage the skin and increase the chance of skin cancer.

Myth #9 - Makeup causes acne. Some makeup can clog the pores which is bad for the health of the skin. Cosmetics labeled “noncomedogenic” or “nonacnegenic” are safe to use and some brands may include ingredients which can treat acne.

Myth #10 - The more acne medicine the better. Some people believe that if their acne gets worse they should use more medicine. Excess use of acne ointments, however, may irritate the skin, and oral medicines can be dangerous when taken in large quantities. Always follow the directions for the acne medications.

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