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Havre de Grace, Maryland 21078
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Acne in Teenagers

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Acne in teensAlmost every teen can expect to get acne at some point during adolescence, but that doesn’t make it easier to bear. The emotional toll of acne is a familiar problem for many young people and can wreak havoc on adolescent self-confidence. Fortunately, almost all cases of acne are treatable.

Who gets acne?

Anyone of any age can get acne, but it is most common in teens and is considered a normal part of adolescence. In fact, 100 percent of the population can expect to have acne at some time during adolescence, regardless of race or ethnicity. During puberty, elevated hormone levels stimulate higher sebum production than usual, increasing the chance of acne flares.

Boys are more likely to get it during adolescence because their skin tends to produce more sebum. In adulthood, women are more prone to acne than men, likely because of the hormonal swings of menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.

People with a family history of acne are also more likely to get it.

Sports and acne mechanica

Teens who play sports, wear a backpack, or play a musical instrument that comes into contact with the face and neck may get a form of acne called acne mechanica. This type of acne is caused by irritation to the skin from excessive heat or sweat, friction, or pressure. The American Academy of Dermatology lists these common sports-related sources of acne mechanica:

  • Helmets and helmet straps, especially those worn by football and hockey players and motorcycle riders
  • Shoulder pads and straps worn by football players
  • Tight uniforms made of synthetic fabric
  • Tight headbands worn by soccer players and runners
  • Straps and packs on backpacks

Other common causes of acne mechanica are:

  • Straps used by soldiers for weapons and equipment
  • Headbands worn for long periods of time
  • Musical instruments, such as the violin, tucked against the neck for hours
  • Tight fur caps worn for long periods of time
  • Tight clothing, such as jeans and underwear made of synthetic fabric
  • Snug bra straps
  • Adhesive tape that remains on the skin for several days (occasionally)

Acne myths

Contrary to popular belief, acne isn’t caused by sugar, chocolate, or greasy foods, although it’s generally a good idea to limit such snacks. Nor is acne caused by sexual activity, masturbation, or dirt on the skin. It can be aggravated by oily cosmetics, stress, picking at blemishes, rough cleansers, or hard scrubbing.

Another acne myth is that sunlight can make acne better. A suntan can temporarily lessen the appearance of acne lesions, but it won’t make it go away, and the sun can damage the skin in other ways (wrinkles, skin cancer). 

How is teen acne treated?

Treatments range from over-the-counter (OTC) topical acne medications to oral drugs for the worst cases. In teens treating acne early is especially important to prevent it from getting worse or causing scars.

  • Many people attempt to first treat their acne at home with non-prescription medications, such as Proactiv or Sensiclear. Unfortunately, many people discover that these over-the-counter medications take too long to work, prolonging the acne and increasing the risk of developing acne scars.
  • For moderate acne, or mild acne that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter treatments, you may need a prescription-strength medication. A dermatologist can prescribe one or more effective medications that act faster and provide longer-lasting benefits. In many cases, your dermatologist may prescribe a topical retinoid, a mainstay of acne therapy. Topical retinoids help to clear up acne quickly and provide ongoing clear skin. Topical retinoids include Differin (adapalene), Retin A Micro (tretinoin), Tazorac (tazarotene), tretinoin, Epiduo (adapalene + benzoyl peroxide) and Ziana (tretinoin + clindamycin). These may be used in combination with other medications, such as antibiotics.
  • For the worst cases (such as cystic acne), dermatologists may prescribe isotretinoin (Accutane, Sotret). This daily oral medication has shown to be an effective treatment when other medications have failed, but it has serious possible side effects and should never be taken by pregnant women. Women using isotretinoin must agree to use two types of birth control, and abstain from sex within a month before and after taking the medication.

Stick with it

No medication can do its job properly unless it is given time to work. It’s very important to be patient and take your medication as directed, for as long as directed. If you don’t see results right away, don’t be discouraged. Your medication is hard at work preventing new lesions from forming. Stopping treatment early will likely cause pimples and zits to reappear

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© 2008 - 2009 Vivacare.
Last updated December 4, 2009.

This information is for general educational uses only. It may not apply to you and your specific medical needs. This information should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation with or the advice of your physician or health care professional. Communicate promptly with your physician or other health care professional with any health-related questions or concerns.

Be sure to follow specific instructions given to you by your physician or health care professional.