There are many myths about acne. I commonly hear parents blame the teen because they eat too much chocolate or fatty food. I also hear that if only the teen would wash better the acne wouldn't happen.
So let's review why acne happens. First of all it is the parent's fault not the teens. Acne is hereditary. What is inherited is the tendency to make extra skin cells (follicular epidermal hyperproliferation) that then leads to plugging of the follicles. Also contributing to acne are hormones that increase sebum production and bacteria.
What can you do to help acne? First off I recommend a mild soap such as Dove or Cetaphil. Wash the face gently two times a day. Pat the face dry. Harsh soaps and scrubbing are not recommended. Next I would recommend applying a cream with 5% benzoyl peroxide in it to the parts of the face that break out. (Benzoyl peroxide is awesome! Not only is it over the counter but it is an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and it decreases sebum and causes desquamation.) Your teen does not need to use a lot of cream, just a little on the parts of the face that break out. The most common side effect is drying of the skin.
All acne therapy (benzoyl peroxide and prescriptions) takes about two months of daily use before results are noticeable. Treatment helps prevent future break outs. There is nothing to put on a pimple to make it go away faster once you have it. It is difficult for teens to use something daily when results aren't visible immediately. Encourage your teen to stick with it!
If this is not helping or if you have concerns about your teen's acne please make an appointment.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Misconceptions #3 Illness and Fever
Every day I hear many myths about illness that have been perpetuated for years. To start off let me just say that most illness is caused by germs that you catch from other people. It is not allergies, the wind, cold weather, going outside with wet hair, or not wearing a coat or shoes. Let's take the other myths one by one.
1. It is all right to take a bath and drink cold liquids when sick. It doesn't make you worse.
2. Fever doesn't hurt you. It is a natural process that helps your body to fight infection. The higher the fever the worse you feel but it is not dangerous. The reason we recommend acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever is not bring your child's fever down but to make them more comfortable.
3. A fever is a temperature of 100.4 (38.0 celcius) or higher. Your body temperature ranges from 97.0-100.3 naturally.
4. It is all right not to eat when you are sick. If your child is not hungry or vomiting then don't make them eat -- they might just vomit! Fluids are important though but it is all right not to eat for several days when you are sick.
5. It is also all right to go outside when you are sick and it is fine to let your children play if they feel well enough. If your child is sick they should not be going to public places like day care, school, the store or play areas because then they get others sick.
That sums it up for illness. Next blog with be on the myths associated with acne.
1. It is all right to take a bath and drink cold liquids when sick. It doesn't make you worse.
2. Fever doesn't hurt you. It is a natural process that helps your body to fight infection. The higher the fever the worse you feel but it is not dangerous. The reason we recommend acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever is not bring your child's fever down but to make them more comfortable.
3. A fever is a temperature of 100.4 (38.0 celcius) or higher. Your body temperature ranges from 97.0-100.3 naturally.
4. It is all right not to eat when you are sick. If your child is not hungry or vomiting then don't make them eat -- they might just vomit! Fluids are important though but it is all right not to eat for several days when you are sick.
5. It is also all right to go outside when you are sick and it is fine to let your children play if they feel well enough. If your child is sick they should not be going to public places like day care, school, the store or play areas because then they get others sick.
That sums it up for illness. Next blog with be on the myths associated with acne.
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