Teen Acne - and How to Deal with It

Is it treatable?
The good news for all concerned is that acne can be very treatable, and you should explain to your child that the spots are going to go - eventually. The bad news, however, is that there are no instant cures. Any over-the-counter treatments need testing for two months, before you give them up. This can seem a lifetime for a sufferer, but if you get some advice from a GP about which products to target, this should reduce the agonising months of unsuccessful treatments. Meanwhile, do your best to encourage patience.

If over-the-counter treatments really don't have an impact, there are more than 100 prescription treatments that are likely to work. Some of these, like the contraceptive pill for girls, can help by reducing the effect of androgens (male hormones). Others (usually antibiotics) work to reduce the inflammation, and some help in a combination of ways. Retinoid creams usually do a very good job of unblocking the blackheads, thus not allowing inflammation to set in. Your GP should be able to advise you, and you can ask to be referred to a dermatologist for more help.

Sadly for the boys, girls have the upper hand when it comes to acne. Not only are they less prone to it (having fewer male hormones than boys), but they can also take advantage of cover-up and foundation creams, which can do a pretty good job of hiding spots. Nowadays, these products are prepared in such a way as to help deal with the condition, rather than aggravate it - indeed, many top models rely on these cosmetics to hide their less-than-perfect skin.

Further help If things do get too much to bear, there?s plenty of experienced help out there - the Acne Support Group is a good place to start, for both sufferers and those supporting them. Call the helpline: 0870 870 2263 or visit www.stopspots.org. They even give advice on the best way to squeeze spots, if the urge is just too irresistible!