All About Acne: Treatment for acne, acne medicine, severe acne, Roaccutane, Australia
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Top 10 tips for parents about acne - 6 August 2007
Acne occurs in 85 per cent of Australians aged 15-24 years old so it's quite likely this skin disease will affect your child in some way. During the teen years especially, acne can make 'fitting in' more difficult. As a parent, do you know how you can help?
All About Acne co-chair, dermatologist Dr JoAnn See said parents can play a vital role in helping their child manage their acne.
"The following practical tips have been developed to assist parents to do this," said Dr See. "More information on acne can be found at www.allaboutacne.com.au."
1. Take acne seriously. Acne is a real medical condition and more than 'just a part of growing up'. For some young people, acne can last for years if not treated properly. It can also have a devastating physical and psychological impact so always take your child's acne concerns seriously.
2. Watch out for depressive signs. There are several studies linking acne and depression. A survey of 9570 high school students aged 12 to 18 years found 24 per cent of those with problem acne reported depressive symptoms. Withdrawing from close friends and family, loss of interest in activities usually enjoyed, hiding the face or avoiding eye contact are just some signs of depression. "Young males are at an increased risk of depression. They are also the group most commonly affected by acne, particularly severe scarring acne," said Dr See.
3. Healthy eating doesn't work for everyone. Despite the recent publicity regarding the impact of diet (low GI foods, dairy products) on acne, the fact remains that a healthy diet alone will not cure everyone's acne. A lot more research is needed before any of these foods can be linked towards a definite cause or cure for acne.
4. Science, not celebrities. "There appears to be a growing trend for teenagers to 'self-treat' with celebrity endorsed products," said Dr See. Research found the average amount spent by Australians on products to help with acne was approximately $530 per year and almost one in five spend more than $1,000. "Paying a lot of money for products to help with acne does not mean they're the right products. Decisions need to be tailored to the individual's needs and that's something that requires a healthcare professional, not a celebrity," she added.
5. Give treatments time. There is no such thing as a 'quick fix' for acne. Any treatment option may take up to eight weeks to have a noticeable effect. Remind your child to use the treatment exactly as directed and if the acne doesn't start to improve within eight weeks, let your healthcare professional know," said Dr See.
6. Skin care may be the culprit. Using the right skin care products can make a big difference in acne control. There are hundreds of products to choose from so start by getting information from someone who is trained in this area - GP, pharmacist or dermatologist. "The best skin care routine for acne-prone skin is cleanse, treat and protect. Forget the toner as it will make it more difficult for your child to tolerate more effective acne treatments," said Dr See.
7. Seasons can affect acne. Many young people find that in the winter months their skin can become dry and irritated, making their acne worse. Although some people notice a small improvement in their acne during summer, the benefits of extra exposure to sunlight are at best, small.
8. Parental support is pivotal. Offering your child as much emotional and practical support as possible during their adolescent years may be challenging but it is important. Ask your child exactly what is troubling them about the acne. The psychological impact of acne does not always reflect its medical severity.
9. Speak to the experts. The best way to help your child is to encourage him or her to seek medical help. This provides your child (and possibly you, if attending) the opportunity to discuss with the GP or dermatologist any thoughts or concerns he or she may have and separate fact from fiction.
10. Scarring can be prevented. Early, effective treatment of moderate to severe acne can prevent scarring."It is important for young people to know that picking or squeezing of pimples can cause scarring. Anyone with scarring should start by seeing a GP as new treatment options are currently available," said Dr See.
1 Acne, anxiety, depression and suicide in teenagers: A cross-sectional survey of New Zealand secondary school students. D Purvis, et al. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health. Volume 42 Issue 12 Page 793-796, December 2006.
2 *Robinson & James Research "Acne Market Research" September 2006 for Roche Products. The research was conducted among people who described their acne as 'very bad'.
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