If you're a teenager dealing with acne, you may already feel self conscious which can affect your self esteem. Knowing the facts about pimples could help put breakouts behind you.
"It can start as early as age eight and as one approaches puberty, there is a rise in sex hormones and that triggers increased activities of the spacious glands and more inflammatory lesions," said dermatologist Dr. Paul Rappaport.
Boys have a higher level of testosterone which is why their acne may be worse. Treatment varies depending on how bad the acne is.
"If the acne is mild, we usually use topical treatments often starting with retinoid or topical antibiotics. If the acne is more inflammatory and causing scarring, we usually add an oral medication or antibiotic," said Rappaport.
And as tempting as it is to pop a pimple, don't.
"It could lead to scarring. The best way to manage it would be to try to soak or steam the acne lesion and apply the prescription medication to dry it out," Rappaport said.
If you're a teenager dealing with acne, you may already feel self conscious which can affect your self esteem. Knowing the facts about pimples could help put breakouts behind you. Marcie Fraser reports.
And what about the highly marketed product called Proactive. Worth the money?
"Proactive is effective but is not a new product. It basically contains benzoid peroxide which is available over the counter and by prescription. So it certainly does work. It is a specific brand that is marketed and a lot of people do need stronger treatments than that," said Rappaport.
A dose of stress can make acne breakouts worse. But, especially for boys, if they shave or they are an athlete and wear helmets or chin guards, they can have more problems.
What about girls? Does acne flair during that time of the month?
"Many women do notice premenstrual flair ups of their acne. Sometimes what we do is prescribe oral medication like oral antibiotics a week or two just prior to onset of their period," Rappaport said.
So what causes acne and do foods like fries and chocolate make it worse? Not according to Dr. Paul Rappaport.
"That is a highly controversial area. What I tell my patients is that, if there is something that they know that is specifically aggravating their acne, avoid it. But we normally don't put patients on an acne diet," Rappaport said.
Dr. Paul Rapport 518-587-9243
414 Maple Ave.
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
drrappaport.com