Acne Treatment for Teens & Babies

Acne Treatment for Teens & Babies in Miami

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Acne in Teens & Babies

Acne is one of the most common reasons people visit a dermatologist, as most of us will get acne at some point in our lives. “Baby acne” (0-6 months) and “infantile acne” (6 months and over) are actually quite common, especially among baby boys, and can even look like acne vulgaris, or “teenage acne.” Neonatal acne usually goes away without treatment in one or two months. Infantile acne can be more severe, persistent, and sometimes may require treatment.

Teenage acne, which afflicts about 90% of teens, can be mild to severe. Despite popular belief, candy and greasy foods do not cause or worsen it. In addition to the face, acne can occur on the back, chest, and scalp, and can be a mix of blackheads, whiteheads, inflamed pink or pus bumps and deep painful cysts. Sometimes, breakouts can leave red, dark marks or even little divots or scars on the skin after they have gone away. Most of these marks will fade with time. Teenage acne usually improves in the early 20s, but can persist and last into adulthood.

Can Babies Have Acne?

Neonatal acne affects approximately 20 percent of newborn babies. In fact, a baby can be born with acne. This is usually localized on the cheeks and nose, but it may occur on the chest, neck, or other areas. In most cases, this form of acne on a baby's skin clears up without any intervention other than normal bathing with gentle baby soap.

What Causes Acne in Teenagers?

Acne is most common during the teenage years. The reason is that this is the primary stage in life for hormone fluctuations. Teens' bodies are flooded with hormonal highs and lows, which stimulates the oil glands in the skin. The oil that is produced combines with bacteria and dead skin cells, causing the pores to become inflamed. Dirt, bacteria, and oil become trapped in the pores, resulting in breakouts.

Is Acne Genetic?

There is no "acne gene." However, some studies do suggest that a person may have a higher risk of developing acne if their mother had this condition at some point in her life. Regardless of hereditary factors, your personal risk of developing acne is influenced by several factors, many of which can be brought under control with appropriate treatment.

Are Acne Treatments Safe for Teens?

Acne treatments have been around for many years. Each treatment is carefully planned around individual needs. If you or your child is seeking acne treatment, you can expect your dermatologist to spend time reviewing your medical history and evaluating your skin tone, type, and type of acne you have. The information obtained during this visit informs the doctor's decision regarding the acne treatment they recommend.

What Are the Best Treatment Options?

There are several options for how we treat acne. Together, you and your doctor will come up with the approach that is ideal for your needs. Ultimately, the "best" acne treatment is that which is best for your skin and the type of acne you have. Your doctor may review a few different options with you, providing you with the full amount of information you need to make an educated decision about how you wish to proceed.

Treatment Options for Acne

If acne is mild, topical treatments, like topical antibiotics and topical retinoids, are usually effective. If acne is more severe, with inflamed bumps and/or cysts, an oral medication (such as an antibiotic) may be necessary.

Thankfully, there are many treatment options for different varieties of acne and skin types. At Greater Miami Skin & Laser Center, we can examine and recommend a treatment, or combination of treatments, for your child’s unique needs.

Contact Us In Miami Beach For Acne Treatment

If your child has acne and treatment is needed, please contact us today by calling 305.532.4478 or by reaching out online to schedule an appointment with us. We look forward to meeting you!

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