For many teenagers, acne is treated like a normal part of growing up. And while it is certainly common, that does not mean it should always be ignored. When acne becomes persistent, starts to scar, or begins affecting your child’s confidence, it may be time to seek medical advice.
If your kid is struggling with acne in Edmonton, the Latitude Pediatric Dermatology team can help. Our experienced team, led by Dr. Don McConnell, has over 25 years of combined experience providing comprehensive skin assessments and acne treatments. Keep reading to learn more about when you should talk to a medical professional about your child’s acne–and how we can help.
Acne in Adolescents: An Overview
Acne has always been a teenage experience, but today’s teens are dealing with it in a completely different environment. They are constantly surrounded by advertising, influencers, and social media content telling them exactly what to put on their skin. As a result, many teens end up trying product after product, all while their acne gets worse and worse.
As a parent, it can be heartbreaking to watch your teen struggle with their skin and not know how to help. Luckily, finding an easy and effective acne treatment plan is simple with the right support and care from a pediatric dermatology practice.
When Should You Go to a Doctor for Acne?
Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor in these situations:
- Over-the-counter products aren’t working
- Acne keeps clearing and coming back
- There are signs of scarring, pitting, or dark spots left behind after breakouts
- Acne is moderate to severe, painful, or covers a large area
- Your child’s acne is affecting their confidence, mood, or daily life
- Your child is developing acne at a younger age, such as in their pre-teen years
For most families, talking to a family doctor is a great place to start. Pediatric dermatology clinics can also be a useful resource for kids with acne by offering dedicated support and treatment plans for kids’ skin conditions. If you are interested in exploring more specialized care for your teenager’s acne, consider requesting a referral for pediatric dermatology services through your family doctor or primary care provider.
The Key to Treating Acne: Early Intervention
As we’ve already covered, it is absolutely a good idea to talk to a doctor about your child’s acne if it is painful or is having a drastic impact on their quality of life. But here’s what most online information gets wrong: you don’t have to wait for your child’s acne to become severe before seeking care. In fact, pursuing treatment early has several benefits. It can help reduce the risk of scarring, prevent the condition from escalating, and improve self-esteem.
What does this mean for parents? It’s simple. Be proactive. Even if your kid’s acne seems minor right now, a single pimple today can easily become a bigger problem tomorrow. By investing in preventive care, you’ll protect your kid’s skin (and their self-confidence!) in the long run.
Acne Treatment for Teens in Edmonton, AB
From one pimple to forty, we will see any and all kids who are struggling with acne at Latitude Pediatric Dermatology. Our lead physician, Dr. Don McConnell, works exclusively with pediatric patients and sees acne cases regularly.
Our clinic is by referral only. If you are interested in our services, request a referral from your primary care provider or learn more about the process on our website. Have additional questions? Call our office for more information. We can’t wait to meet you!