Your Skin

Acne can make you want to run and hide from the world. However, you are not alone. Many teens, as well as adults, suffer from acne as well as other skin problems. However, there is something you can do to prevent acne or reduce the severity of an outbreak.

• What Is Acne?

• What Can I Do About Acne?

• When to See a Dermatologist

• Common Skin Problems for Teens

• A “Killer” Tan

• For More Information

What Is Acne?

Great news! Acne has little to do with eating foods such as french-fries, pizza, or chocolate. Acne is a disease of the hair-oil follicle. Therefore, acne cannot only be found on the face, but also appear on places such as the chest and back. When oil, flaked skin, and bacteria (germs) get into this follicle, it can cause the follicle to become inflamed and irritated causing blackheads and whiteheads.

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What Can I Do About Acne?

Adopting a good skin cleansing and treatment regimen at home is sometimes all it takes to keep your skin clear and smooth! But remember that having acne does not mean that you are not clean. It is a real disease.

Some tips:

• Don’t Scrub! This will only irritate your skin and at times, make matters worse.
   

• Use a mild soap made specifically for the face. Using a harsh soap can sometimes irritate the skin and make things worse!
   

• Benzoyl Peroxide: This medication is available without a prescription and may be all it takes to treat your skin problems.
   

• “Hands Off!” Although it can be tempting…it is never a good idea to squeeze a pimple. It almost always makes things worse and can extend the life of a zit!
   

• Make-up: If you wear makeup or sunscreen, make sure it's labeled "oil-free," "noncomedogenic," or "nonacnegenic." This means it won't clog your pores and contribute to acne.
   

• Stay away from the sun: Although a tan can sometimes reduce the appearance of skin imperfections, such as acne, tanning does NOT make acne go away. In addition, damage from the sun can make you look old before your time or worse…can lead to skin cancer. So be careful in the sun and always use products (found in make-ups and lip care). These will not cause acne.

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When to See a Dermatologist

In some cases, it may be necessary to seek help elsewhere. One sign that you may need to see a dermatologist is if there is no improvement in your skin condition after a few months of trying the above tips.

Talk to a dermatologist about more ways to combat acne! There are several options such as topical (applied to the skin) creams and oral (taken by mouth) medications that are available with a prescription.

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Common Skin Problems for Teens

Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
Eczema may look different on different people, however; it often appears as a dry, red, and very itchy patch on the skin. When scratched it often takes on a rash-like looking appearance. If you have eczema, you are not alone. The National Institutes of Health estimates that 15 million people in the United States have some form of eczema.

In children and adults, eczema typically occurs on the face, neck, and the insides of the elbows, knees, and ankles. Treatment usually includes special lotions and creams to moisturize the skin and help the itching.

Although eczema is not curable, there are several things that can be done to help (American Academy of Dermatology, 2000):

• Moisturize frequently.

• Avoid sudden changes in temperature or humidity.

• Avoid sweating or overheating.

• Reduce stress.

• Avoid scratchy materials (for example, wool).

• Avoid harsh soaps and detergents.

• Avoid pollens, molds, mites, and animal dander that might promote allergies.

• Be aware of any foods that may cause an outbreak and avoid those foods.

• Speak to a Dermatologist for more information about eczema and treatments available.

Psoriasis
Psoriasis is non-contagious (people can’t “catch it” from you), and chronic (long lasting) skin disorder. Although it can appear on any part of the body it is most commonly found on the scalp, elbows, knees, hands, feet, and genitals. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, psoriasis occurs in both children and adults and may appear at any age, although it is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 35. Both men and women of any race may be affected. The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown although there is a genetic component.

There are many types and severity (mild, moderate, severe) of psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis is the most common form and is characterized by raised, thickened patches of red skin covered with silvery-white scales. Itching and burning may often be present as time goes on.

A dermatologist can help determine what type you may have and the appropriate treatment needed.

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A “Killer” Tan

Although it can often be tempting to seek out a “beautiful” tropical tan, exposure to the sun’s rays can ultimately cause you to look more like an Italian handbag than a Hawaiian Tropics model. Always use an SPF 15 or higher when in the sun. Your skin will thank you and you will be happy you did! Many people think that tanning helps eliminate acne. However, the truth is that although tanning can often lessen the appearance of skin imperfections, it does not make acne go away. In addition, tanning can cause skin damage such as wrinkles, sunspots, and skin cancer. So remember to always use an SPF of 15 or higher when out in the sun.

Sun protection can be cool and beautiful:

• Tinted moisturizers with SPF are available to create a “sun kissed” look while offering valuable protection from the sun.
   

• Sunscreens should be applied about 45 minutes before you leave the house and then again 20 minutes later. This reapplication makes sure you have not missed spots and have put on the sunscreens at the needed thickness. Sunscreens should be reapplied every two hours and/or after swimming or perspiring.
   

• Each full application of sunscreens uses about a shot glass full of sunscreen.
   

• Hip clothes: There are now SPF rated clothing available to buy. This means that the fabric protects you from the harmful rays of the sun.
   

• Hats: Many styles of trendy hats are available that not only protect your skin, but also make a fashion statement.
   

• Sunglasses: Not only are these the ultimate in “must have” fashion wear, but are also important in protecting our eyes from damaging sunrays. In addition, these help to prevent squinting that can contribute to “crows feet” (wrinkling around the corners of the eye) later on in life.
   

• Lip Gloss/Chapstick: Lips need special attention due to their delicateness. SPF protection can also be found in many lip products in a variety of fun tastes and colors.

Self-tanners

• Are considered safe but remember that the tan you get from these products does not protect you from the sun.

Tanning Booths

• It is known that ultraviolet (UV) radiation form indoor tanning is a risk factor for developing a potentially life-threatening form of skin cancer called melanoma. So this is an unhealthy way of creating a “healthy” looking glow. (Archives of Pediatric Adolescent Medicine, Sept. 2003, 157, p. 854-60)

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For More Information

The Skin Cancer Foundation
Information about the dangers of skin cancer.

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References

American Academy of Dermatology (2003)

Archives of Pediatric Adolescent Medicine, September 2003, 157, p. 854-60

PsoriasisNet, American Academy of Dermatology

EczemaNet, American Academy of Dermatology

Face Facts

UConn Health Center Department of Dermatology

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Information Provided By

Jane Grant-Kels, M.D.
Dr. Jane Grant-Kels received her medical degree from Cornell University Medical College. She is certified by the American Board of Dermatology and the American Board of Dermatopathology.

She is currently Assistant Dean for Clinical Affairs at the UConn Health Center and School of Medicine. Currently, Dr. Grant-Kels is Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Dermatology, Clinical Chief of Dermatology services, and Director of Dermatopathology.

Dermatology Associates (Farmington) Clinic Hours
Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

To make an appointment, call 860-679-4600.

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