ACNE BASICS FOR PARENTS
When your child has acne, it can be difficult for both of you. We’ve provided some information below so that you can learn more about acne, and share it with your child.
If over-the-counter products haven’t made an impact after two months, it’s time to ask for advice from a doctor. Make a doctor’s appointment and get your child started on recommended professional treatment before their acne gets worse, and help them avoid the physical and emotional scars of acne. Don’t let your child suffer through acne.
Acne Facts
- Acne can include:
- Whiteheads – if a pore gets clogged up and closes.
- Blackheads – if a pore clogs, but stays open.
- Pimples – where sebum, bacteria and dead skin cells get under the skin, causing a
small, red infection.
- In some people, cysts – deep, painful and inflamed bumps.
- Acne most commonly pops up on the face, but the back, chest, shoulders and neck can break out too.
- Some people continue to break out into their 20’s, 30’s and even beyond.
- Severe acne can scar your skin.
- Acne can pack an emotional punch. Read about the emotional impact of acne.
The Life Cycle of Acne
What Causes Acne?
First of all, let’s dispel some acne myths: People do not get acne from eating chocolate or greasy food, from using makeup, or from not washing their face enough. The truth is, no one knows exactly what causes acne. Hormones and bacteria have something to do with it, and if you had acne as a child, you might have passed along a hereditary tendency to break out to your child. Here’s a step-by-step glimpse into the development
of a zit.
Hormones Surge
- Androgens (a type of hormone) surge during puberty.
- These androgens stimulate the sebaceous glands, leading to more sebum and potentially more acne.
Pores Get Clogged
- Skin cells are shed from the lining of the hair follicle.
- These skin cells stick together with sebum produced by sebaceous glands.
- A plug forms below the surface of the skin.
- Like magic – a pore is clogged.
Your Body Fights Back
- The sebum and skin cells clogging pores contribute to the growth of bacteria that live in pores.
- Specialized immune system cells invade the follicle to clean it up.
Breakout Woes
- When immune cells join in, the wall of the follicle may get weak and rupture.
- The contents of the follicle invade surrounding tissue.
- Swelling and redness develop around the tissue. A pimple is born.
Important Safety Information
Differin® Lotion 0.1%, Differin® Gel 0.1%, Differin® Cream 0.1% and Differin® Gel, 0.3% are indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 12 years and older. Apply Differin® products to affected skin (face, trunk and other areas of the body affected by acne) once per day avoiding the eyes, lips and mucous membranes. The most common side effects reported with use of Differin® products include skin dryness, redness, scaling, stinging and burning. Most adverse events reported were mild to moderate in severity, occurred early in treatment and decreased thereafter. With use of Differin® Gel 0.3%, side effects may also include general skin discomfort, itching and sunburn. Excessive exposure to sunlight and sunlamps should be avoided during treatment with Differin® products, and use of sunscreen products and protective clothing is recommended. Concomitant use of drying or irritating topical products (like products containing resorcinol, salicylic acid or sulfur) should be used with particular caution. Do not apply to areas that have been depilated with wax products. Differin® products have not been tested in pregnant or nursing women, or with the elderly. All Differin® products are Pregnancy Category C. Please see full Prescribing Information for Differin Gel, 0.3% and Please see full Prescribing Information for Differin Lotion, 0.1%
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088