I'm looking for suggestions of how to control acne on the back & chest of my 11-yr-old. He has started into that adolescent stage & has very oily skin. He is struggling with outbreaks on his face in the t-zone but we are beginning to get control on that. However, I am not sure what to do about the acne on his back & chest. He is embarrassed by it so we'd like to get rid of it. We've tried a couple of different soaps (bar soap & body wash) but nothing specifically for acne. Any suggestions for what to use or do??? Thanks so much!
i had that BAD when i was a teenager, my mom took me to a dermotologist, and was put on acutane...dries the skin out, it cleared it, but i was acting weird according to my mom and have heard that's it's being put on "no no" list, so i wouldn't suggest getting acutane, but see what a dermotologist can do...it's hell going through school at that age with all that acne
Take him to a dermatologist. They have all kinds of prescription body washes, face wash, etc. that work great. Kids are mean enough let alone if a kids has trouble with acne then it seems they really get teased. Don't make your child go through that.
I used a clearasil body wash when I was a teen and that helped alot.
Neutrogena clear bar soap worked great for me. I tried all the fancy expensive soaps, cleansers, toners, and creams but they never worked and it took me 20 minutes to put them all on. Get him a back scrubber for the shower and have him wash his whole body daily with neutrogena, wash face 2 times daily.
My son (age 15) has had good luck with something called Zapzyt face wash and Zapzyt gel. It is sold over the counter in drug stores. There are tons of other products out there you could try (Clearasil, Neutrogena, etc). They all contain basically the same ingredient (benzoyl peroxide) in varying strengths. He washes twice a day with it, and uses the gel directly on areas of breakout at night. Seems to be working so far, but if it gets worse, I would definitely consider taking him to a dermatologist. I went through the same thing with my daughter, and eventually prescription medication was the only thing that got it under control. Left untreated, acne can really make kids start to feel very self-conscious, so if you think your son's case is really bad or getting worse, I would definitely take him to see a dermatologist. Just be prepared...once you start, it's a monthly visit.
Go to a good dermatologist and get some meds for him.
We went to Dr. Allen Menter (Texas Dermatology at Baylor downtown Dallas). He is one of the most top notch best dermatologists around and his PA's are all excellant.
We went as a proactive move when daughter was 10 so she would hopfully avoid acne issues.
He recommends Clinique products for cleansing (daughter uses this)...Clinique for men is on the market too. Cetaphil, Purpose Soap
You can get an Rx creme just beware that most will bleach linens and his clothing.
Good luck.
I have tons of experience with this, since I had a diagnosis of severe disfiguring acne as young as age 9. It was hereditary for me, my Dad had the same thing, and one of my brothers as well. I will be prepared to take care of it should my daughters have it!
The first thing is to please, (I beg you) realize that this is a chemical/hormonal problem, and has NOTHING to do with hygiene or diet. Sure, hygiene can contribute to acne, but persistent hereditary acne, especially pubescent acne, has NOTHING to do with hygeiene. In fact, regular washing can irritate acne and make it worse.
There are basically two kinds of OTC meds for acne. Salicyllic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Lots of people are allergic to the peroxide (including myself) so be careful to use it on large areas, because an allergic reaction is VERY painful. I know this from experience. Benzoyl peroxide should only be used for spot treatments and difficult blemishes. Believe it or not, you want a moisturizing wash because when the skin gets over-dry, it makes the acne worse. I have oily skin too, but I need a moisturizing wash. However, washes only go so far to treat acne, as acne comes from within. Washing gets rid of the dirt/oil, but not root of the problem.
My first line of defense when/if my daughters ever start to exhibit acne will be the dermatologist. I have permanent scars everywhere from my acne- dermatologists know how to minimize that, and keep it from coming back. They will tailor a treatment plan to your son. I of course had extreme treatments for extreme acne, but there are tons of milder prescription ointments, gels, and washes on the market for teens and pre-teens like your son.
Again, please be patient and understanding and good luck!
I would suggest a good exfoliating soap bar- Burts bees has a good one, and I'm sure there are others that might be recommended. I would only put my child on medication if it was very severe and as a last resort. But I also know how sensitive this can be!
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I would suggest a good exfoliating soap bar- Burts bees has a good one, and I'm sure there are others that might be recommended. I would only put my child on medication if it was very severe and as a last resort. But I also know how sensitive this can be!
