Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the hair follicle and the accompanying sebaceous gland. In acne there is a change in the composition of the sebum and an obstruction of the sebum outflow duct to the outside.
There are several consequences, including the formation of comedones and bacterial growth, especially of cutibacterium. There are also certain types of acne that trigger inflammatory processes in comedo rupture. This is seen on the skin in the form of papules (raised red pimples), pustules (crowned by an accumulation of pus), nodules and cysts, deeper lesions.
It is important to remember that acne is not contagious nor is it caused by lack of hygiene or by eating sausages or chocolate. However, it is true that there are studies that relate it to diet, since the evidence seems to point to the fact that the foods most related to acne are dairy products and, curiously, to a greater extent skimmed dairy products.
Why does acne occur?
Acne has a multifactorial origin, but undoubtedly responds to a greater extent to a hormonal factor. Above all, it is related to androgens and male hormones that rise at puberty in both boys and girls.
Thus, the age at which acne appears is around adolescence.
Even so, there are other factors that also interfere in the appearance of acne, such as:
- Emotional stress.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Skin infection.
- Use of occlusive cosmetics such as: make-up, very oily moisturizers or others.
When to be concerned?
If your pre-adolescent child presents acne, do not be alarmed. It is not necessary to worry too much, although it is advisable to follow up on it and observe how it evolves.
Acne in the newborn and the first months of life is normal and is due to the passage of hormones from the mother through the placenta. However, acne between the ages of 2 and 9 years is not normal. It is therefore advisable to study these children to rule out hormonal problems, precocious puberty and other diseases.
At the age of 9 in girls and 10 in boys, “adrenarche” begins to occur. This occurs when the adrenal glands, located above the kidneys, become active and begin to produce cortisol and male hormones that help the ovary and testicle mature and prepare for puberty. These hormones also act on the sebaceous gland and hair.
In fact, from the age of 12, the stage at which puberty begins, acne is so common that it affects 9 out of 10 individuals. It is time to start taking care of your child’s skin to prevent more aggressive lesions.
Why is it important to treat acne?
Because acne has a very important impact on the quality of life of those who suffer from it, especially in the case of children and adolescents who live with pimples in a distressing way. That is why it is worth treating it.
The other major reason is that it will prevent the scarring that can occur in the most severe forms of acne. Let’s not forget that scars are forever, but they can be avoided.
But what do I do if my child has acne?
First of all, don’t rush. Pay attention to the following ten tips to help your child overcome acne.
- Is what my child has acne? Sometimes skin lesions look very similar to each other, so it’s a good idea to see a dermatologist for an evaluation.
- Is there any form of acne I should be concerned about? In general, the most inflammatory forms, with deep and painful lesions, with many closed comedones (whiteheads) and cysts are more likely to leave scars.
- What should be the basic care for skin with acne? Hygiene with a mild antiseptic gel, avoid comedogenic cosmetics (oily moisturizers and make-up) and apply the treatment prescribed by the doctor following the rules to avoid irritation.
- Be patient. Acne will take at least 4-6 weeks to improve despite treatment, and may even worsen a little at the beginning.
- Is my child eating a healthy diet? The Mediterranean diet is the most appropriate. Dairy products should not be abused.
- It is never too late to treat acne, even scars will improve with treatment.
- Do not forget that acne is not something we all go through. It is a skin disease and therefore we must treat it.
- Cosmetics are not contraindicated, in fact they are very useful for treatments to be well tolerated. There are specific dermocosmetics for skin with acne.
- In general, we should not manipulate the lesions. Skin cleansing is not recommended unless only blackheads are removed, the rest of the acne lesions will worsen with manipulation.
- Do not rule out any treatment and do not be afraid of oral treatments, sometimes it is the best solution. Trust the dermatologist.