Acne Treatments: Antibiotics for Teen Acne

As a parent with a teen suffering from adolescent acne, you may have heard something similar:

“Mom/Dad, I really need to get a prescription for my zits! I can’t stand looking like this! You need to make me an appointment with a dermatologist!”

A discussion more than likely ensued, you either relented and made the appointment, or perhaps pacified your teen with the suggestion of yet another over-the-counter acne treatment. This begs the question: When should you take your child to the doctor for acne related issues? When is acne legitimately bad enough to require the use of antibiotics or other oral medications. And what are the best acne treatments for teens with anything and everything from occasional to mild to moderate to severe acne?

Those are all great questions. Let’s consider a few facts about acne, and determine what course of treatment is best for a teenage acne sufferer.

Acne Treatments – Antibiotics for Teen Acne

While some teens may humorously view their acne as a rite of passage, other teenagers are struggling to adjust to the social climate, fit in and find a group of peers they can relate to. While acne may damage the skin, to a teen suffering from it, the damage done within the social realm may be far worse. As silly as it may seem in hindsight, this is something that should be considered when discussing acne treatments with a teenager.

While all acne types develop in a similar manner, not all acne treatments were created equal. For teenagers suffering from severe acne, breakouts that have no beginning and no end, as well as the development of cystic acne, it is highly recommended to consult a dermatologist. Not only does severe acne cause a social struggle for teens, it can be a sign of other health related issues, and can cause severe acne scarring.

For acne of the cystic variety, topical acne treatments are ineffective in dealing with present inflammations. Oftentimes, the only way to effectively treat cystic or nodular acne in teens is with antibiotics, and a dermatologist prescribed skin care regimen.

A good rule of thumb in helping a teen treat their acne: It’s never a bad idea to consult a physician. Even if the acne isn’t severe enough to warrant the use of antibiotics, a doctor can help explain that to a teenager.

Trying Other Acne Treatments Before Antibiotics

Antibiotics are great, but as we all know, the more they’re used, the less potent they can become for use in fighting bodily infection. Before opting for the use of antibiotics in a battle with teen acne, consider other effective acne treatments.

A quality skin care regimen can work wonders when combined with acne products such as benzoyl peroxide. The industry leading Proactiv has proven its case over and over, and boasts several celebrity endorsements. Benzoyl peroxide is one of their combined ingredients.

Regardless, it is worth pursuing a treatment “program” such as this before opting for antibiotics as the answer to acne.

Teens should also consider nutrition. Most teens don’t drink enough water, and have diets high in refined sugars. When pursuing optimal health, including the health of the body’s largest organ, the skin, sugar in high quantity is an enemy. Think of acne treatments not only working from the outside in, but the inside out.