join | what's new | site map
Home Site Map Crafting Ideas Family Fun Parenting Home & Garden Holidays Funbook Forums
Your online source for free family fun, craft projects, parenting advice, and more...
Tell a Friend or Two
Cratfs & Fun
Kid's Crafts
Kid's Recipes
Holidays
Family Fun
Our Experts
Ages & Stages
Education
Home & Garden
Just For You
Parenting
Fun Stuff
Pets
Humor
Games
Message Boards
Photo Gallery
Blogs
 

Craft Supplies



 
.

Acne: Causes & Treatments
by Gwenn Schurgin O'Keeffe, MD, FAAP

Dr. Gwenn Schurgin O'Keeffe, MD, FAAP
Dr. Gwenn Schurgin O'Keeffe, MD, FAAP
Dear Dr. Gwenn,

My son is 16 years old and has acne. What causes it and what can I do to help? Is his diet a contributing factor?

Signed,
Isabella

Dear Isabella:

Acne is driven by hormones and has nothing to do with food, although that is a common misconception. Basically, hormones cause the natural oil production system in our bodies to go into overdrive. Our bodies make oil as part of skin health. Too much oil blocks our skin pores, bacteria sets up shop and we get pimples.

There are many ways to combat acne and your pediatrician can help fine tune your son's treatment based on the type of pimples he has. For many teens, over the counter drying agents such as benzoyl peroxide do the trick. Good hygiene also helps control the oil. If over the counter products fail to help, there are many prescriptions available that your pediatrician or a dermatologist can advise you on.

Finally, since your son is 16, there is little you can do beyond providing information and the products. Ultimately, your son has to do the work and learn to care for his body.

Here's some links to other acne information that you and your son may find useful:

Myths About Acne
Why Do I Get Acne?
Can I Prevent Acne?


Best,
Dr. Gwenn

© 2005 - 2007 Pediatrics Now. All rights reserved.
PEDIATRICS NOW™ is a trademark of Pediatrics Now


Read more articles from Dr. Gwenn on FamilyCorner.com

What's Related
My Child is Obese: What Can I Do to Help Her?
Are You Raising Fit or Fat Kids?
Healthy Eating For Life
Helping the Overweight Child


About the Author
Pediatrician, Dr. Gwenn Schurgin O'Keeffe, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Gwenn is an experienced columnist, educator, and practicing pediatrician. Dr. Gwenn strives to write as if she were talking to a parent. As a parent herself, she knows how important it is to obtain information but also understand how precious little time parents have to find that information on the internet. Pediatrics Now was developed to fill that gap and provide a bridge between the parenting and pediatrics worlds.

Did you enjoy this article? Rate It! | Tell A Friend

 

Free Newsletters
Monthly newsletter:
Daily crafts, recipes, & tips:

Coming Up

Thanksgiving

The leaves are almost done falling and Thanksgiving is quickly approaching! Whether you are looking for fun crafts, great recipes, or costume ideas, you'll find it all here. Here are a few examples to get you started...

More Holidays...






Follow FamilyCorner on Twitter!
Contests & Giveaways
new on familycorner.comWin Fun Stuff!

Check out all the fun goodies we are giving away here at FC...

Check out all of our contests here! Giveaways change every couple of weeks, so be sure to check back often. Several giveaways going on at once!

Recently Added
New Stuff

new on familycorner.comMissed the last couple of newsletters? Haven't visited for a while? This section highlights articles and crafts that have recently been added to FC...


Coming Up


Cardboard Pilgrims


Handprint Turkey


Clay Pot Pilgrim


Clay Pot Pilgrim
Family Podcasts

Hosted by Caroline & JacquieFamily Matters Radio
FMR is a nationally syndicated radio program developed to help you live your best life, hosted by Caroline & Jacquie. No rants and raves - you get enough of that from your kids. Choose a segment below to begin listening!


 
FamilyCorner.com Magazine
OUR FRIENDS
Craft Supplies
Family Stickers
Children's Halloween Costumes
Letter Stencils
Main Street Mom
FamilyCorner The Blog
Amanda's Cooking Blog
Amanda's Craft Blog
MORE GOOD STUFF
Newsletters
Advertising
Services
Submissions
Media Opportunities
Link To Us
Shop
Feedback
Staff
POPULAR AREAS
Family FunBook
Forums
Kid's Crafts
Coloring Pages
Household Hints & Tips
Photo Gallery
Blogs
e-Cards
Reminder Service


Contact Us | Copyright Notice | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use/Disclaimer

Copyright © 1997-2009 FamilyCorner.com FamilyCorner.com® is a registered trademark of FamilyCorner.com, an Internet Brands Company