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