?Although almost all teenagers will experience some acne problems, teenage boys can experience more severe acne due to their higher levels of androgen hormones.
Unfortunately, most teenagers are very familiar with acne problems. It results from
clogged pores caused by an overproduction of oily substance secreted by the sebaceous glands under the skin of the face, neck, shoulders, back, and chest. Acne usually rears its head during adolescence as rising hormone levels during puberty cause more sebum production. The only real difference between acne in girls and boys is that puberty starts later in boys than in girls and the boys will usually get acne at a later age than girls.
The boys will get more severe cases of acne due to their higher levels of androgen hormones that are associated with male traits like greater muscle mass, deeper voice and body hair. This means boys often get more acne on the chest and back than girls, and boy’s acne can be more severe and long-lasting. Another factor contributing to boy’s acne is that boys use fewer skin care products than girls, and they are also less likely to seek medical help for their acne.
The treatment of acne for both boys and girls is to kill the bacteria that can cause simple acne lesions to become inflamed, and then remove any dead skin cells present. Ongoing treatments may be aimed at lowering sebum production. Although mild acne can be treated with over-the-counter medications, prescribed acne medications from the doctor may include a topical or oral antibiotic, a prescription-strength topical retinoid, or both. The topical retinoids are the most familiar category of acne therapy medications and may include Differin (adapalene), Tazorac (tazarotene), and Retin A Micro (tretinoin). Severe cases of acne may require the use of isotretinoin, also known as Accutane, an oral medication that can have serious harmful side effects. Patients participating in a doctor recommend acne treatment plan will be evaluated according to the severity of the acne, the presence of acne scars, and the patient’s response to prior acne treatments. Whatever the treatment plan may consist of, it is very important to stick to the plan and give the medications time to work properly. Halting an acne treatment early is a sure way to cause acne to reappear.
Tips for Boys’ Acne Treatment:
Never pick or squeeze your acne because it can cause scarring.
Try not to touch your face, as the oil and bacteria on your hands can make acne worse.
Cleanse the affected areas twice a day with a mild soap. Hard scrubbing with a washcloth is unnecessary and may worsen the condition by irritating the skin.
Use only oil-free moisturizers on the face, chin, nose, and forehead.
Keep your hair from touching your face and avoid letting hair products touch your face.
Always wash your face after working in the presence of oily substances like in a hot kitchen.
Wash your skin after using sports gear like helmets, shoulder pads, backpacks, and other specialized equipment that contact the skin and cause acne.
Treat your acne as early as possible because the sooner you start treatment, the easier it will be to bring it under control.
