Acne Effects on Adolescent Development - Research Paper Example

Acne: Effects on Adolescent Development When sebum oil is not drained to the surface of the skin, it blocks, causing bacteria to starts multiplying. When the sebum and bacteria stay under the skin, they yield to whiteheads, which are tiny white spots normally occurring when pores of the skin open to the surface, leading the sebum to oxidize and turn into black spots. Sometimes, acne can be inflammatory, and can also occur in form of pimples and cysts that emerge when the skin pores block (AAD 2010). According to medical authors, Rockoff, Cole and Gary (2011), acne is a disease of hair follicle that affects the face, back and even the chest in both genders, mainly in the adolescence stage. In addition, it is also common for some women to develop acne even in their late 20’s. Due to the increased amount of oil production, it clogs the hair follicle pores thus resulting to a bump, which could be prone to infection and may cause irritation. Rockoff, Cole and Gary (2011) add that, dirt, stress, and heredity factors do not cause, neither do they contribute to acne. However, pressure caused by helmets and chin straps may contribute to acne. Some drugs, which are either injected or oral, such as steroids may also cause acne. In addition, some kind of jobs that expose one to industrial products can be a contributing factor. Moreover, cosmetic products may cause pores to clog; hence, the author advices on water based products that are safe to use. Nevertheless, rosaces, pseudofollicutilis, folliculitis, and gram-negative folliculitis are some skin conditions that tend to mimic the acne infections (Rockoff, Cole and Gary, 2011). Acne may seem like a normal way of life to some people, but it changes people’s lives, since it is associated with depression and anxiety from the affected people. Eldelman and Mandle (2005 pp21) urge that, if acne is reoccurring within family members, then it means that acne seems to be caused by hereditary factors. He adds that educating teens on acne prepares then mentally and psychologically such that they may be able to handle the effect well if it occurs. Knowledge also helps adolescents to distinguish between facts and myths of acne. In addition, vigorous scrubbing of the face should be discouraged, since it may lead to skin irritation. This is because, squeezing the lesion that forms on the skin only leads to more irritations and may cause severe damage to the skin tissue, therefore leaving scars on the skin. Hence, it should be avoided and medical help sought in severe cases. Acne effects on adolescent development Acne in adolescents yields many factors that affect them. In general, acne can make one to feel ugly, as well as lowering one’s self esteem. For instance, teens may stop socializing with their friend since they feel out of place. Some of acne effects on adolescents include “anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, decreased self-esteem, reduced self-confidence, poor body image, embarrassment, anger, preoccupied with thoughts about acne, frustration, and higher rate of unemployment” (Dunn et al, 2011). According to an article by Dunn et al (2011), acne is usually a common problem that affects about 85% of adolescents. Despite the adolescence stage been a time to develop physically, emotionally and socially, acne may hinder some part of a teenager’s social life due to its effects. This may be caused by its effects on a teenager’s mood, social life, and self-esteem, which finally results to a state of depression and even suicidal thoughts. Nevertheless, according to research conducted by these authors on adolescents between the age of 13 – 18, all who participated and examined by a dermatologist proved that acne was common in boys as compared to girls. However, according to the author, the rate of acne-infected people who are lonely is relatively higher than the diabetic and cancer patients; this is a clear indication of how acne can affect the quality life of a patient. Another research by the authors determined that acne patients experience low self-esteem, poor self-image, embarrassment, and self-consciousness. In addition, acne seems to have an effect on late adolescence, in that they avoid interactions. The authors add that acne has an effect on personality and mood of adolescents, such that they experience anger, which often remains a personality trait. This was a result of survey by the authors on 479 adolescents, which concluded that the anger trait interferes with the quality of life of the affected. In addition, suicidal thoughts and attempts are common in the affected party. Since the skin, especially on the face is normally associated with beauty, teenagers who suffer from acne do not consider themselves beautiful especially the girls. Hence, when they develop such a mentality, it eats them up psychologically such that they develop an introvert character and could result to a state of depression, isolation, and anger. Nevertheless, such effects depend on how severe the signs of acne are (Eldelman and Mandle, 2005). Acne prevention and treatment According to Neistein (2007, pp 299), acne normally begins in puberty and is due to the increase in adrenal androgen that increases the production of sebum. He further adds that acne can appear an early as 5-8 years as a sign of maturity. Acne can also last for a short time of puberty, but in severe cases, it can last up to 10 or 15 years. However, sexual activities do not cause acne. It is evident that the main reason why people seek acne treatment is to prevent swellings, hinder bacteria, and unplug the skin pores; therefore, any treatment should be recommended by a professional such as a dermatologist to avoid worsening the Acne condition. Acne may sometimes be caused by the surrounding factors like use of some certain harmful cosmetics, drugs and exposing ones skin to harmful industrial chemicals. Hence, adolescents ought to be encouraged on the use of safe cosmetics that are oil-free and should opt for non-allergic perfumes to avoid skin irritation. Secondly, exercises can help to reduce the rate of stress that could be caused by acne. Diet is a very important factor for one’s health, especially in adolescents, so they should avoid fatty foods that contribute to excess skin oil. In addition, consumption of minerals and vitamins is important to boost one’s skin and hinder the emergence of acne. Hence, according to Joyz (2004 pp 100), vitamins A, B, C and E inclusive of minerals are essential in controlling acne, while plenty of fluids and healthy diets are recommendable. The first treatment starts at home with the parents, where parents play a vital role in boosting their children’s esteem; the teens will probably cross over the period of acne without major problems. Parents should be the first to guide and council their children on what is happening to their bodies. They should let their children to feel beautiful and see beyond the pimples. The teenagers should also be encouraged to exercise in order to provide more oxygen to the skin and to take their mind off the acne issue. A good beauty sleep is helpful to the skin since the skin cells are normally nourished while sleeping. Nevertheless, the acne topic should be discussed in class by teachers, thus avoiding any prejudices made by fellow pupils. While adolescents are educated, they will be aware that acne is just but a stage in life that some are bound to pass through. Hence, according to Thibout et al (2006), an effective therapy should prevent the reoccurrence of acne in the future; this can be applied to the first stages of acne. The author also illustrates how the adapalene gel 0.1% with a combination of doxycline on 309 people yielded to effective results after 12 weeks of a continuous therapy. According to Dunn et al (2011), the isotretinoin therapy is helpful to the acne patients, since it is associated with quality of life. It is regarded as effective, since the depressive traits normally reduce within two weeks of the therapy. According to Dr. Michael (2010), stress may be harmful to acne patients since they tend to wear out very fast, and interestingly, continuous stress may contribute to the reoccurrence of acne in the future. Despite the many treatments of acne that are advertised, a patient should visit a legal dermatologist for tests and clarifications, otherwise one may end up using almost anything to treat acne. Another profound point is that each skin varies from another; hence, the product that may work on a friend may not necessarily work on another. Hygiene should be a priority to teenagers but vigorous scrubbing of the face is discouraged; however, use of the right soap that is not irritating to the skin is important. According to Rodan et al (2004 pp 36), the best way to prevent acne scars is to avoid squeezing the pimples, since they yield to scars and holes on the face that are not curable, hence leaving one with desperation. Squeezing of these pimples causes irritation especially on the face and triggers even more pimples. Nevertheless, benzolyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic and sulfur are some of the approved drug remedied for acne treatment, (Rodan et al, 2004 pp 39). Conclusion Acne can literally affect an adolescent’s quality of life, his/ her self-esteem, and every day’s mood. Since acne is associated with suicidal thoughts and attempts, depression and anxiety, the infected person should seek medical help from legal dermatologists or physicians. In order for positive results to occur, a strong relationship should be built between the patients and the physician, such that the doctor gains the patient’s trust and confidentiality. Parents support to their affected children should be evident in such cases. Since the acne patients may always be bullied at school, they should however find comfort in their parents. Parents should also seek early treatment for their children and understand fully the causes and treatment associated with acne. They should also encourage their children to follow up treatment or therapy to the latter. When children have the support of their parents, they gain confidence because of the assurance from their role models. Therefore, parents should be on the forefront in boosting their children’s self-esteem. However, it is important for adolescents to understand that diets do not cause acne; however, unbalanced diet can worsen cases of acne. Therefore, more consumption of vitamins especially vitamin A is important, since they contribute to the health of the skin. Since adolescents are still growing, proper diet is necessary for them especially combination of fruits and vegetables inclusive in their meals daily. Reference AAD. (2010). What Causes Acne? And more importantly, how do I get rid of it? http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/acne.html Dunn, L. et al. (2011). An article on Acne in Adolescents. From the dermatology online journal, Vol. 17, No. 1. Retrieved from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/736421. Eldelman, C. and Mandle, C. (2005). Health promotion throughout the life span. NY: Elsevier Health Sciences Publisher. Joyz, N. (2004). Acne Messages Crack the Code of Zits and Say Goodbye to Acne. California: Noixia's Reading Circle Publisher. Michael, S. (2010). Adult Stress and Acne. Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/146141-adult-stress-and-acne/. Neistein, L. (2007). Adolescent health care: a practical guide, Issue 414. Fifth editions. PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Publisher. Rockoff, A., Cole, M. D. and Gary, W. (2011). An article on, Acne. Retrieved from: http://www.medicinenet.com/acne/article.htm. Rodan, K., Fields, K. and Williams, V. (2004). Unblemished: Stop Breakouts! Fight Acne! Transform Your Life! Reclaim Your Self-Esteem with the Proven 3-Step Program Using Over-the-Counter. NY: Simon and Schuster Publisher. Thibout, D. et al. (2006). Adapalene Gel, 0.1%, as Maintenance Therapy for Acne Vulgaris. A Randomized, Controlled, Investigator-Blind Follow-up of a Recent Combination Study. Retrieved from http://www.lazar.com.ar/img/pdfs/Adapalene%20en%20acne%20vulgar%20Arch%20Dermatol%20May%202006.pdf. Read More