“Dear Dr. Seckel, My 12 year old is experiencing a small amount of acne on her face. Of course this is a major problem for her. I was wondering what is the best product to use to dry up her small areas? She is very distressed about this. Thanks.” -Millie, Peabody, Ma
Dear Millie,
Thank you for your question. Acne is a concern to all teen and preteen children. Early intervention and control of acne is very important. If acne goes untreated and is allowed to progress permanent scarring can result. Once permanent scars develop they can never be totally removed, a lifelong distraction for many people. So I applaud your activist approach early on.
Today we have many, very efffective, new treatments for acne. Although the traditional approach often involved primarily oral antibiotics such as tetracycline and minocin and topical washes, today I take a more aggressive external skin care approach. This is because once the acne lesion has formed the oral antibiotics cannot get into the affected area. Skin exfoliation for removal of debris and control of infection is key.
There are several effective topical therapies today which really help people with active acne. First I use microdermabrasion. The microdermabrasion treatment removes dead skin and oil plugs which can block the skin pores and the openings of the oil glands of the facial skin. Blockage of the oil glands can lead to infection deep in the gland which can lead to acne. By removing debris and unblocking the pores and oil glands, microdermabrasion helps prevent new acne breakouts. In addition I use Brevoxyl washes which help dry the skin oil glands, lessen the production of oil, and help prevent new acne outbreaks.
I also use Clindamycin® topical gel or topical wipes, small pads which contain the antibiotic Clindmycin and drying agents. My belief is that topical application is the best way to deliver antibiotics to the acne lesion.
If the above treatments are not working I then prescribe another drug called Differin® which can be very effective for moderate acne.
For severe cystic acne the drug Accutane® is often used and is very effective. But there are several potentially dangerous side effects, and Accutane® should only be prescribed by a physician experienced in it’s use, it should not be used in young adolescents, and carefull monitoring of the patient with exams and blood tests is required.
It sounds as though your daughter will be fine with good cleansing with a buff cloth and perhaps a Brevoxyl wash. Microdermabrasion is safe and very effective. As always, be sure to consult a physician experienced in the treatment of acne, most commonly a board certified dermatologist.
Thank you for your important question. For more information visit my Boston Plastic Surgery Practice, contact me or read Save Your Face.
Sincerely,
Boston, Massachusetts
Peabody, Massachusetts