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INCREASINGLY, more and more stories in the news are linking adolescents, acne and depression. This is a serious concern to many parents as they watch their children grow. Being involved in the prevention and treatment of acne is an excellent way of taking a proactive step in your child’s mental health.
The main cause of concern in this subject is the treatment of adolescent acne with the drug Accutane (generic name: Isetretinoin.) This drug is marketed under several generic names including, but not limited to, Roaccutane and Clarus in Canada. It comes in two strengths and can only be obtained through a medical doctor’s prescription. In the United States, patients must sign an oath that they will take the prescriptions diligently. Renewals can only be made at the doctor’s office and must be done on a monthly basis. This action is to record a study of people using the medicine, how long they are taking it for and their individual results. The program is called iPledge.
Beyond the prescription drugs that are sometimes ordered for acne, many teen and adult acne sufferers feel depressed because they think that their appearance has altered. In a recent study done for a news network in Canada of teens aged 13-18, 24% of respondants indicated that body appearance caused them stress. Of these respondants, 50% of girls said that they ate more while depressed, where 33% of boys said they did the same. These results point to teens who do not turn to their peers or parents for support, but are hiding their emotions.
As a parent, what can you do? |
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While dealing with acne and depression, you can start by having an open dialogue with your teen. The best place to accomplish this is in the car, where you are not doing anything but concentrating at the same time. Bringing up these issues is important to your child because it shows that you care enough to notice that they are hurting. Discuss treatments for acne and visiting a dermatologist. If you are the type of parent that does not advocate the use of prescription medication, consider looking into ZENMED’s line of acne treatment. The DermaCleanse system is a natural, easy to follow program of internal capsules and external, topical treatments guaranteed to clear up acne and is risk free to buy for 60 days.
Having an open dialogue about every aspect of their lives is the best way to communicate with your teen. They will appreciate your presence in their lives and you will be able to keep tabs on them! |
Acne and Depression- Historical Background Back in1948 was the first time that depression was noted in the treatment of acne. The first doctors to take note of the depression were Drs Sulzberger and Zaidens who said “there is no single disease which causes more psychic trauma and more maladjustment between parents and children, more general insecurity and feelings of inferiority, and greater sums of psychic assessment than does acne vulagris.”
Dealing with Acne and Depression.
Having a treatment for acne is the first step, results will follow and self esteem after that. Help your teen help his or her self by being proactive and taking the first stride in the treatment of this debilitating illness. With your help and experience, you can make their lives easier. Leading by example, you can do research into acne and help them make educated decisions about their treatment. |
