Acne can occur anywhere on the body. However, each adolescent may experience symptoms differently. The symptoms of acne may resemble other skin conditions. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis. In some cases, a combination of both topical and systemic medications may be recommended.
Topical medication can be in the form of a cream, gel, lotion, or solution.
Isotretinoin, an oral drug, may be prescribed for adolescents with severe, cystic, or inflammatory acne to prevent extensive scarring. Isotretinoin reduces the size of the sebaceous glands that produce the skin oil, increases skin cell shedding, and affects the hair follicles, thereby reducing the development of acne lesions. Isotretinoin can clear acne in 90 percent of patients. However, the drug has major unwanted side effects. It is very important to discuss this medication with your child's physician.