Dermatology: The Teenage Years

The teenage years are difficult enough to navigate, but if a glance in the mirror reveals a bad case of acne or rosacea, a birthmark or a mole that causes the person to feel awkward or self-conscious, life can seem that much more miserable for a teen. These young adults are sensitive about their appearance and will try anything to improve their skin which may better enable them to blend into their peer group. A doctor of dermatology will be able to recommend a procedure, treatment or medication that can offer them some help.

In the case of a bad outbreak of acne, a topical medication treatment may clear up the skin, or an oral medication may be required to complete the desired effect. If neither of these medications prove to be successful, other options are available, such as microdermabrasion or an acne light treatment.

Strides have been made in the field of dermatology like the use of Broad band light or Intense pulsed light photofacial, found to be effective in the treatment of rosacea. A troublesome mole can be removed using cryotherapy, and then be screened for signs of skin cancer. A birthmark can be analyzed and an effective treatment established through one or more of the various procedures available through the science of dermatology.

Some teenage girls are horrified to discover they have developed an issue with facial hair or darker hair growing in on their arms and legs. Many will opt to wear long sleeve shirts and jeans, but come summer and bathing suit season this issue will need to be addressed, and dermatology can offer a few solutions to them. Laser hair reduction and laser hair removal can help to treat the offending condition and allow the girls to resume a normal life.

Moles, warts, skin tags and rashes are all issues that can cause both physical and emotional discomfort to anyone, but are especially stressful for a teenager. There are numerous over the counter ointments and topicals available and easily accessible, but these are not always effective in clearing up the skin. Dermatology is the study of skin and a doctor who has studied, trained and earned their license to practice in this field should be sought out to help anyone struggling with a skin condition. There are many safe and effective procedures, treatments and topicals a dermatologist can use to assist in battling a skin issue.

One other frightening diagnosis numerous teenagers are facing is that of skin cancer. Sunbathing and tanning beds are enormously popular with this age group, so doctors are seeing a rise in the number of cases of skin cancer in people under the age of 25 years old. While considered to be natural beauty, or a "healthy glow" to the skin, the sun or the tanning bed can seriously damage the skin, cause premature aging and skin cancer. A trip to a dermatologist is vital if freckles or moles appear to have changed in shape or color, or if dry, itchy patches of skin appear or are discolored. Skin cancer can kill, but if detected early, life-saving treatment is available. Remember skin is the body's largest organ and must be respected as such.