Common Teen Skin Problems

Skin is the largest organ of the human body. Being the outermost layer of our body, it is this skin that is exposed to the elements. Taking care of skin is very important as it plays a vital role in protecting our body by safeguarding it from dehydration and infection. The best and easiest way to keep skin healthy is to follow a clear skin regime. Yet sometimes, despite all the care taken, skin will sometimes break out in zits and pimples, marring your look. This is especially common amongst teenagers, where acne is aggravated by the hormonal changes they are going through.

Protecting Skin from Injury
Skin is a delicate organ and it is easily injured. So we have to take care while performing any activities or handling any tools that could cause injury, like using sharp tools, doing manual labour, or even playing a sport. It is always a good idea to use the proper protective equipment for the job. You should also protect yourself from the sun as sunburn can also jeopardize the health of your skin. 

What To Do For Injured Skin

• • For normal cuts, scrapes, and scratches, clean the area immediately with warm water and soap and cover the site with a sterile bandage to protect it from dirt and germs from infecting the wound. 
  • For rashes caused by allergic reactions or contact with certain plants like poison ivy, remove your clothes and wash your skin immediately. Most mild rashes can be taken care of with over-the-counter remedies. However, for serious lingering rashes, go see a doctor as soon as possible. 

• If you get bitten by an insect, try to avoid scratching the bite as that could cause infection. Try to wear clothing that covers your limbs when you know you will be going to a place where there may be ticks or other bugs. 

Acne
Acne is the most common skin problem faced by teenagers. While acne isn’t normally a serious disease, it does have an adverse effect on the confidence and self-worth of the person suffering. More severe acne can last for many years and can cause permanent scarring. 

What Causes Acne
The most common cause of acne is the bacteria “propionibacterium acnes” which live on our skin. These bacteria flourish in pores and follicles clogged with oil and dead skin cells, causing inflammation and swelling. Some people mistakenly blame certain foods like chocolate or other greasy food, but that is a misconception. Another common myth is that acne is caused by dirty skin which is also not true. Finally stress does not cause acne, but it may aggravate it. 

What To Do For Acne
First, give your acne time to heal. Don’t pick and it and try not to pop zits or pimples. However if your acne is having an effect on your confidence, go consult a doctor. A family doctor will give you treatment for mild cases of acne. However, if the acne is really bad, you should consult a specialist dermatologist.