When a child reaches puberty-usually between the ages of 10 and 15, dramatic changes start to take place in the skin. There is a sudden increase in the production of the sex hormones-testosterone and estrogen, which surge through the bloodstream. The most obvious effects for the skin occur in the sebaceous (oil-producing) glands.
Acne-the technical name for pimples-is a disease affecting the oil glands of the skin. It can occur on the face, chest, shoulders, back and sometimes even bottoms. The basic cause of acne is hormonal imbalance.
Sebaceous glands are found in great numbers in the forehead, the nose, the cheeks and the chin. Around puberty, the sebaceous glands grow in size and start producing more sebum under the influence of increased amounts of male sex hormones (androgens) circulating in the body. This results in clogging of the opening of the oil gland, causing retention of the sebum(oil) and dead skin cells under the skin surface. This results in formation of whiteheads ( closed comedones) and blackheads( open comedones). These get infected with the bacteria (which are normally present on everybody’s skin) producing red, sometimes painful pimples. Deeper, more intense inflammation results in formation of larger lesions (nodules) and even pus-filled cavities (cysts).
Genetic factors play an important role in acne. External factors also play a role in aggravating and/or causing acne. These include a hot, humid climate, stress, picking at the acne, medicines, cosmetics and occupation. Acne tends to worsen in hot, humid climates and work environments such as kitchens and steam rooms. Acne often worsens during periods of stress, anxiety, worry and tension. Also steroid creams may lead to an outbreak if used excessively and inappropriately. Thick, greasy or comedogenic cosmetics can also aggravate acne.
‘Prevention is better than cure’-is very true when it come to pimples. Acne should be treated as early as possible in order to avoid ugly blemishes and scars. Acne treatment consists of antiacne creams and gels, the correct facewash depending on your skin type and oral medicines which may be antibiotics, oral isotretinoin or hormonal tablets. Consult a dermatologist who will take a detailed history, examine the extent and severity of acne and prescribe the medication ,accordingly.
A teenager’s scalp can become very oily , too, due to the hormonal effects on the sebaceous glands there. They may also suffer from dandruff, where the skin on the scalp becomes scaly, itchy and sometimes red areas appear. The excessive scaling attracts fungal infection, which futher perpetuates the dandruff. If you are prone to dandruff, it certainly does fluctuate with stress. The more the stress, the worse your dandruff will get. In most cases, medicated anti-fungal shampoos containing ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, etc will help to keep the dandruff away. Resist the temptation to pick at the clumped flakes on your scalp as this can lead to an infection.
Specialized sweat glands in the armpits, feet and groin, known as ‘apocrine glands’ become active during puberty. These are the sweat glands that have lain dormant during childhood and now burst into life. These release perspiration, which interact with the bacteria normally present on the skin to cause body odour. Perspiration is essentially odourless when first secreted; the offending odour develops from the action of bacteria on the perspiration. Hair can trap sweat and millions of germs. Hence the hair in your underarms and private parts should be removed regularly, to prevent body odour. Also bathing twice daily with anti-bacterial soap, wearing clean and washed clothed everyday and using deodorants once or twice daily will help in controlling body odour.
