Adolescence is a time of significant change for the body, and the skin often reflects those hormonal shifts. As experienced dermatologists, we see many teenagers coming in with concerns about acne, but there are several other skin conditions common in this age group that parents and teens should know about.
Acne: The Most Common Teen Skin Issue
Acne is the number one skin complaint for adolescents. Hormonal changes during puberty cause an increase in oil production by the skin’s sebaceous glands. This excess oil can clog pores, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and sometimes painful cysts.
Acne can affect self-confidence and quality of life, so early and effective acne treatment is important. Options range from topical creams and gels to oral medications for more severe cases. Proper skin care routines and lifestyle adjustments also support treatment success.
Eczema and Psoriasis During Teen Years
While eczema is often thought of as a childhood condition, it can persist into adolescence and adulthood. Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, may also first appear or worsen during the teenage years. Both conditions cause red, scaly patches but require different treatments.
What Is Hidradenitis Suppurativa? What Teens and Parents Should Know
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is less well known but can have a major impact on teens’ lives. This chronic inflammatory disease affects the sweat glands, especially in areas like the armpits, groin, buttocks, and under the breasts.
HS causes painful, recurrent boils and cyst-like lumps that may drain pus and lead to scarring. Over time, severe scarring can restrict movement, such as making it difficult to fully raise an arm due to tethering of the skin.
How to Recognize Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Teens usually describe HS as recurrent painful boils or “infections” that keep coming back in the same areas. Unlike acne, which is usually on the face, HS affects deeper skin structures and is chronic. Because the lumps can look like infections or abscesses, many teens and parents don’t realize it’s a distinct condition.
HS tends to develop after puberty, linked to hormonal changes, and is more common in females. The chronic nature and potential for scarring make early diagnosis and treatment critical.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa Treatment
Treatment typically begins with topical and oral antibiotics to control inflammation and infection. Steroid injections may help reduce the size of painful lumps. Recently, biologic medications, drugs that target specific parts of the immune system, have become available and can be very effective for moderate to severe cases.
Lifestyle changes such as weight management and smoking cessation, when applicable, may improve symptoms. Dietary adjustments have also been found helpful by some patients.
Other Skin Conditions in Adolescents
- Folliculitis: An infection of the hair follicles often seen in athletes due to sweating and friction. It causes itchy, pus-filled bumps usually on the trunk but can appear anywhere hair grows. Treated with antibiotics.
- Tinea Versicolor: A fungal infection causing patches of lighter or darker skin, usually on the trunk. It can be treated with topical antifungals or oral medications if widespread.
Skin Care Advice for Teens
Teens are often tempted to try complicated skincare routines they see online, but simplicity is best. I recommend:
- Using gentle, fragrance-free cleansers.
- Avoiding abrasive scrubs and harsh products.
- Moisturizing regularly with non-comedogenic creams.
- Avoiding overuse of toners and multiple products, which can irritate skin.
Adolescence brings unique skin challenges beyond just acne. Recognizing conditions like hidradenitis suppurativa and folliculitis can lead to earlier treatment and better outcomes. Encouraging healthy skin care habits and seeking dermatologic care when needed helps teens navigate these changes with confidence.
