LAcne and pimples are a problem that affects most people. It is estimated that approximately 70% of individuals living in industrialized countries are affected at some point. In recent years we have seen a spread of pimples and acne even among children, particularly aged 7 and above.. It’s about pre-pubertal acne and appears between the ages of 7 and 12 as a manifesto of the beginning of the transition to puberty. But how to manage it on a practical and above all psychological level?
Pimples and acne among children
If in the past it was viewed negatively, and a systemic endocrine evaluation was necessary, today pre-pubertal acne is considered a normal variant of acne which can appear at a very young age: «It is now increasingly common to see 8-9 year old children with pimples and blackheads. It is partly due to the genetics of the skin, certainly to a greater seborrheic tendency especially if the parents have suffered from acne in the past, and partly also to nutrition” explains the Dr. Gianni Chiarelli, dermatologist at San Raffaele Hospital in Milan.
What are the foods that can promote the appearance of this type of acne? «For example the cow milk That it increases sebum production and therefore promotes and worsens acne and the seborrhea themselves. In some cases this phenomenon can also be constitutional especially in pre-pubertal girls and it is a sign of the near future menarche.”
In general, therefore, acne at such a young age is no longer considered an endocrine disorder but as a sign of a particular diet, too much pollution but also of the onset of puberty which occurs earlier and earlier in industrialized countries.
How to behave when pimples and acne appear in children
The first fundamental rule in these cases is: talk to a dermatologist. It is indeed necessary to start using specific products so as to attenuate the effects and above all avoid possible future scars: «It is essential not to resort to do-it-yourself methods that can make the situation worse or to think that the problem will solve itself. In this case, in fact, not only will the pimple appear for longer but above all it will bring with it a psychological distress that would be best avoided by children».
For this it is better to use specific products: «Some treat the first signs of mild microcystic or comedonal acne such as non-aggressive detergents but antiseptics and creams that regulate seborrhea. If instead there are only gods blackheads, even delicate scrubs are sufficientgiven the sensitivity of very young skin, so as to eliminate them.”
Cleansing is essential and make people understand how important it is to wash your face every day with a specific cleansing soap. In fact, with this step a good part of the work against pimples and acne is already carried out: the specific formulations, in fact, eliminate excess sebum, sweat and dirt from the day, an aspect to take into consideration if you practice sport.
Pimples and acne and psychology: how to prevent it from becoming a self-esteem problem
«The first important thing is absolutely do not make the problem burden the child from an aesthetic point of viewotherwise psychological problems will immediately arise. In fact, the biggest problem is that ofacceptance not only towards oneself but above all from one’s peers who do not suffer from the same problem. It is therefore essential to reassure both the children but also the parents by clarifying that the situation may be temporary and which, in the case of girls, will be evaluated after menarche” explains the expert.
Furthermore, as Dr. Chiarelli continues, it is important right from the start educate the little ones on how to treat imperfections; in addition to cleansing, it is essential to explain to them that pimples must not be crushed and that “they must not use unsuitable products, perhaps seen on Instagram, other than those recommended by specialists so as to cure the problem and avoid scars or permanent marks”.
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