Dear Marion,
Help! I’m refereeing a never-ending match between my teenagers and their skin problems. Between my son’s impression of a human waterfall post-soccer practice and my daughter’s ongoing audition for the role of ‘dry, patchy skin,’ I’m out of my league. Any advice before I wave the white flag?
Warmly, A Concerned (and slightly amused) Parent
Dear Concerned (and slightly amused) Parent,
Navigating teenage skincare can feel like herding cats during a full moon, but fear not! Let’s break down these skin sagas with some tips and a dash of humor.
Excessive Sweating
It sounds like your son could out-sweat a sauna! You’re doing great with the double showers and breathable fabrics. If his shirts are still looking like they went through a car wash, it might be time to consult with a dermatologist about Hyperhidrosis. There are treatments that can turn his sweat dials down from a waterfall to a manageable trickle.
Eczema/Atopic Dermatitis
As for your daughter, battling eczema is as frustrating as finding a matching pair of socks on laundry day. Keep up with the fragrance-free products and make moisturizing her new best hobby—more layers than her favorite cake! If her skin still feels like a rough draft, a dermatologist can prescribe something a little more heavyweight.
Pityriasis Alba
If she’s also sporting those trendy pale patches, remember that pityriasis alba is the skin’s way of saying, “I’m just chilling.” Keep her moisturized and away from hot baths—think lukewarm like yesterday’s coffee. This too shall pass, like that awkward family photo phase.
Tinea Versicolor
And if your son’s skin is trying to play connect-the-dots with funky patches, grab some OTC antifungal goodies. It’s like giving yeast a ‘your party’s over’ notice. Sunscreen is his best ally here—think of it as his invisible, protective cape.
Hand Warts
Warts are as stubborn as a mule and about as welcome as ants at a picnic. Remind him to stop sharing his germs with his hands and keep those nails out of his mouth. Sometimes, though, you just need the dermatologist’s superhero tools to zap those warty villains away.
Cold Sores
Ah, the infamous cold sores, popping up at the worst times like uninvited party crashers. A little antiviral cream can help show them the door faster. And keep those lips sun-safe, because yes, even lips can get sunburned!
General Advice
Managing teenage skin isn’t just about fighting the current fire—it’s about preventing the next one. Keep up those good skin habits, and remember, stress exacerbates all these conditions. A healthy lifestyle is key—think balanced diets and plenty of exercise, which are about as essential as Wi-Fi for today’s teens. Regular physical activity and good nutrition can do wonders for the skin just as much as for the mood.
When in doubt, tag the professionals.
Need More Personalized Help? We’re here for your teenagers’ skin woes:
- Call us at: (323) 653-4701
- Email us at:skinsense@skinsensewellness.com
- Visit us at: 8448 W Third Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Let’s tackle these teenage skin dramas together. Your family’s journey to happier skin is just a consultation away. And who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll all look back on this and laugh (or at least cringe less).
Warm regards (and a few chuckles), Marion
