Not a pretty subject, but teenagers have acne. My son (16) has been seeing a dermatologist for 4 years. He has scarring on his chest and hasn't taken his shirt off for the last 3 summers (very self-conscious). He hates summers because of this. His face looks good - just a little bit of acne now & then on back, but he really doesn't like the scars. Doc says it will fade over time. I feel really bad for him and don't know what to tell him. I don't think his chest looks too bad, but he won't take the shirt off, won't go to the beach or to any pool in the summer.

By Amecmom on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 - 05:11 pm:

If they are bad enough to interfere with his life, then maybe you and he should talk to the dermatologist about having them removed. There has to be something they can do for him. Also, there's some very good cover up that's not supposed to wash off. I don't know if any 16 year old young man would even consider using it though.
I hope you find a solution. There's enough insecurity to deal with at 16 without adding to it with a poor body image. I hope you find a way to help.
Ame

By Momaroze on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 - 05:18 pm:

From my experience Tea tree oil works well for acne and other things. As for the latter that is typical behaviour for a 16 year old isn't it. Poor guy, no matter what us moms say.......

There is probably nothing you can say to him to make him feel better about it. Although, someone else may not agree.

I'm betting it is not noticeable unless you are starring closely at his chest. Teenage years are so hard sometimes.

Here's hoping he has a wonderful shirt free, beach fun filled time!!!

By John on Wednesday, April 14, 2004 - 10:36 am:

I had very bad acne on my shoulders when I was a teenager that left visible scars so I can sympathize with your son.

I don't really have any words of advice about the scars...
What about waterproof makeup the same color as his skin tone? It may sound silly, but at 16 he may be willing to try anything.

I've been plauged with acne my whole life and only my recent dietary changes eliminated it completely.

By Ladypeacek on Wednesday, April 14, 2004 - 12:16 pm:

Try using some of those cremes that they advertise for stretch marks, i know that sounds odd but a friend of mine used it for a scar she had on her knee and in about 2 months it was almost invisble, you had to strain to see it. It may take longer or less time depending on the amount of time he has had them but it can't hurt!!! My dh's brother also had horrible acne around 16 and 17 and i must say it definitely hasn 't had an effect on him now, he is a cutie!!!

By Peggy13 on Wednesday, April 14, 2004 - 04:43 pm:

Thanks everybody for your good advice. Yes, my son has been on all different prescriptions over the years. Yes, we have tried cremes (Mederma) for the scarring on his chest. The scars are actually keloid (raised areas) scars from the initial acne. It will take time to heal as he is still growing too. The doc says overtime it will heal, but these years are important for him to be able to have fun with his friends in the summertime too. I know he thinks it looks worse than I do - I just have to get him to have enough confidence to be able to go out without his shirt in the summer. Maybe we will look into some kind of makeup - it would have to waterproof too - I know he would try anything.

By Texannie on Wednesday, April 14, 2004 - 04:46 pm:

Why not just wear a shirt when he's swimming? My ds got burned really badly one time, hates to be bothered with sunscreen so he just wears a shirt. Alot of his friends do that. (he's 14, don't know if it's different for 16 year olds)

By Peggy13 on Wednesday, April 14, 2004 - 05:33 pm:

Annie - yes, he has worn a shirt over the summers, but people start to ask why....I don't think last summer he went to the beach/pool at all.

By Texannie on Wednesday, April 14, 2004 - 06:05 pm:

Bless his heart, just tell him to tell them that he is sun savvy! I guess here, everyone is so used to the kids where shirts that it's not big deal. I had horrible back acne as a teen so I do understand his anguish.