Q. Our 10-year-old daughter already has pretty bad acne even at her young age. What can we do to help her?

Who is noticing this problem asked the Family Project panel. Is it you or your daughter?

“If this is coming from the girl, you should say, ‘Let’s find out what we can do.’ If it’s coming from mom, I would worry that this could become a source of anxiety for the girl,” said panelist Chad Stefanyak.

Panelist Mike Daniels agreed that it is important to let your daughter take the lead and let her make it an issue before you do.

“She probably is in fourth grade and may not yet be comparing herself to other kids. She may not be there developmentally and if this is mom’s worry it could create stress for the girl that wasn’t there,” Daniels said.

However, even at age 10, some children are becoming more aware of how they look, added panelist Pam Wallace.

The girl also may be experiencing acne earlier than other youths her age, said panelist Denise Continenza.

“Preadolescence is a time of learning to accept changes in your body. You can suggest seeing a dermatologist. However, it is important to focus on what’s right about her. Don’t just focus on this one thing,” Continenza said.

Frame it in a positive way, said Daniels: “Acne in preadolescence is young but it is a sign she is growing up.

“Give her acknowledgment and validation of this important milestone. Tell her ‘Your body is growing up,’ and ask her what she wants to do.”

It’s important to not let her see that you are worried.

“Don’t say, ‘I know how you feel.’ This is a life experience that needs to be incorporated into normalcy,” Daniels said.

Help her to look at solutions rather than problems, Stefanyak said, adding, “Make it an opportunity. Say, ‘Let’s do a little research.’ Help teach your daughter how to problem solve. Don’t turn it into a source of concern for the child.”

There are many treatments for acne available and you can help her decide which one is best suited for her and her skin, said Continenza.

“Sometimes parents’ perceptions are different than kids’ perceptions,” Continenza said.

This week’s panel: Pam Wallace, program coordinator, Project Child, a program of Valley Youth House; Denise Continenza, extension educator; Chad Stefanyak, school counselor; and Mike Daniels, LCSW, Psychotherapist.

Have a question? Email: projectchild@projectchildlv.org

The Family Project is a collaboration of the Lehigh Valley Press Focus section and Valley Youth House’s Project Child.

The Times News, Inc., and affiliates (Lehigh Valley Press) do not endorse or recommend any medical products, processes, or services or provide medical advice. The views of the columnist and column do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Lehigh Valley Press. The article content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, or other qualified health-care provider, with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition