Treatment options for youth. In the interim, have parents contact the PNC.
Treatment for Youth
How to Get Your Kids to Follow Their Treatment
It’s important to engage your child in his own skin care regimen. As little ones become teenagers, they can manage more of their own care.
Patience
Explain to your child that the creams prescribed by a doctor might take time to be effective. Kids will be more willing to use something if they think it makes a difference. If there are a lot of areas to treat, kids can get frustrated. One strategy is to treat just a few areas for several days – if they can see that these areas get better, they will be more willing to treat other lesions.
Praise
Small rewards may help. Praise younger children when they help apply creams or share excitement when they see their skin improves. Using a sticker calendar or the occasional small treat may help motivate them.
Preference
Try to use forms of treatment that they like. Treatments applied to the skin come in many different types, including ointments, creams, gels, oils, and foams. Teenagers typically prefer treatments that are less greasy.
Plan
Written plans help. Many times a doctor sends you home with a written plan of what should be done each morning and evening. For a younger child, you may write out the plan in colors. For an older child, post the plan in a spot where they’ll see it everyday. Labeling tubes with “morning” and “evening” may give kids an extra nudge.