CLEVELAND -- Acne is a painful and often embarrassing condition for many teenagers.

NewsChannel5's Tonya Strong reported how new research is showing that parents don't always take the problem seriously, and this can have a devastating effect on their kids.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, nearly half of all teenagers with acne need to see a doctor.

"A significant percent of young people do have some degree of acne," said Dr. William Dobes, a dermatology professor at Emory University. "The estimates are around 40 to 50 percent of it is severe enough that they need professional care."

But according to a survey by the American Counseling Association, almost two-thirds of parents never take their child to a dermatologist.

Experts say some parents worry about the costs, while others simply don't take the acne seriously.

"Acne is a disease that has self-image concepts to it," said Dobes. "The more you clear it, the more you can improve somebody's behaviors, somebody's emotions, somebody's image of who and what they are."

Brent Inman, 15, suffered from acne, and when it was at its worst, he wouldn't even pose for photographs.

"I just looked bad, I wouldn't go places -- it really lowers your self-esteem," said Inman.

His parents took him to a dermatologist when over-the-counter products didn't work, who prescribed a powerful acne drug that cleared his face and improved his self-esteem.

"Oh, I'd go anywhere ... I'll go because I look great now, I think," said Inman.

Dermatologists say early acne intervention is important because untreated, it can lead to permanent scarring, so it worth it to talk to a doctor about it.