Acne is a condition of the skin that occurs most commonly during adolescence. Acne usually appears on the face, but it may also appear on the chest and back. In its mildest form, acne appears as large blackheads and whiteheads (blind blackheads). The formation of pimples occurs in a more severe case. The worst cases form cysts and scars.
For generations it was mistakenly thought that acne was caused by a lack of cleanliness and a diet of junk foods. Now it is believed that acne is caused by the action of hormones during the adolescent years. Pimples are caused by normal skin germs breaking down the oil in the blackheads and forming irritating substances. The pus that results is not an infection.
Signs and symptoms
The skin breaks out in red bumps which may or may not be open. Lumps under the skin indicate that the acne has formed cysts.
Home care
Wash the affected area with mild soap twice a day. After washing, apply acne preparations containing sulphur, resorcin, salicylic acid, or mild benzoyl peroxide. Large, unsightly blackheads can be gently removed with a blackhead spoon, available at your pharmacy. Changes in the teenager’s diet are probably unnecessary.
• To avoid making a case of acne worse, adolescents should stay away from products that can irritate the skin, such as motor oil, petrol, and oil-containing cosmetics.
• Do not squeeze or pick pimples since scarring may result.
• Do not treat acne in young infants.
• If acne does not improve, or if cysts develop, see your doctor.
Medical treatment
Acne treatment has vastly improved in the past five years. Doctors now prescribe new vitamin A ointment or liquid and prescription-strength benzoyl peroxide that are applied to the skin. There is also a new medication taken by mouth for severe acne that forms cysts. Long-term treatment using tetracycline or other antibiotics taken by mouth is safe and effective. Applying antibiotics on the skin is still experimental, but promising. Disfiguring scars can be removed by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon without hospitalization once the acne is under control. Never allow X ray treatment of acne.
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