Acne is characterized by pimples or eruptions of varying severity on the face and neck, over the shoulders, and often the upper back and/or chest-papules, pustles, nodules, or small abscesses, which may be superficial or deep-seated.
A typical acne pimple is simply an obstructed and inflamed oil gland, and the pimples are most numerous where the oil glands are most abundant. It is more likely to occur in those who have an oil skin than a dry skin. Pimples are very common in young people, and particularly prevalent during early adolescence from twelve to sixteen years of age. Some girls develop one or two pimples just before menstruation, and only last a day or two and of no consequence.
Development of Acne
An acne pimple develops first as a small, red pimple, and pus usually appears at its centre within a few days unless it is usually deep-seated. A superficial pustules tend to open and drain of themselves if left alone, leaving no lasting trace.
Causes of Acne
Prominent among possible causes of acne include the following:
- Hereditary tendency
- Sex hormone imbalance at puberty
- Impaired fat metabolism
Note
Germs are frequently present in the pus from acne pimples, especially staphylococcus albus, acne bacillus and other pus germs of mild virulence. Germs alone, without other factors, will not cause the disease; and in any case they should be considered only as secondary invaders.
Also, acne is not caused by diet, but certain foods definitely aggravate this condition, especially in some patients. Rich foods, such as chocolate, nuts, cola drinks, ice-cream, fatty meats, and excessive amounts of sugar. Certain drugs, such as those containing bromides and iodides, may also play a part in some people.
Effects of Acne
- Since the pimples often accompany adolescence, they are logically associated with the increased glandular activity especially of the sex glands that comes during and following puberty.
- A deep-seated abscesses may possibly leave permanent scars, whether they open and drain or not.
- Acne is very distressing, when it continues over months or years, especially to a young woman.
- The formation of scars in the skin may occur as a result of mild itching and soreness which may be present with acne.
- The formation of scars in the skin may occur as a result of mild itching and soreness which may be present with acne.
Prevention and Treatment of Acne
- Use a conservative diet, avoiding excesses of fat (especially the "saturated fats" of animal origin).
- Avoid tea, coffee, and alcoholic beverages.
- Avoid squeezing or picking at boils as the germs in the forming core may be broken up and spread into surrounding tissues.
- Keep the skin clean by thorough washing two or three times a day with a good toilet soap. Apply warm moist towels to the face for ten or fifteen minutes before treatment. For mild infections of the face, apply the prescribed lotion once or twice daily. A simple ointment may also be used like Resorcinol 1.8gm, apply to the affected areas once or twice daily.
