OCR Text |
Show TMtaoil If ton Acne is a common skin condition that afflicts most people during the teen years, sometimes into the 20s. THE AMERICAN Medical Association points out that something can be done about acne. Waiting to "outgrow" acne can be a serious mistake. mis-take. Treatment can improve appearance and minimize the problem of permanent scars. Acne consists of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and sometimes small boils. It appears most often on the face, but also shows up on " the back, chest, shoulders and neck. EVEN THOUGH treatment includes washing frequently with mild soap and warm water, acne is not a disease of dirt. It begins under the skin, not on top of it. Acne also is not primarily a dietary disease, but some patients pa-tients find that certain foods, particularly chocolate and "fats, make their acne worse. However, following the strictest stric-test diet will not, by itself, clear the skin. LOTIONS AND creams available at the drugstore may help somewhat. It's important im-portant to read the directions on the label and follow them carefully. If the skin becomes irritated, stop using the lotion. lo-tion. Medical preparations are available to cover the blemishes. Nonoily cosmetics usually are preferable. All cosmetics should be removed at bedtime. IF ACNE persists despite good cleaning and proper use of lotions and creams, the physician may be able to help. He may prescribe a preparation to apply to the skin to reduce oiliness and produce mild peeling. He may open the inflamed lesions and remove some of the olackheads. He most certainly will warn against picking, scratching, popping or squeezing the blackheads and pimples. This may make things worse. |