Acne

Acne is the term for pimples or blackheads that commonly form on the face, chest, upper back, or shoul­ders. A pimple forms when an oil gland in the skin is blocked, and secretions and bacteria build up under the skin. Acne usually starts during the teens and often persists into adulthood.

Many women get a few pimples just before their menstrual periods. Stress and some birth control pills
may make acne worse. Fatty foods, such as chocolate and nuts, are not considered to be a cause of acne.

Many cases of acne will respond to home treat­ment, especially if they
are mild. For severe or persistent cases, your doctor can prescribe stronger topical medication, anti­biotics, or other drugs.



Prevention
· Wash your face with a mild soap, such as Dove, or one that contains benzoyl peroxide, such as Oxy Sensitive. Wash as often as neces­sary to keep your face clean, but do not scrub or overdry.

· While foods are no longer consid­ered a significant cause of acne, eat a healthy diet and avoid any food that seems to cause pimples.


Home Treatment

· Cleanliness is essential. Wash your face, shoulders, chest, and back with a very gentle soap, such as Aveeno, Neutrogena, or Basis. Avoid drying soaps, such as deodorant soaps. Always rinse well.

· Keep long hair off your face and shoulders, and wash it daily.

· Don’t squeeze pimples and black-heads. This can cause infection and scarring.

· Benzoyl peroxide gel or cream, a nonprescription medication, is one of the best treatments for acne. Start with the lowest strength, and increase the strength if your skin is able to tolerate it. Apply the medi­cation sparingly once a day, half an hour after washing. It may take several weeks to work and may cause mild redness and dryness. Never use more than 5 percent benzoyl peroxide unless a doctor recommends that you do so.

· Use only water-based lotions and cosmetics that do not clog skin pores (noncomedogenic), and only if they don’t aggravate acne.


When to Call a Health Professional

· If acne gets worse despite several months of home treatment.
· If you have severe red or purple inflammation, cysts, or nodules under the skin.

· If scars develop as acne heals.