Page 39 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

COMMON CONDITIONS: SKIN, HAIR, AND NAIL PROBLEMS 37

Acne

Many teenagers have acne, and for some it is a distressing and persistent problem. Outbreaks of pimples,
blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts occur on the face and sometimes on the chest and back. The cause is a
surge of hormones during puberty that stimulates the oil-producing glands in the skin, making them prone
to blockage and infection. Acne tends to clear up over time, but the pimples may leave scars. Attacks of acne
in adults can be triggered by factors such as stress, changes in the weather, and using certain cosmetics.

What you can do yourself
DRUG REMEDIES
There are various ways to tackle acne. Start
treatment early to reduce the risk of scarring. Benzoyl peroxide (see p.179), used every
day, is an effective treatment for mild to moderate
● Try a treatment containing benzoyl peroxide
acne. It reduces inflammation, helps destroy bacteria,
to reduce pimples (see DRUG REMEDIES, right). and prevents new pimples from forming. However, it
Alternatively, try applying tea tree oil (see p.189) may take up to 2 months before your skin responds
once a day. to treatment. Use gel or lotion if you have oily skin;
use cream for dry skin. Start with a low-strength
● Gently wash affected areas twice a day with
type and go on to a higher strength if necessary.
lukewarm water and a nonoily, perfume-free soap.
Continue the treatment until your acne clears up.
Shampoo your hair daily and keep your hair off your
Don’t use benzoyl peroxide near your mouth or eyes.
face. Don’t use hair products such as conditioners.
● Avoid covering affected areas with tight-fitting Using benzoyl peroxide
clothing, and do not wear hats. Apply the treatment carefully,
taking it slightly beyond the
● Don’t squeeze pimples – they may get infected and
area of the pimples to prevent
spread. Be careful not to nick pimples when shaving.
them from spreading.
● Avoid oil-based cosmetics and creams and opt
for noncomedogenic products, which do not block
pores. Go without makeup for 1 or 2 days a week.
● Try not to rub or touch your face absent-mindedly.
Keep the phone away from your face when talking.
● Include plenty of healthy foods such as fruit and
vegetables in your diet (see NATURAL REMEDIES, right).

● If stress makes your acne worse, try strategies
that help reduce stress in your life (see pp.20–21).
NATURAL REMEDIES
Seek medical advice Healthy foods are believed to support the
immune system and maintain healthy skin. Boost
Arrange to see your doctor if:
your diet with lean meat, oily fish such as salmon,
● Your acne has not improved, or is spreading fruit, leafy and dark green vegetables, wheat germ,
and is red and weepy, after you have used walnuts, sunflower seeds, and flaxseed.
self-help remedies for 2 months
● You are a woman, and you also have hair
growing on your face and are having irregular
menstrual periods