What is Acne / Pimple ?

Acne is a skin problem that can affect your face, back and chest.

There are sebaceous glands under the hair in your face. These glands produce an oily substance made of fat called sebum.

Some times this sebum gets blocked in pores and bacteria grows there. These produce blackheads or acne.

What to do?

• Never squeeze acne. When you do so cells around it will die and leave scars.
• Wash the affected areas two to three times daily.

• Avoid eating fried foods, ice creams and chocolates.
• Eat lots of vitamin A enriched foods like liver, carrots, spinach etc.
• Drink lots of water.
• Consult a doctor if necessary.
• Avoid direct sunlight and use sunscreen lotion that is low in oil and alcohols.

Cleanliness and Acne

Cleanliness is an important thing to reduce acne. Gently cleanse your body, face and hair daily.

Wash your hair daily and shampoo three times in a week. Dandruff can worsen acne, so use dandruff shampoo if that affects you.

In the morning you should remove all the residues of acne medicines by washing your face with plenty of water. Other wise it may react with sunlight and may worsen the acne.

Before bed remove the entire make up and dirt with a cleanser. Then splash your face with plenty of water several times.

Vigorous scrubbing could irritate your skin and make your acne worse.

Over cleansing can lead to dry and itchy skin.

Medications for Acne

Gel or cream containing benzoyl peroxide is commonly used for the treatment of acne.

Take a small quantity of the gel and rub twice daily, into affected region. It gives clearance almost after 6 weeks.