Here are a few general principles that can help prevent or control acne:
* Wash your face thoroughly at least three times daily.
* Don't pick or squeeze. This may aggravate the condition and lead to infection and scarring.
* Shampoo your hair frequently.
* Keep your hair off your face and don't use hairsprays, mousses, or greasy hair dressings.
* Avoid greasy cosmetics.
* Avoid creamy suntan lotions.
* Facials are not recommended because the creams and lotions force more oil into the already clogged pores.
* If you have acne near your mouth, stop your fluoridated toothpaste for a few months and note whether it makes any difference.
* Avoid emotional stress. The chemicals released by your body during anxious and stressful situations stimulate the adre-nal gland to produce more of the male-type hormone (more so in women!) which, in turn, stimulates the overproduction of skin oil.
* Watch your diet. The role that diet plays in causing acne is controversial and debatable. I recommend that you cut out chocolate, seafood, nuts, and cheeses, and that you limit milk to three glasses a day.
* If your physician has prescribed tetracycline for your acne, do not take multiple-vitamin supplements containing iron. Iron interferes with the absorption of tetracycline.
New lesions can occur despite good management. It can be controlled, however, to lessen its severity and to prevent the scarring that may result. Don't be discouraged if your progress is slow. If you are diligent, conscientious, and faithful with your treatment, you will reap the benefit of a clearer complexion.
It is especially important that parents try to understand their teenagers' plight. By offering encouragement and helping your teenager maintain his or her self-esteem, you can help lessen the mental anguish and psychological scars that so often accompany acne.
If your acne is stubborn, persistent, and disfiguring, consult your dermatologist. Waiting to "outgrow" acne can be a serious mistake; permanent scarring can result if acne is left untreated. A dermatologist can prescribe internal and topical medications to eliminate or lighten this cross that almost all teenagers have to bear.
* Wash your face thoroughly at least three times daily.
* Don't pick or squeeze. This may aggravate the condition and lead to infection and scarring.
* Shampoo your hair frequently.
* Keep your hair off your face and don't use hairsprays, mousses, or greasy hair dressings.
* Avoid greasy cosmetics.
* Avoid creamy suntan lotions.
* Facials are not recommended because the creams and lotions force more oil into the already clogged pores.
* If you have acne near your mouth, stop your fluoridated toothpaste for a few months and note whether it makes any difference.
* Avoid emotional stress. The chemicals released by your body during anxious and stressful situations stimulate the adre-nal gland to produce more of the male-type hormone (more so in women!) which, in turn, stimulates the overproduction of skin oil.
* Watch your diet. The role that diet plays in causing acne is controversial and debatable. I recommend that you cut out chocolate, seafood, nuts, and cheeses, and that you limit milk to three glasses a day.
* If your physician has prescribed tetracycline for your acne, do not take multiple-vitamin supplements containing iron. Iron interferes with the absorption of tetracycline.
New lesions can occur despite good management. It can be controlled, however, to lessen its severity and to prevent the scarring that may result. Don't be discouraged if your progress is slow. If you are diligent, conscientious, and faithful with your treatment, you will reap the benefit of a clearer complexion.
It is especially important that parents try to understand their teenagers' plight. By offering encouragement and helping your teenager maintain his or her self-esteem, you can help lessen the mental anguish and psychological scars that so often accompany acne.
If your acne is stubborn, persistent, and disfiguring, consult your dermatologist. Waiting to "outgrow" acne can be a serious mistake; permanent scarring can result if acne is left untreated. A dermatologist can prescribe internal and topical medications to eliminate or lighten this cross that almost all teenagers have to bear.
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