Pimples are very common in young people during their teen years. This condition which is also know as acne , is apparently due to certain hormone changes within the body . It is particularly prevalent during early adolescence, from twelve to sixteen years of age and is more likely to occur in those who have an oily skin. In the early stages a black head or comedone blocks the outlet of an oil gland within in the skin. This is not a serious problem, for it leaves no permanent effect.
If the sebaceous dust ruptures and the oily material oozes out between the layers of the skin instead of coming to the surface, there may be a cyst or swelling known as a sebaceous cyst. These are somewhat disfiguring , but not harmful unless they become infected and form small abscesses. When these heal they may leave ugly scars. Severe acne may occur over the shoulders, the back and chest as well as the face and neck.
Effects of Diet:
Acne is not caused by diet, but certain foods definitely aggravate this condition , especially in some patients. Rich foods , such as chocolate, nuts,cola drinks, ice-cream, fatty meats and excessive amounts of sugar all seem to aggravate this condition. Certain drugs , such as those containing bromides and iodides , may also play a part in some people.
Acne is not caused by diet, but certain foods definitely aggravate this condition , especially in some patients. Rich foods , such as chocolate, nuts,cola drinks, ice-cream, fatty meats and excessive amounts of sugar all seem to aggravate this condition. Certain drugs , such as those containing bromides and iodides , may also play a part in some people.
Some girls develop one or two pimples just before menstruation. These only last a day or two and are of no consequence. But when acne continues over months or years , it is very distressing, especially to a young woman, and something should be definitely be done to clear up the condition. Nervous tension due to family trouble may also play a part in continuing this difficult problem. Even in its mildest form , acne usually persists for a year or more until the hormone system of the body has become fully adjusted.
Treatment: Keep the skin clean by thorough washing two or three times a day with a good toilet soap, or some natural gram powder . Some slightly abrasive soap will help to eliminate blackheads , but it should be used with care, particularly if the skin is inflamed. Smaller black heads may carefully removed by the use of a Schamberg loop Extractor. It is better if some other member of the family odes this. Warm most towels applied to the face for ten to fifteen minutes before the treatment will make the removal of black heads easier, if pus has formed under the skin , be careful not open the pimple until it is ready to drain. Squeezing and pinching of the skin may extend the inflammation and delay healing, and may also cause scarring of the face.
Orange: The orange peel is valuable in the treatment of pimples and acne. The peel , pounded well with water on a piece of stone, should be applied to the affected areas. It is said to be more effective , if it is pounded with the rain water.
Diet : Avoid all rich foods, excessive amounts of sugar and particularly chocolate and nuts. Especially young girls who are real fond of chocolates think about your beautiful face before eating them!
Choose a plain, well balanced diet containing plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Drink water and fruit juices, but avoid highly sweetened drinks. Extra vitamin A tablets should be added to the diet.
Try to sleep at least eight hours every night. Avoid all nervous strain and follow the principles of good living as far as possible for these are essential to health.
