Salient. Newspaper of the Victoria University Students' Association. Vol 42 No. 13. June 11 1979

Student Health

Student Health

Acne

Acne is a collective name for pimples, black— heads and whiteheads that appear on the face, neck, chest, shoulders and back. The condition affects almost everybody at some time, particularly in the late teens and early twenties

What Causes it?

First of all, acne has nothing whatever to do with unclean living or personal habits. A tendency to acne is usually an inherited characteristic. The causes have not been definitely pinpointed, but here are some of the aggravating factors:
  • a temporary imbalance in the hormone secretions. These hormones produced by the maturing endocrine glands, are body chemicals which help to determine physical and mental appearance. They are normally well balanced but increase in quantity and activity during puberty so that the oil glands in the skin tend to over secrete and become plugged. The hair may also become excessively oily at this time and dandruff may appear.
  • the wrong kind do
  • the wrong kind of diet
  • a neglected case of dandruff
  • emotional upsets
  • poor general physical condition
  • sluggish bowels
  • menstrual upsets - acne is usually worse on the pre-menstrual period
  • lack of fresh air and sun (only in moderation, too much sun ages the skin)
  • infected teeth or tonsils and other infections.

How do they Happen?

Usually blackheads appear first - caused by over-productive oil glands, which block up the ducts with a secretion which becomes waxy and then turns dark through surface exposure to the air. Thus you can see that the blackness of blackheads is not dirt.

As your oil glands continue to produce sebum a pimple is formed. If this becomes infected with bacteria on your skin a thing called a pustle forms. This is a bad pimple.

If these are not properly treated scarring is caused by actual destruction of skin tissue.

Diagram of blackheads and pimples

Diagram Treatment

The aim of treatment must be:
  • to reduce the secretion of the glands
  • to remove blackheads and any scaly skin
  • to stop local infection developing
  • to ensure that the skin has a healthy, rich blood supply.

Drawing of two people in a bath

Skin Care and Hygiene

  • Wash the face thoroughly twice a day with soap and warm water, preferably using antiseptic soap. This is not because the face is particularly dirty, but to try to prevent bacteria which are normally on the skin from causing acne to become infected.

    The important thing is to wash adequately, yet gently enough to avoid irritation or abrasion to the skin. In other words, don't rub so hard that pimples are scrubbed off. Avoid nicking pimples when shaving.

  • Restrain the desire of squeezing the odd imple in desperation. Some people have got away with it unscathed and unscarred. Some of them haven't. Its best to avoid it. Because it can push the infection deeper into the skin and it usually has the charming result of spreading the infection.
  • Acne is also helped if dandruff is controlled effectively, and if your hair is long keep if off your face at night by tying it back.
  • Clothes should be kept clean, particularly those in contact with the neck and shoulders.
  • If makeup is used, select it with care. Light textured lotions clog the skin less than greasy based preparations of those in cake form. Always remove all traces of makeup before going to bed. Either soap and water or an astringent lotion can be used. Destroy all cotton wool or tissues immediately after use. Do not use powder puffs or other permanent methods of applying makeup. It is better to use a fresh piece of cotton wool every time.

Diet and General Health

Acne is not a dietary disease. However some people find certain foods make acne worse, particularly chocolate and fatty foods, too much milky goods and also nuts. These are best avoided.

Its a good idea to eat plenty of fruit, green vegetables and lean meats. Sunshine, fresh air and outdoor activities are all beneficial. Don't have too many late nights, as adequate sleep is important for good health.

Other Measures

If diet and regular cleaning do not help control your acne, then you should seek medical advice: Do this before any permanent damage is done. Do not assume that medicines and methods prescribed for a friend will be the best (or even proper) treatment for you.

The treatment will be necessary will be decided by your doctor. No two treatments are the same and what works for one person may not necessarily work for another. Antibiotics or other drugs may be helpful, skin applications, ultraviolet, or if there is deep or severe scarring, dermabrasion — a technique of cosmetic surgery for removing stars - may be advised. But no matter what treatment is recommended, attention to diet and skin cleansing are still important - possibly the Most important factors. These things must be continued as long as there is the tendency to have pimples.