What
will help?
Clearly, we cannot change our heredity or normal hormones. Although
there is no true "cure" for acne, there are many things that
can be done to control acne. While acne usually improves or resolves by
early adulthood, it can persist throughout adulthood. The following
hints can help acne sufferers of all ages:
CORRECT SKIN CARE
a) The face maybe washed softly with mild soap using hot water for
washing and cold for rinsing. This should be followed by gently patting
the skin dry with a soft cloth is recommended. Special "acne soaps"
are not generally necessary unless advised by your doctor.
b) The most effective and safe over-the counter medicine is the benzoyl
peroxides. The gel form covering the entire area affected, in the lower
5% strength is generally recommended for initial use. It should be noted
that some peeling and dryness is supposed to occur with use of the
benzoyl peroxides.
It is best to allow thirty minutes to pass between washing and the
application of the gel. The gel does not produce positive effects for up
to four to six weeks in most people. After this time period, the
strength of the gel can be increased to the 10%, if necessary.
WHEN TO SEE THE DOCTOR
If in spite of the above efforts, acne still persists it is time to see
a doctor. Medications can be prescribed that are even more effective at
unplugging the pores.
The medications prescribed generally include antibiotics, which help in
decreasing the bacteria. Recently a new class of drugs known as retinoic
acid has come up, these are generally prescribed in more severe cases of
acne.
These class of drugs have serious side effects and should be prescribed
and closely monitored by a doctor trained in its use.
