Pimpernels

Important Things to Know About Acne

*  Popular opinion that chocolate can cause acne or worsen an existing condition is not universally supported by scientific studies. Recent studies suggest the high glycemic nature of certain foods
containing carbohydrates can cause acne, and point to chocolate having low glycemic content which may in fact restrict acne.

Scientists also suggest a relationship between incidence of acne and consumption of skimmed milk, cottage cheese and other dairy products.

*  The black spot normally present in acne was once thought to be dirt trapped in the pores and lead to the once common belief that dirt
and poor hygiene were the main causes of acne.  Today scientists know the black spot is keratin which, like excessive oil in the skin, can become locked in the pores and lead to acne.

*  Experts say most effective treatments take weeks, possibly months, to show any recognisable effect on the skin, hence the reason sufferers are advised against products said to clear acne within two or three weeks, even days.  Some over-the-counter treatments are effective for mild to moderate cases of acne, but only from qualified pharmacists. Severe cases must always be treated by doctors and skin care specialists.

Treatments include:

- Soaps and lotions.

- Oral antibiotics and other medical compounds.

- Hormonal treatments, especially for females.

- Injections.

- Surgical removal which can lead to scarring.

- Vitamins.

- Medically supervised light therapy, but always avoid strong sunlight which can aggravate acne.

- Laser surgery under strictly controlled medical guidelines.

- Herbal applications, such as tea tree oil.

- Detoxification, hence the reason sufferers are advised to drink lots of water to clear the body of harmful toxins from processed foods, environmental factors, cosmetics, drugs.
 

*  One of the worst effects of acne is scars that can continue long after the condition is cured. Scars are sometimes referred to as ‘volcanic’ or ‘icepick’ due to them often being indented or pitted on the skin’s surface. Also sometimes, wrongly, described as scars are red marks that sometimes linger after actual spots have cleared. Scars are commonly caused by scratching or squeezing spots and they usually fade or disappear within two or three months.

All information at this site is provided in good faith and is researched to the best of our ability and knowledge.  No information provided at this site is intended at definitive and does not seek to replace advice available from qualified doctors, lawyers and other appropriate professional advisors.