Acne
Signs and Symptoms
1. Persistent recurring reddish blemishes on the face and possible on the neck, shoulders, chest, upper back or buttocks.
2. Spots that have a dark open center (blackheads).
3. Spots that bulge under the skin and have no opening (whiteheads).
4. White heads that rupture (pimples).
5. Boil-like lumps (nodules).
What to do now
1. Wash the affected area twice a day with mild, oil-and fragrance-free soap. Avoid over washing, which may aggravate acne.
2. Shampoo your hair regularly. Oily hair may worsen the condition. Shave as infrequently as possible. Men with acne should also take care when shaving to avoid nicking pimples. If you have severe acne, always use a fresh blade to avoid infection.
3. Try an over-the-counter treatment that contains benzoyl peroxide (an antibacterial agent) or salicylic acid (a mild peeling agent that helps unblock pores).
4. Thoroughly remove cosmetics. Use only hypoallergenic, fragrance-free makeup made for acne-prone skin.
5. Don’t pop, pick, scratch, or squeeze your pimples, This may lead to scarring.
When to call a doctor
1. If your acne doesn’t get better after two to three months of over-the-counter treatments; you may need more aggressive treatment.
2. If you have a large number of pimples, if your acne causes you embarrassment, or if you have signs of scarring. Ask specialist (dermatologist) may prescribe a drug to prevent the acne from getting worse and causing scars.
3. If your skin is abnormally flushed around your cheeks and nose; you may have rosacea.
How to prevent it
Since it’s partly genetic and partly hormonal, doctors believe there’s nothing you can do to prevent acne.