My cousin, roughly my age, and I had care-free fun-packed school lives till acne made their appearance on his face in his teens. They erupted relentlessly, often in large crops, caused redness and swelling, refused to die down, and caught everyone’s eye. He sulked and avoided people, spent much time trying new ointments and lotions every evening, and became depressed. Thirty years later, while I see the same innocence and affection in his eyes from childhood days, others initially notice only his scarred rough face.
Acne vulgaris is characterized by pinheads, blackheads & whiteheads often on scaly red oily (seborrheic) skin. It occurs due to blockage of skin follicles by shedding keratin and sebum (oily secretion from the glands of the hair follicles), causing them to swell, and at times, getting red and inflamed. Infection with bacteria, present on the skin, often compounds the picture, making the acne red and angry, and leading to formation of pustules.
To the embarrassment of growing youngsters, the hormonal connection is all too obvious. Acne make their appearance in adolescence when levels of sex hormones, especially testosterone, in the blood, rise, inducing skin follicles to enlarge and make more sebum. These hormones are not exclusive to boys; hence growing girls also suffer from acne.
The tendency to develop acne runs in families. For example, school aged boys with acne often have other members in their family with acne. A family history of acne is associated with an earlier occurrence of acne and an increased number of retentional acne lesions.
A diet rich in sugars, fat and chocolates worsen acne, while fiber consumed in good amounts seem to bring relief. Studies also show that stress could be a factor, both bringing on acne, as often happens before exams or dates, as well as being brought on by it.
Keeping the face glowing and free from acne can be challenging for many. Generous helping of fibrous fruits and green veggies indeed help, as does strict avoidance of pastries, sweets, chocolates and thinking of the opposite sex.
Regular exercise helps too: increased blood flow following a run assists maintenance of skin cells as it brings in oxygen and nutrients while removing waste. It also reduces stress levels; adolescents who work hard in the fields do not suffer from acne; most afflicted are city dwellers with sedentary lives!
The skin needs care too. Frequent washing with an antiseptic soap to keep it oil-free is the first step. You may use wet tissues to wipe your face if washing is not practicable during work or college. Skin applications include benzoyl peroxide (acts on the germ Propionibacterium acnes), salicylic acid (removes keratin), retinoids and aloe vera.
Acne on the face of young people serves to remind us that small things located at strategic places in crucial times can indeed have far-reaching impacts!
As published in HT City(Hindustan Times) dated 20 November, 2011.
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