The Disease and its Cause.
Acne is a chronic disease of oil glands of the skin which results in formation of blackheads, pustules, cysts, and depressed scars over the face and back primarily.
The cause is unknown, but it occurs most usually during adolescence when the oil glands mature and produce larger amounts of oil.
The disease ranges from mild to severe.
It can last, of and on, from 2 to 20 years.
If it is not treated, it can permanently scar the patient.
Symptoms.
The areas affected appear extremely oily - usually the forehead, chin, and portions around the nose.
Many blackheads appear along with some pussy lesions with open easily and open without scarring after discharging their contents.
Squeezing usually drives as much oil back deeper into the skin as it removes, and simply enlarges the inflamed area.
Deeper lesions heal more slowly and these frequently leave pitted scars.
In severe cases where there are a great many lesions, they can run together and cause abscesses which heal in time but leave behind large areas of disfiguring scar tissue.
Complications.
There can be secondary infections.
Also, a patient can be very distressed and disturbed when unsightly scar tissue remains.
Prevention (or lessening of impact).
The acne-prone person can do little to prevent this disease, but he can do a number of things to modify its course and minimize scaring.
He should avoid chocolate, iodized salt, fats, fried foods, dairy products, shellfish, mayonnaise, peanut butter, and alcoholic beverages.
Personal hygiene should be emphasized - including washing frequently and bathing with anti-bacterial soap.
Sun bath can be beneficial and certainly help cosmetically.
Very often the doctor will prescribe a program of diets and medications.