Acne is often a misunderstood disease. The psychological and social impacts of acne are underestimated or even ignored by most parents and physicians. To compound the problems for the acne sufferers, there are many misconceptions about acne, its cause and acne treatment.
Following are some of the important acne myths making the rounds in the society:
Acne is a Self Limiting Disease and Requires No Treatment.
Not always. Very mild acne with a few comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) could be self limiting and usually requires no treatment. But inflamed acne with painful, red, raised or pus filled bumps require immediate medical attention, as, deeper the inflammation spreads, more the chances of permanent scar formation and disfigurement.
Acne is a Disease of Teenagers Only.
Though acne is primarily a disease of the adolescents, it can occur at any age, starting from the newborn to the old age. The common age group which is affected by acne is between 12 to 25 years.
Food Plays No Role in Acne.
It has long been known that certain food items like milk and milk products, sweets and oily food could induce acne outbreaks and play a role in maintaining the pimples. Until recently the role of food in the causation of acne had been downplayed by the medical fraternity including dermatologists. However, many clinical studies and journal articles point towards the definite role of food in the induction, exacerbation and sustenance of acne lesions, at least in some of the sufferers. It stands to reason that if medications like steroids, oral contraceptive pills, iodides etc could stimulate acne eruptions, food will also have some effect on acne.
Acne Can be Cured in 3 Days.
That acne can be cured in 3 days is a definite myth. There is no cure for acne; it can only be controlled with prolonged treatment and maintenance therapy. Acne free in 3 days is only an unethical advertisement scam.
Acne Treatments are Dangerous and is Best Avoided.
Treatment of acne involves general measures and specific measures. General measures in the acne management include cleansing, food control etc and specific measures for pimple treatment include topical and systemic therapy.
Most of the topical treatments used in acne are harmless if used as directed by the physician or dermatologist. Systemic treatment of acne includes antibiotics and retinoids. Both should be used only under the supervision of a dermatologist. Systemic retinoids are reserved for severe type of acne and pregnancy is to be avoided before, during and at least for 2 months after taking the medications as it can cause fetal abnormalities.
Hence the acne systemic remedies, like any medication, should be used judiciously and after proper investigations. They help in preventing permanent acne scars and blemishes.
Acne Home Remedies are Effective and Safe.
Most of the acne home remedies do not address the aetio-pathogenesis of acne and hence are not effective; except in mild, self limiting cases. Those purported to be effective are the fruit juices which contain AHAs with some anti-inflammatory and peeling effects.
However, all home remedies for acne are ineffective in severe types of acne where proven effective acne treatments are available in modern medicine. Many an acne home remedy causes contact irritant dermatitis and photosensitization in some patients. These include turmeric, garlic, basil leaves, fenugreek leaves, cinnamon powder etc. Lemon juice has been known to produce severe phototoxic reaction in sensitive individuals.
Dependence on acne home or natural remedy can also prove to be dangerous in severe acne outbreaks as these can delay proper medical treatment and lead to permanent acne complications like blemishes and scars.
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Reference
- Simpson NB & Cunliffe WJ. Disorders of the Sebaceous Glands in Rook’s Textbook of Dermatology.2004; 7: 43.1-43.75.
- Acne Home Remedy, accessed last on 30 Aug, 2009
Disclaimer
The information given in this article is for educational purpose only so that patients are aware of the options available. No diagnosis should be made or treatment undertaken without first consulting your doctor. If you do so, the author or suite101 will not be responsible for any consequences. The images provided are for illustration purpose only.
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