How to Prevent Acne – Your Guide to Avert this Nagging Disease

Acne is a very common disease characterized by white or gray tiny papules in the skin. Generally sun-exposed part of your skin is affected. Acne occurs due to blockage of the sebaceous glands. There is bacterial colonization in the sebaceous gland and subsequently localized infection flares up. Scarring of the infected gland occurs and what we see at this stage is called acne. You should know about how to prevent acne.

• Prevention is better than cure – this phrase is equally viable for acne as well. It is now clear that acne is caused by naturally occurring bacterium Propionibacterium acnes. There is also deposition of dead cells and bacteria in the sebaceous gland which, in turn, block the gland. This helps in the inflammatory procedure. What we can do to prevent acne are as follows:

• Keeping your skin clean – you should wash your face daily with a soap-free face wash if you are prone to acne. This will scrub down the dead cells in your face.

• Don’t rub your skin – in any case, if you find any pimple in the face or anywhere else of your body, please do not squeeze or vigorously rub it. It helps in the spread of infection in nearby places and the number of lesions will increase manifold. Popping of an acne lesion will produce a nasty scar as well.

• Taking healthy diet and plenty of water – healthy, balanced and fiber-rich diet will boost up the natural immunity of our skin. It will also help in neutralization of the bacteria which may produce acne. Drinking plenty of water will flush out toxins and dead cells from the sebaceous gland in the form of sweat. It is recommended to take at least 2 liters of water a day.

• Taking the help of medication – there are certain antibiotics that are used in cases of acne. Erythromycin, tetracycline, minocycline, doxicycline and azithromicin are currently available drugs against Propionibacterium acnes. Topical antibiotics are also available in the market. Most of these medicines are well tolerated and can be given for long term therapy. But it is advisable to take medicines after consulting your doctor.

• Rationally choose your skin care products – look out for non-comedogenic and hypo-allergenic products while selecting your toiletries. You can also use oil-free face or body wash.

• You can try some homemade acne face packs. The best one comprises of Bengal gram powder mixed with yogurt and honey. Take 50 grams of Bengal Gram powder and add 50 grams of yogurt in it. Mix it well to make a thick paste. Add 3 teaspoonful of honey in it and a little lukewarm water. Mix it again. Apply the paste all over the places where you find acne pimples. Keep it for half an hour. Then wash it thoroughly with water. Apply this paste 2-3 times a week for at least 3 months. It will definitely prevent further acne formation.

I hope you are now well informed about how to prevent acne in a convincing way. Some lifestyle changes and proper diet; those are the key features in combating the situation.

Author – Dr. Anupam Biswas