Pimples

Q) what are pimples?

Ans) Pimples or acne is one of the most common skin problems especially in teens and younger age Group. This basically a disorder of oil glands , in which there is blockage of oil gland ducts and change in type and quality of oil produced due to hormonal reasons. This causes appearance of white heads and blackheads, which over a period of time get infected and appear as red dots or painful cysts and pus-filled spots.

Q) What is the cause and do they really need to be treated?

Ans) Hormonal changes is the most important cause. Infection with certain bacteria also causes it. Traditionally foods especially oily foods have been blamed, but there is no a very significant conclusive evidence that specific foods aggravate acne in everyone, it is advisable to avoid certain foods which you feel aggravate acne in your case.

Sometimes the pimples may pass on their own, requiring no or little treatment. Whereas on the other hand they may cause significant scarring and psychological impact on the patient, treatment definitely helps.

Q) I have taken many treatments pimples go away then come back again, so whats the use!!!!!?

Ans) It is true that pimples may come in bouts , it is said that even if you take no treatment at all pimples will go away with age but may leave a scarred face and pigmentation problem which may be very difficult to get rid of.

The advantage of taking treatment for pimples is that it will not leave the face scarred and will reduce or stop the new pimples. Also even if you et recurrent bouts they will be usually be less severe.

Q) Allopathic treatments have too many side effects , antibiotics and all you know!!

Ans) Antibiotics are only a small part of acne treatment and usually may not be required in most cases, Besides it is a common misnomer that only “allopathy” has side effects , all forms of treatments carry side effects , it is mostly that followers of western medicine document these and declare them openly for caution and best results.

Q) How are pimples diagnosed?

Ans) Pimples are so common that even lay people can make out, but there are many other skin problems that mimic pimples so it is important that an expert makes the right diagnosis.

Q) What is the treatment, and is it curable?

Ans) With the recent advances in medicine, there are a host of effective and safe treatments available suited for individual skin types. Right from benzoyl peroxide to latest retinoids and antibiotics to apply instead of tablets.

Treatment is also available for treating acne scars also. Some very effective medicines may eradicate them completely. Besides some treatments like chemical peels may give a faster and a better cosmetic result. For information on peels refer to section on chemical peels.