How to Deal with Acne
There is hardly a day that someone does not write me asking for relief from that most disfiguring form of skin trouble known as acne. Acne Is not a contagious nor a dangerous skin disease, neither does It seem to point to any very serious physical condition. It is quite true that in treating it doctors try to tone up the general health, but it Is one of the anomalies of the disease that people apparently in excellent general health suffer from It.
Not a Blood Trouble
Properly speaking acne is not a blood trouble; it comes from a deflection or clogging up of the sebaceous glands, and it is possible that it is accompanied with certain changes in the cellular structure of the skin. It is, therefore, a trouble of the skin, although, as the skin is fed by the capillaries, it is, affected by anything that affects the condition of the blood. Indigestion, nervousness, anything that causes flushing, are all contributory causes to acne.
There is a white acne which shows no inflammation at all, but the most common form of this trouble has a marked red inflammation with pimples, more or less severe, and a more troublesome case will show hard, blood-filled lumps that itch and burn before they suppurate. Acne of this sort is apt to leave scars, and the greatest care should be taken in removing the pus. that the skin is not torn or maltreated.
What Not to Eat or Drink
In laying down a diet for the amelioration of acne a safe, general rule is as follows: Avoid constipation and eat and drink nothing that the stomach or causes indigestion, flatulency or acidity. Confine the diet to chicken, roasted or meats, well baked stale bread, or toast, and vegetables simply cooked and seasoned. In some cases acid fruit, and salads should be freely eaten. An excess of starchy food is bad for all skin troubles and many people who live simply and healthfully in most respects take too much starchy food. Large quantities of broad, potatoes or rice should not be taken at the same meal.
Condiments, such as mustard, pickles, pepper, catsup, should be shunned by any one suffering from acne or flushing. Hot soup and hot drinks will often increase the trouble for the moment by sending the blood to the skin and so dilating the capillaries. Alcoholic drinks, over in moderation, are strictly forbidden, and the same embargo should be put on tea and coffee If they, are taken In such quantities as to irritate the stomach or affect the nerves.
