Welcome to You Ask Andy

Dina Polsoni, age 11, of Downsview, Ontario, Canada, for her question:

HOW DO YOU GET PIMPLES?

If you have pimples on your face, there are a number of very important thingsthat you must not do. You must not scratch the pimples, nor must you squeeze them. Stop fussing with your face. And don't try to cover pimples that are on your forehead or cheeks by combing your hair over them.

Your skin has tiny openings where oil glands are located. If the openings become plugged with oil and other secretions from the glands, pimples develop. These are the usual first signs of acne  which is a problem skin condition thatcan trouble many young people.

The thickening and drying of the material in an oil gland can produce what is called a blackhead. This stops the flow of natural oils and then a swelling and an unsightly pimple develops. Lots of pimples produce the problem we call acne.

One out of every five young people has acne. The disease seems to be primarily one of adolescence, but even older people can be bothered with it. Between 80 and 90 percent of all teen agers suffer from acne at one time or another.

We don't know exactly why people get pimples and acne. There seems to be some relationship between the oil glands of the skin and a person's hormone balance. Some say that certain foods  often those related to cow's milk  can aggravate the problems of the disease. Chocolate also seems to spell trouble for other people.

Some say that psychic and emotional factors play a part in.acne  perhaps not causing it but certainly influencing its severity. At times of stress, such as when final examinations are coming up, acne can flare up.

Climate can affect acne. The disease seems to be more severe during the winter months in temperate zones. In tropical regions, humidity and high temperatures can complicate acne as a result of heavy sweating.

Pimples and acne apparently result from problems inside a person's body. If the reason for flare ups of the disease is found, the best treatment is simply to eliminate the cause of the flare ups.

As part of the campaign to rid your face of pimples, use the trial and error method to check problem foods: for a time eliminate the consumption of chocolate, peanuts, milk and ice cream, one by one, until you see results.

Skin cleanliness is also important, but don't go overboard. Wash gently and frequently with mild soap. Use care with cosmetics. And don't squeeze.

 

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