In primary school, Srikanth was a boisterous and outspoken child. Down the years, he became reclusive, unwilling to speak up or look at people in the eye. Assuming that this newfound awkwardness was a behavioural change associated with adolescence, his parents ignored it and waited for it to pass. But a chance remark Srikanth made about a peer's comments on his pimples set them thinking: Perhaps, the boy's awkwardness had no psychological connotations.
As it turned out, Srikanth was mortified by the pimples that had started appearing on his face.
Following a dermatological consultation and treatment, the boy's skin started clearing up. Srikanth was slowly getting back to being his usual extroverted self.
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Alongside treatment, what helped Srikanth a great deal was the informal counselling given to him on the facts about acne. “We also made sure he understood that his achievements would eventually hold more appeal and significance in life than his appearance, and that we all get to face disparaging comments that we must ignore, rather than brood,” says his mother.
The fact is acne can strike a painful blow on an adolescent's psyche and self esteem. To an adult, these are mere ‘pimples'. But, to an adolescent, these molehills can seem like mountains. As it is, during adolescence, a child is unsure about his identity, and struggling to find acceptance and approval from his peer group. “It is a time when the child is unnerved by the changes taking place in his body and very conscious of his physical appearance,” points out V. Chandra, adolescent counsellor. And, when acne strikes at such a time, the results can be devastating.
In teenagers, acne can scar the spirit, not just the skin. In fact, a survey of British teenagers found that 39 per cent of teenagers with acne avoided going to school because of embarrassment; 55 per cent of these 11- to 18-year-olds said acne prevented them from having a boyfriend or girlfriend; 32 per cent said acne stopped them from making friends.
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Says M. Anand, consultant dermatologist and director, Skin Research Centre: “Acne causes profound depression, and triggers suicidal tendencies in teenagers. These kids think they look bad and can't achieve much.” This makes treatment of acne a priority affair, even though it seems alike a cosmetic issue. “Treatment prevents acne from getting worse, and avoids scarring,” adds Nanditha Suresh, consultant dermatologist.
The anatomy of acne
Acne usually occurs between the ages of 12 and 20. During adolescence, the hormone levels increase and this stimulates the secretion of oily sebum by the sebaceous glands. When a hair follicle becomes clogged with sebum and acne bacteria grow in it, inflammation occurs, resulting in acne. In some, the acne is more severe than in others.
“The equation between diet and acne is very complex. It is suspected by some, though not conclusively proved, that high-fat milk and high-calorie or hyper-glycemic food can induce pimples. Some endocrinal disorders such as diabetes and thyroid issues too may induce acne,” informs Dr. Anand. Women with large cystic acne need screening for polycystic ovaries and thyroid disorders too. Acne in more common in boys than in girls.
Finally, if acne has left behind scars, don't despair. Says Dr. Anand: “New dermatological techniques such as glycolic acid peeling, microdermabrasion and fractionated laser hold a lot of hope.”
FOR CLEANER SKIN
Avoid high-calorie/hyperglycaemic food
Control the oil on the skin by washing your face with a non-alkaline cleanser, thrice a day. Soaps containing salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide work well for mild acne
Apply anti-bacterial cream after washing the area, every day at bedtime. Benzoyl peroxide-based creams can also help reduce acne, but can cause skin irritation in some
Never poke or pop the pimples or comedones. It only increases inflammation and leaves scars
Consult your dermatologist and use products designed for acne-prone skin (non-comedogenic products)