COMMON CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES AND CONDITIONS

ACNE

Acne includes blackheads, whiteheads (pimples), or red bumps on the face, neck, and/or shoulders usually affecting adolescents and young adults. It is caused by an overactivity and plugging of the oil glands. It is not caused by diet, sexual activity, or dirt.

HOME CARE:

• Soap — wash the skin twice each day, the most important time being at bedtime using a mild soap
• Hair — Shampoo daily
• Avoid picking — this prevents healing

ADDITIONAL TREATMENT:

• Astringents nightly after cleansing (witch hazel, 10-0-6, Stridex, etc.)
• Benzoyl peroxide 5% lotion or gel — helps open pimples, unplug black heads, and kill bacteria. It is available without a prescription.
• Pimple opening — avoid "popping" pimples. If you do it anyway, never open a pimple before it comes to a head. Wash face and hands first. Using a sterile needle, nick the surface of the yellow pimple with the tip of the needle allowing the pus to escape without squeezing.
• Blackhead extractor — an inexpensive instrument which removes black heads easily and relatively pain-free.

COMMON TREATMENT MISTAKES:

• Avoid scrubbing the skin
• Avoid applying any oily or greasy substances to the face
• Avoid hair tonics or hair creams
• Decrease makeup
• Keep hair pulled off face

CALL THE DOCTOR DURING REGULAR OFFICE HOURS IF:

• A boil develops on the face
• Several large, tender red bumps appear
• Acne is not improved after treating it with Benzoyl peroxide for 2 months
• Benzoyl peroxide makes the face itchy or swollen