At a time when youths are growing into adulthood and facing a plethora of challenges and feelings of insecurity, acne can wreak havoc on even the most confident. It can ruin a special occasion such as when a huge zit on the nose grows overnight just before Prom.
Should it be popped and squeezed in hopes of minimizing it? Or will an inch of makeup disguise it? Or is locking oneself in the bedroom until it goes away the best choice? Hormones, emotions and stress just seem to make the situation worse.
Zits: Pop It or Cover It
Picking or popping the pimple will actually only make it worse as it can force the bacteria and pus down further into the skin and pores. And covering it with makeup can cause more irritation, swelling and redness. Try telling this to the teenager in angst over the situation. Suggesting they survey the room at the prom to see how many others have had a similar sudden outbreak won’t help either.
Dr. Herbert P. Goodheart, MD has some very simple and practical advice and education in his new book, Acne for Dummies. As a dermatologist, Dr. Goodheart helps to debunk many of the myths and mysteries behind acne.
Understanding the causes, types and treatments of skin issues such as acne, rashes, rosacea, and razor bumps can be a confusing issue. With so many over-the-counter products available and infomercials galore choosing products that will work and not actually make the condition worse can be a daunting experience.
Debunking Rumors About Acne
Dr. Goodheart includes photographs and easy to understand descriptions, diagrams and explanations for the various forms of skin issues. He debunks rumors such as chocolate or greasy foods cause acne, but he cautions that a healthy diet is most helpful to proper healing and general health.
He discusses the many types of skin conditions and potential problems such as dry skin, oily skin and thin skin. He explains the scarring process and how to avoid most problems. He also provides an in-depth explanation of how hormones, stress and lifestyle affect acne.
No Miracle Cures for Acne
There is no miracle cure and instant gratification is not a possibility. Acne usually begins in the pre to early teen years and can typically last for five to ten years. Some cases continue even longer. There’s a time and place for over-the-counter treatments and when it’s time to see a dermatologist. Dr. Goodheart covers it all in an easy to read fashion.
He describes many of the prescription drugs and topical treatments and how and why they work. He cautions that over-the-counter treatments don’t have to list ingredients and can contain substances which can irritate an individual’s skin more than they help. One size does not fit all when it comes to treating skin conditions.
Information and education are important factors in good health. The skin is the largest organ in the human body. Learn how to take care of it. Acne for Dummies provides honest information about how to battle breakouts and keep skin healthy.
Acne for Dummies by Dr. Herbert P. Goodheart, MD ©2006 by Wiley Publishing, Inc. Hoboken, NJ. ISBN 0-471-74698-3.
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