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We still are not sure why some people have more acne than others, but we know that acne is the result of a combination of factors, and that even with treatment, acne does not disappear overnight.
The basic problem is blocked skin pores. The result is a blackhead or a whitehead. The whitehead is the forerunner of a pimple. Blackheads usually do not cause pimples, but they are unsightly.
What makes acne worse? If you scrub your face, pick it, or rub it too much, the walls of the pores may break and cause more pimples. Pinching and popping pimples, blackheads or whiteheads may cause scarring. Some cosmetics or cover-ups actually may block pores. Avoid greasy make-up, and use mild soaps rather than astringents, to wash your face.
Treatment involves unblocking the pores, and it may take four to six weeks of using medication before you see changes. There are a number of medicines available to treat acne. Some work better for some people than others, so it may take a bit of experimentation before you find the one that works best for you. In cases that are difficult to manage, you may choose to see, or be referred to, a dermatologist, a physician specializing in diseases and conditions of the skin.
For additional healthy kids tips, log onto baymed.org, scroll over "Health Checks & You" and join our "E-List." For more information about childhood diseases or development, contact Inez Balinska, MD or Darek Balinski, MD, Bay Regional Pediatrics, Medical Mall, 1456 W. Center Road, Essexville. (989) 895-4840.
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