Do's & Dont's for ACNE VULGARIS / PIMPLES by Dr.Anuradha Rao

TO PREVENT PIMPLES / ACNE
 
DO's
Do wash your face with a mild soap thrice a day.
Do wash your face often (plain water splashes).
Do steam your face at least twice a week.
Do use a separate face towel and soap.
Do eat a healhty balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. It is generally believed that oily foods aggravate acne. This is not true.
Do inform your doctor if you are taking any other oral medications like oral contraceptive pills, hormones etc.
Do ask your doctor for any clarification regarding your medications.
Do visit your dermatologist regularly.
 
DONT's
Do not pinch / pluck at your pimples or even touch them. They can scar.
Do not stop your medications abruptly without consulting your doctor. Oral medications may have to be taken for at least 5-6 months.
Do not use any strong medicated soaps.
Do not use oily cosmetics.

Cosmetic corrective procedures for Acne scars
Following cosmetic procedures are available for post acne scars in the face:
Chemical peel : Various chemical agents like Retinoic acid, Trichloracetic acid, Alpha hydroxy acid or Phenol are used to induce exfoliation of superficial layers of skin.
Dermabrasion: Abrading superficial layers of skin using emory or sand paper or motorized dermabrader.
Collagen injection: Used to fill up and level up skin unevenness and smoothen it.
Excision & punch Graft : Deep pitted scars can be excised and punch grafted.
 
Dr.Anuradha Rao,

Consultant Dermatologist, Bangalore
E-mail: anu.sanjay@gmail.com