The cause of acne is not known, but there seems to be a strong hereditary tendency. Acne appears during the adolescent period and leaves in the twenties. For some it is a serious prob­lem, not only medical but also psychological, disturbing even the personality. Sometimes these pimples are very deep and leave scars somewhat like those of smallpox. Along with acne there are generally a number of comedones (blackheads).

Treatment for Acne:

Diet is a significant factor in treating acne One troubled with this complaint should avoid sweets and fats. Fried foods, rich desserts and gravies are especially harmful Chocolate is one of the worst offenders.

Proper and frequent washing is also important. Wash the face thoroughly every morning and evening with a soap con­taining hexachlorophene. This will remain on the face for hours and destroy bacteria that try to enter the pores. In washing the face it is best to use cotton wool (unspun cotton). Besides being soft it tends to prevent the spread of any infection that may be in the skin. Do not rub hard but work up a good lather. Do not rinse off the skin. Rather dry the soap off with a towel.

Drainage of pustules is another part of the treatment for acne. When one of the pimples develops a "head", wash it and the area around it carefully. Sterilize a needle by holding it in the flame of a candle or match. Puncture the outer layer of skin and gently express the pus. Do not try to get pus out of the deep red ones. There is usually none there anyway, and there is a tendency to squeeze the skin too hard. If too much pre

Sunshine and exercise are vital. It is well to exercise in the sunshine. Exercise causes the blood to flow freely and helps to build up the general resistance. The sun on the skin destroys bacteria and a little perspiration washes out the pores. Regular elimination is to be carefully maintained. Be sure that the bowels move daily. If one becomes constipated, acne becomes worse. Plenty of fruit and vegetables in the diet will insure adequate movements.

The medication to be administered is as follows: Some­times antibiotics are helpful but since the condition lasts for years, the use of these miracle drugs must be limited to the time when the acne condition has become especially troublesome. One can take sulpha drugs or the so-called "mycin" drugs, but while they should be taken four times a day at first, the final dose should be reduced to a minimum. This treatment is not too well recommended. The most promising medication now is the use of one of the tablets used to control diabetes. One tablet a day will reduce the blood sugar, and whereas eating sugar will increase the blood sugar and make the condition worse this medicine reduces the blood sugar and improves the condition. These drugs are called tolbutamide or diabinese. One tablet daily is all that is used, but the results are promising.

Acne of Menstruation

Some young ladies have trouble with the skin breaking out at the time of the menses. Tolbutamide may be of help at this time and would be worth trying. Thyroid tablets also will often help this condition and if there are other factors that need regulation the use of this medication is justified.