Acne

 Written by: Muhammad Arif Rahimi

When a person reaches puberty, he/she might face various skin problems such as rashes, skin allergies, leishmaniosis, and acne.

Acne is a common skin condition that causes pimples mostly on the face, forehead, chest, shoulders, and upper back.

There are a variety of causes including genetics, fluctuating hormone levels, stress, high humidity and using oily or greasy personal care products. Acne commonly affects teenagers but can occur at any age.

AEPO’s writer/producer has talked to some people and a physician about the causes and treatment of acne.

Sara Ahmadi says, “My sister and I suffered from acne on our face and forehead. If we put pressure on them, blood and pus would come from them.”

Ismat, a resident of Maidan-Wardak says, “Acne causes pimples on my face, forehead, chest, shoulders, and back. The pimples were small at first and later grew to the size of a pea. These pimples changed my appearance and I also was suffering from pain and burning.”

Doctor Muhammad Arif Abid, a dermatologist at one of the private skin hospitals in Kabul city talks about the causes of acne, “At first, the acne appears as red spots on the face and has no pain or inflammation.

Pus and blood come out of them and the pimples will grow if left untreated and will appear on the forehead, shoulders, chest, and back. The acne causes pain and inflammation. Oily face, eating more sweets and spicy foods, energy carbonized drinks can cause acne.”

What do some people think about the causes of acne?

A girl who doesn’t want to mention her name in the program says, “When one reaches puberty, his/her body hormones change and cause acne.”

Sanam Waziri says, “Excessive use of cosmetics and face creams can cause acne."

Doctor Abid says, “When the pores of the skin become blocked by hair, bacteria, and dead skin cells, pimples appear on the face.”

How do some teenagers treat acne?

A girl who doesn’t introduce herself says, “I suffered more from acne. In the beginning, I put a piece on the pimples, it was removing the pimples, but their stains remained. Then I divided the aloe Vera leaf into two pieces and put it on my acne, and this treatment reduced the number of pimples on my face.”

Sara Ahmadi says, “I put a piece of ice on the pimple, it reduced the pain and swelling but when I used toothpaste for this purpose, it caused the increasing of pimples on my skin.”

Doctor Abid talks about the treatment, “Most patients say that Aloe Vera is useful for the treatment of acne. Aloe Vera should not be used arbitrarily. It should be used as administered by the dermatologist. Garlic, anion, Sulphur, and herbs cause irritation and enlargement of the pimples and dark spots will remain on the face. Ice piece reduces burning and swelling but the patient should go to a dermatologist for essential treatment.”