ACNE. (Simple Acne)

Category: Diseases of The Skin

This is an inflammation of the sebaceous (fatty,
cheesy) glands. It forms these pimples or pustules and these are
intermingled with black-heads (comedones), flesh-worms. They vary from a
pin-head to a split-pea in size, and are of a bright or dark red color.
They occur for the most part on the face; also on the back, neck and
chest.

Condition. An over secretion, or alteration and retention of the fatty
(sebaceous) matter, and this is followed by inflammation involving the
glands, ducts of the glands, and hair follicles. Pus often forms and
tissue may be destroyed.

Causes. These skin glands are active at the time of puberty. The active
cause may be the stomach troubles, constipation, womb disorders, and poor
general nutrition.

PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Acne. All stomach troubles, constipation, and
womb troubles should be looked into and remedied. The diet and hygiene
must be regulated. Food that stimulates and is hard to digest should be
prohibited. When there is dyspepsia and constipation, bitter tonics, like
compound tincture of gentian, one dram before meals, or pepsin (five
grains) and loosening medicines like salts should be given.

Tincture of Nux Vomica is a good stomach and bowel tonic given in doses of
one to two drops before meals.

Calomel, one-half grain at night for a few nights, followed in the morning
by epsom salts or some mineral water like Abilena or Hunjadi is useful.
The following is a good combination by Dr. Schalek:

Tincture of Nux Vomica 2 drams
Dilute Nitro Muriatic Acid 4 drams
Sherry Wine enough for 3 ounces

Mix and take one teaspoonful three times a day.

Diet. See diet for dyspepsia and constipation. All fatty, greasy, rich
foods are prohibited.

Local Treatment. If the skin is quite red and tender, mild soothing
applications should be used. Most cases require vigorous treatment. First
wash the parts with warm water and the best soap, rinse with hot water and
then dry carefully. Remove the black-heads by careful pressure of the
fingers, or with black-head extractor; the pimples and pustules should be
freely cut, to allow the matter to escape and all the matter taken out.

External Medication, Ointment and Lotions. Lotions are to be preferred in
cases of oily discharge. If the skin becomes rough and chapped, soap
should not be used in washing, and a soothing ointment should be applied.
Drugs used are for stimulating the skin and healing the lesions.

1. Soothing Ointment.

Precipitated Sulphur 1 dram
Benzoinated Lard 1/2 ounce
Lanolin 1/2 ounce

For local use but not in oily cases. (Dr. Schalek.)

2. The following used as a soothing lotion:

Washed Sulphur 2-1/2 drams
Spirits of Camphor 3 drams
Biborate of Sodium 2 drams
Glycerin 6 drams
Distilled water enough for 4 ounces

Mix and shake well and apply freely so as to leave a film on the face.
(Dr. Schalek.)

3. Dr. Duhring's Lotion, following:

Precipitated Sulphur 2 drams
Glycerin 2 drams
Alcohol 1 ounce
Lime water 1 ounce
Rose water 2 ounces

Mix and shake before using and apply.

4. Kummerfield's Lotion. "Oriental Lotion."

Precipitated Sulphur 4 drams
Powdered Camphor 10 grains
Powdered Tragacanth 20 grains
Lime water 2 ounces
Rose water 2 ounces

Mix; shake well and apply every few hours.

5. Stimulating preparations.

Corrosive sublimate 1/2 to 2 grains
Emulsion bitter almonds 4 ounces

Mix thoroughly and use to stimulate the skin.

6. Ointment of white precipitate (five to fifteen per cent strength) can
be used in place of one above.

7. The Following Hebra Lotion (I give as written).

Hydrarg. Bichlor 1 dram
Aqua Distill 4 drams
Ov. Albuminis 3 drams
Succi Citri 3 drams
Sacchari 1 ounce

Mix and apply as directed.

Caution. Sulphur and mercury preparations should not be used at the same
time, nor immediately succeeding each other, as they will stain the skin.

Next: BALDNESS. (Alopecia). Causes

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ACNE. (Simple Acne)