"Acne is an important dermatological problem of the young; 80 percent of the population between 10 and 30 years, may show some signs of acne and about seven percent of all new dermatological consultations are for acne. Acne tends to be more severe in males. Apart from pain, disfigurement and scarring, it has marked psychological effects. Indeed, what might be a few minor lesions to a laborer could be disastrous to a model or air hostess. The disease occurs at a vulnerable time for adolescents and there could be nothing more destructive than for the doctor to assure the patient that 'you will grow out of it; I wouldn't worry about it,'" according to Dr. John M. Wishart of the Department of Dermatology of the Auckland Hospital in New Zealand.
"The last few years have seen a number of extremely effective agents become available for the treatment of acne. It may be said quite confidently that the worst aspects of acne need no longer be suffered and that it is negligent to do so. Although it is difficult to prove the assertion, dermatologists have a strong feeling that early and tho¬rough treatment of the condition may lessen complications of later pain and scarring," Wishart added.
But before you rush to the drugstore, a word of warning. Desperate consumers are the favorite targets of quacks and acne has its own share of quackery. Be wary of people who promise instant cures. There is no fast way out of acne. Depending on your condition, Wishart said it may take about a month of treatment before results are visible. And even with treatment, relapses are common.
"To avoid acne, you have to choose your ancestors because acne is to a large degree inherited. And if you've got bad acne in your family, the chances of you getting it are quite high," explained Dr. Peter W. Gould, former president of the New Zealand Dermatological Society.
What are some of the quack cures for acne? A popular one is vitamin A megadoses. While retinoids or vitamin A derivatives have found their greatest use in dermatology, particularly in the treatment of acne, vitamin A supplements are both ineffective and hazardous. This was established in 1979 by the Food and Drug Administration Advisory Panel on Vitamins and Mineral Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use.
"Taking large doses of vitamin A, which is necessary for healthy skin, at one time was thought to be a way to reduce acne. Megadoses of vitamin A, however, have never proved to be effective in treating most cases of acne. In fact, excess amounts of this fat-soluble vitamin can cause a variety of health problems," said Dr. Susan Baker of the Boston Children's Hospital in Parents' Guide to Nutrition.
Dr. Myron Winick, director of the Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, said some of the side effects of too much vitamin A are headache, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision and brain damage.
"While vitamin A helps acne, the doses required are dangerous to your liver and eyes. That's why other vitamin A derivatives were developed which are more effective but less toxic. The problem is, if you get people to buy vitamin A over-the-counter, they tend to overdo it and take too much," added Gould, a member of the British Association of Dermatology.
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