Causation

The larger number of cases of acne are produced by improper food. The papules and pustules which constitute acne are caused by inspissation of the oil of the sebaceous glands, which plugs their orifices and irritates the glands and the hair follicles, exciting inflammation in them. The disease is usually first observed during puberty, a period in which important changes in the nutrition of the body are in progress, and, once established, it is apt to last for some time - often for several years. It is easy to conceive how slightly altered composition of the blood, due to imperfect assimilation of food, may alter the composition of the sebum and irritate the sebaceous glands.

In some people the papules appear as a result of eating buckwheat cakes or oatmeal. In others they are caused by greasy food - doughnuts, sausages, cheese, fried meats, ill-cooked and rich pastry - excess of sweets, nuts, and other indigestible substances.

Dietetic Treatment

In addition to local means, the dietetic treatment of acne is most important. G. T. Jackson says: "The well-to-do are all prone to eat too much, and it is remarkable how rapidly acne will improve by reducing their diet to the simplest elements. In many of them a milk diet for a few days, provided milk agrees with them, will accomplish a marked benefit. It is a good rule to cut off from the dietary all pastry, cake, candy, sweets, hot breads and pancakes, greasy soups, articles fried in fat, twice-cooked meats, rich gravies - in fact, all those things that are most apt to tempt the palate." Alcohol in all forms should be prohibited, as well as tea and coffee. A tumblerful of hot water or a glass of Vichy should be drunk before each meal. With meals but little fluid should be taken, never over four or five ounces, but between meals water or aerated water should be drunk freely for its diuretic effect. Naturally, exercise, bathing, and the use of laxatives should be adjuncts to the dietetic regimen.