13 January, 1900 - 'The Face and Its Blemishes' by the New Doctor - Acne (Part Two: Treatment)

For Part One, click the appropriate tag below.

Since acne is a local disease dependent upon local affection, it is by local means that it should be treated. It is our belief that constitutional treatment of any kind and dieting and internal medication are alike without any effect upon true acne.

The proper treatment is acne is really very satisfactory if properly carried out for a sufficiently long period. The condition is one which lasts off and on for seven to ten years, and it is impossible to put a stop to it in a day or two. The treatment must be carried out for two or three weeks at first, and then for shorter periods at intervals, should the affection return.

13 January, 1900 - 'The Face and Its Blemishes' by the New Doctor - Acne (Part One - The Condition)

The most important of all the blemishes of the complexion is undoubtedly acne. The cause of nearly all pimples and spots on the face, acne is an affection which gives trouble and annoyance to nearly everyone.

Acne is an affection of the sebaceous glands, and to fully understand its causes and treatment we must briefly review the functions of the sebaceous glands themselves.
By the side of each hair root, two small glands are situated. These glands secrete a thick oil, not unlike very thick cream in appearance. This oil, which is the natural grease of the hair, is necessary to maintain the hair in health, and to prevent it from splitting. the secretion is called sebum and the glands which secrete the sebum are called the sebaceous glands.