Acne

What, apart from a secret stash of boy band CDs, is more embarrassing than having acne when you’re an adult? It’s something few teenagers are spared, but which most guys grow out of by around 20.

The ancient Egyptians, who had some good health ideas, advised adult acne should be treated with a cream made from ostrich egg, bullock’s bile (don’t even ask), olive oil and plant resin.

In the face of those alternatives, modern treatments seem benign. Follow common sense. Don’t pick at the pimples and don’t use astringent creams and soaps. The odd spot is normal enough and guys who shave often get ingrown hairs that can become infected. If your skin is sensitive you might also develop allergic reactions or if you have eczema or a dry skin and you scratch it, you might develop some sort of secondary infection. Neither of these are acne. If you have acne it must be treated from the inside as well as the outside, so see your doctor. He or she may well refer you to a specialist.

(William Smook, Health24, updated January 2009)