Acne is known to affect people even before humans could write. Some Egypt writings mention that Pharaohs used to suffer with Acne. It seems that the word ‘Acne’ was invented in ancient Greece as people from there were also affected by this disorder.
Here are some of the ways people used to treat Acne depending on the period they lived in:
In ancient Rome, Acne was treated with baths. They used hot mineral water, combined with sulfur. Celsius on of the writers of Rome mentioned of this treatment in the book called ‘De Medicina’.
Until 1800, the people did not discover any more useful treatments against Acne and have continuously used sulfur as they saw it can dry and exfoliate the skin.
In 1920, people began to use Benzoyl Peroxide which is still used nowadays. We can find it in the composition of the anti-Acne cream called ‘Brevoxyl’ in a concentration of 4%.
In 1930, Laxatives were being used for treating the affection called ‘Chastity pustules’. People thought that virgins could not eliminate toxins from their body as they did not have any sexual contact so they generally used laxatives against Acne. Still, they were not far from the truth as nowadays doctors know that constipation can be a cause of Acne as toxins accumulate in the body but sex has nothing to do with eliminating toxins.
In 1950, antibiotics were finally used in treating Acne caused by germs. Most of all, tetracycline was used with great results, but nowadays it is no longer used as it has lost her effect against some skin germs and her place was taken by more powerful antibiotics.
1960 is the year when ‘Tretionine’, also known as ‘Retin A’ was discovered to have a benefic effect against Acne. Later on the oral Isotretionine was made and the battle against Acne became easier. These products are still used nowadays with the same great effects on Acne. They are mostly used by US people.
In 1980, a famous anti-Acne product called ‘Accutane’ appeared in the American market. Its results on an Acne skin are astonishing and that is why it is still used in 2007.
In 1990, Laser Therapy made its first steps in treating Acne and now it has perfected in such a way that it does not only cure Acne but it can clear the skin from recent and even old scars left by Acne. Of course the process if quite expensive but the result of laser therapy is a perfectly normal skin which all people suffering of Acne are dreaming of. Further more, it does not hurt at all and you are not obliged to hide in the house for a few days as you have to do after chemical peeling procedures.
In 2000, the blue/red therapy has developed along with laser therapy and Acne can be treated easily.
Seeing what our ancestors did to cure Acne shows us how the humanity has evolved and also makes people suffering of Acne hope, that in a few years they will not have to deal with this infection any more.
Everything else is going alright, I’ll update you on the Accutane in a couple of days.
-Jpc
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