Skin pimples have been very common for a very long time and many spurious homespun treatments have emerged over time.

Skin pimples are invariably of acute concern to the person, but in contrast to other health problems rarely becomes of paramount importance. Consequently, and within this context, it is not surprising that diagnosis and medication is normally self-administered. Neither is it remarkable that without clinical involvement in most cases, misunderstandings have arisen about useful remedies. These misunderstandings have gained general acceptance, albeit that they might have no logical or remedial validity. This is a ironic situation, given that the frequency of skin pimples has provided the occasion for such treatments to be tested and inadequate.

Below are some "remedies" thought to cure pimples. Some do seem to offer some interim improvement - whilst others are to be avoided at any time, as undoubtedly totally unsuitable, and potentially hazardous. None of them are of any genuine benefit.

Household Cleaning Products are believed by some people to a worthy selection as it is thought a thorough cleansing of the skin is desirable. Even when watered down there is the possibility of a reaction to the chemicals in these products. The actual manner in which these products are successful means that they ought not be used where there is the probability of contact with skin.

Vigorous cleansing the skin can do as much damage as good. Dirt free skin can help in treatment, but will not take care of the source of the problem which originates below the surface of the skin.

Medications used to put a stop to nappy rash have ingredients that are intended to cover the skin - at this age the larger hazard is harm due to urine. These greases can have an undesirable consequence if they block the skin.

Applying sticky pads or adhesive tape or comparable things for a while - for instance during the night, with the purpose of removing dead skin and excessive skin oils. This has no benefit, and runs the risk of an allergic reaction to the glue.

Sunbathing or sun-beds are considered to be of help, but this faith is ill-founded. Extended exposure to intensive sunshine or sun beds can harm skin, and there is an amplified chance of skin melanoma in the long run. Particular medications, taken to lessen skin pimples, can intensify sensitivity to sunlight.

Avoiding particular foods for example chocolate and fried foods will not heal skin pimples. Although various foods may exacerbate a condition, there is no evidence to suggest that they are the fundamental cause. Staying away from these foods may have a minor effect, but will not provide a solution.

Squeezing skin pimples to eliminate the germs does not have any advantageous effect. It may eliminate what might be seen to be an unattractive pimple - but risks the spread of the bacteria - and does not deal with the fundamental problem.

Skin pimples will vanish given time without any treatment - and ought to be allowed to merely run its course. This might be true to a degree - depending on the underlying cause. Some people do suffer with a short-term problem - particularly adolescents. But improvement is expected to be especially gradual - and with no confidence of success. It is not necessary to simply wait. There are successful solutions.

Medication which is having a positive effect can safely be used more generously to hasten healing. It is never a clever proposal to take unwarranted dosages of any medication. There is a possibility that the skin might be irritated by additional use.

To summarise:

To attempt to cure pimples employing fashionable remedies is almost always ineffective and risks unwelcome consequences. Before starting any treatment the underlying cause should be investigated and the proposed remedy thoroughly evaluated. Friends' advice should almost always be totally ignored.