Acne is a skin disorder characterized by cysts, open and closed comedones (plugged lesions containing a cottage cheese-like material), pus pockets, and raised red swellings.

Acne often develops during adolescence. During this period of active growth, the oil glands of the skin go through an extended period of development. In some young people, these glands become clogged, swollen, and inflamed, resulting in acne.

Management and Prevention:

1.	Keep your hands clean and your nails short. Avoid touching the face, except with a clean tissue. Most people with acne have an unconscious habit of frequently touching the face, the eyes, or the lips.
2.	Keep your hair clean with frequent shampooing. Prevent hair from touching the face or shoulders. Take a shower everyday.
3.	Drink enough water so that the urine is almost colorless. Good hydration keeps the secretions of the body more fluid. After careful washing of the hands and face, spread a thin film of lotion on the face to prevent dryness.
4.	Maintain a daily routine with regular mealtimes, bedtime, arising time, planned water-drinking time, bowel movements after meals (a cold water, single ear-syringe enema may be taken). Regularity in all things is essential.
5.	Practice good posture, deep breathing, and daily exercise out-of-doors for one hour or more. Good circulation to the face is important.
6.	Do not consume animal products until the acne is under control. Read labels to check for animal products. Milk is especially harmful.
7.	Do not mix too many foods in one meal. Mixing of various foods creates a chemical warfare inside your body. Eat simple meals.
8.	Fasting for one day a week may be helpful. Eat meals at the same time daily. Avoid snacking in between meals.
9.	Gas-forming foods should be eaten in small quantities and chewed well. Gas-forming foods include beans, corn, apples, raisins, bananas, prune juice, and apple juice. Try to spend 30 to 45 minutes eating meals. Chew food to a cream before swallowing. Do not overeat.
10.	The following diet may be helpful: Avoid sugar and honey. Restrict salt to 1/2 teaspoon daily. Avoid chemicals that end in "-ine," such as nicotine, caffeine (coffee, tea, and soft drinks), theobromine (chocolate), and pharmaceuticals that contain these chemicals. Obtain plenty of vitamin A by eating an abundance of richly colored green and yellow foods. Eat fruits and vegetables liberally, grains moderately, and nuts sparingly.
11.	Put hot applications of golden seal tea on the most severely inflamed lesions.
12.	Try to expose your face to the sun moderately everyday.