KABUL (SW) – A number of doctors have told Salam Watandar that acne occurs for various reasons such as stress and anxiety, seasonal changes, menstruation, hormonal changes, and the lack of a proper diet, particularly among girls.
Abdul Wahed Safa, a dermatology specialist says that acne is most commonly seen in young girls. “Various factors play a role in the formation of facial pimples or acne, especially the syndrome of stress, cosmetics, and even oily makeup. However, the main factors for acne are the level of sex hormones and genetic factors,” said Mr. Safa.
Noreen Nawab, another dermatology specialist, discussed the prevention ways that of the occurrence of acne, saying, “Stress, depression, and anxiety can have a significant impact. So, avoiding stress is important if we want to maintain healthy skin, free from acne and pimples,” said Noreen.
Moreover, Mohammad Mustafa Sahibzada, a dermatologist at Maiwand Hospital in Kabul, said that acne is most commonly seen in girls aged 9 to 25. “Most of our patients are young people. We see acne in people up to 25 years old.”
Salam Watandar interviewed 15 girls for this report. These girls cite various reasons for the appearance of acne on their skin. Sara, 20, a kabul resident says, “Acne appeared on my face when I was 13, and it made me very upset. I visited a doctor, and the ointments they prescribed helped reduce the pimples. However, when my period is near, the pimples become more numerous and larger.”
Husna, 25, from Kabul, also believes that menstruation and hormonal changes are the cause of her acne. “Acne first appeared on my face when I was 19. I haven’t visited a doctor yet, but before my period starts, the pimples appear on my face two days before, and they become larger as well,” said Husna.
Shabna, 24, who has had acne since she was 18, says that stress and anxiety cause her pimples to worsen. She said: “I visited the doctor several times, but I didn’t see good results. Whenever I feel stressed or anxious, the acne appears more prominently on my face.”
Some of these girls believe that diet plays a role in the appearance of acne on their faces. Wahida, 18, says that neglecting their diet and consuming spicy foods tend to increase her acne outbreaks.
Similarly, Mahsa, 17-year-old, discusses the effect of diet on her acne, saying: “Acne first appeared when I was 15. I haven’t visited a doctor yet, but eating spicy or bitter food increases the pimples on my face. If I avoid these foods, my condition is normal. One of my sisters also suffers from the same condition, and the cause is also related to eating spicy or bitter food.”
