What every girl should know. Jan van Elfen

raised levels of insulin, which can lead to excessive secretion by the sebaceous glands.

      Emotions such as stress and depression do not cause acne. Self-conscious acne sufferers could, however, eventually become upset and discouraged if their skin condition does not clear up. This is precisely when they should avoid poking and pressing their pimples. Continually scratching the scab off a squeezed pimple prevents healing and exposes it to secondary infection again.

      Although people jokingly refer to petting pimples, the condition of your skin has nothing to do with your love affairs.

      But there is help. So let’s discuss treatment.

      There are in fact just two types of treatment for acne for us to consider: the kind you do yourself and that prescribed by a doctor. When treating acne at home, the following rules apply:

      Cleansing the skin. The face and other affected parts of your body should be washed thoroughly but gently two to three times a day with soap and water. Use any good soap. The problem with many “special” skin remedies is that they dry out or irritate the skin.

      Don’t scratch or squeeze pimples. There are germs under your fingernails that infect pimples. A “ripe” pimple can be gently squeezed out after you have thoroughly cleansed your hands and face with soap, water and disinfectant. To help reduce bruising of the skin, place a small piece of clean tissue paper or cotton wool around your fingertips before you start.

      Follow a balanced diet with enough water, fresh fruit and vegetables, and vitamins. Avoid greasy foods and sweets.

      Wash your hair regularly to prevent oiliness. If you have dandruff, it should be treated.

      A drying agent such as eau de cologne can be used, but do not apply skin creams or ointments, unless prescribed by a doctor.

      Medical advice should be sought if acne persists or gets worse. If you have the kind of pimples that turn into large cysts, you should see a doctor. And once you have consulted the doctor, follow his or her advice exactly.

      If home treatment doesn’t work and your pimples are getting you down, you should consult a doctor. If your problem is really bad, the doctor will refer you to a dermatologist (skin specialist). Medical treatment could include the following:

      The careful and sterile drainage of pimples.

      The prescription of antibiotics (oral and/or to be applied to the skin) on a long-term basis to reduce the formation of acid in the glandular ducts.

      Vitamin A in a carefully prescribed dosage might help, but should only be taken for a limited period and under your doctor’s supervision. Remember that too much vitamin A can be dangerous.

      Ultraviolet radiation in special cases.

      Hormone preparations are prescribed for certain patients.

      The removal of the top layer of skin to get rid of scar tissue.

      So, there is good reason to remain positive. Acne is mostly a temporary condition. But it must not be neglected. If home treatment doesn’t work, then a doctor’s help is always available. Even the most stubborn cases can be healed.

      The most important thing you can do is not to fiddle with, scratch or squeeze your pimples.

      Your new body shape

      It takes a while to get used to your new body shape and more feminine appearance. At this stage, many girls feel self-conscious about the development of their breasts and hips and try to hide their curves by slouching or wearing loose-fitting clothes. This tends to be the case with girls who have developed faster than their friends or classmates. Rather be proud of your femininity, put your shoulders back and walk tall.

      When you read the next chapter – which deals with the anatomy and physiology of the sexual organs – you will come to realise how amazing your body is and how efficiently the different parts work together.

      Remember that regular exercise is important for your health and self-image. Exercise and healthy eating habits are the best defence against drooping shoulders, a protruding stomach and plump thighs. Try to avoid eating food with a high sugar content since sweets, snacks, cool drinks and cake are easily converted into fat and stored by the body, unless you’re physically very active.

      You should remember that fat teenagers usually become fat adults. Your family doctor can tell you about various ailments and problems experienced by people who are overweight – from varicose veins and gallstones to diabetes and even heart problems.

      But never starve yourself in an effort to be slim. Eat three meals every day, consisting of nutritious foods such as meat, eggs, grains, dairy products, vegetables and fruit. Eat to satisfy your hunger, not your greed. If you want to lose weight, do so sensibly with the help of a doctor, dietician or perhaps the home economics teacher at your school.

      Reaching for the skies

      Although many girls strive to be slim, there are plenty of skinny or slightly-built girls who would love to weigh more and be curvaceous like their friends. Those who grow quickly and worry that they will become too tall should remember that a girl’s growth slows down almost immediately when she starts to menstruate. Don’t be unhappy because you are skinny. Some of the most famous film stars and models are built like you.

      If you believe that you’re underdeveloped, you should realise that your breasts will eventually reach their full proportions. Even if they never grow as large as you would like, they will function as well, if not better, than larger breasts. The main purpose of breasts is to produce milk when you have a baby one day.

      A girl’s posture is much more important than her physical proportions. To have good posture, you should always sit, stand and walk comfortably and upright. Don’t listen to those who try to tell you that you can increase the size of your bust by using electrical apparatus, doing exercises or applying some magic cream. However, you can improve your posture by participating in sport, taking dancing lessons or perhaps doing a modelling course. Most important of all, however, is to be satisfied with your natural appearance and femininity. Remember that friendliness, amiability and a wide range of interests – especially an interest in other people – will make you a well-liked and popular person.

      Emotional changes

      In your own world

      Just remember that no stranger can offer more comfort or better advice than your own mother or the mother figure in your life. Who comforted, fed and clothed you during childhood and listened to your complaints? She is still the best person to go to when you need advice on difficult problems. Who, after all, loves you more or knows you better? Take her into your confidence when you feel unsure – about what you should wear, the birthday present you want, or matters of love.

      But don’t forget your father or the father figure in your life. He’ll notice that you’re growing up and will no longer treat you like a little girl. At times it may feel like a chasm has opened up between you. This is not because your father is no longer interested in you, but because he is aware of your growing independence, and perhaps doesn’t want to interfere too much in your life.

      When your parents or caregivers warn you to be more careful as you go out and about, or to study harder, it is because they care about your safety and want the best future for you. Try not to take it as personal criticism. If you feel moody and rudely say things you later wish you hadn’t, apologise. Remember, the breadwinners in your household work long and hard hours to care for all of you and are worthy of your respect. If young people are too rebellious and the parents too stubborn to be accommodating, the relationship between parents and children can be harmed. Psychologists call this the generation gap – where the communication channels between parents or parental figures and the child become impossible to navigate. Try to do your bit in making it possible for everyone to get on.

      Do you know how much your mom and dad would appreciate it if you would simply go and chat to them or give them a hug like you used to? Just to show that nothing has changed in your heart and you are still glad that