Excuse me …: … but acne, bad breath, and body odor are a normal part of life. Learn the science behind them, and get some help on how to cope - Teen health issue: hygiene microbes

Science World, Dec 10, 2001

Resources

Why Do I Get Acne?

kidshealth.org/teen/body_basics/acne.html

American Dental Association's bad-breath information

page: www.ada.org/public/faq/breath.html

CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING

Name: --

page 8 Excuse Me ...

Directions: Explain the causes of the following. Then describe a treatment for each.

1. Acne

-- 2. Body odor

-- 3. Halitosis

--

ANSWERS

CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING, pp. TE4, 5

1. Cause: During puberty, hormones become more active, causing sebaceous glands under the skin to surge in activity. When the oil--combined with dead skin cells, dirt, Or perspiration--doesn't wash off skin surface, pores clog. Bacteria invade the trapped oil under the skin. Result: acne. Treatment: Clean face with a mild cleanser. The ingredient salicylic acid exfoliates and cuts oil. Topical treatment with benzoyl peroxide can help dry out a blemish and fight bacteria.

2. Cause: At puberty, hormones cause sweat glands to become more active. And when sweat, especially from the apocrine glands, mixes with bacteria on the skin surface, the byproduct is body odor. Increased body hair also creates more surface area for bacterial growth. Treatment: Regular bathing with soap can keep the germ-count down. But most important, dry off carefully. A deodorant can't stop body odor, but it can temporarily mask it with fragrance. Wear cotton material, which absorbs more sweat than synthetic material.

3. Cause: Anaerobic bacteria that live at the back of the tongue eat and grow off whatever they find: from dead skin cells in the mouth to mucus to postnasal drip. The byproduct: volatile sulfur compounds that cause halitosis. Dry mouth also encourages bacterial growth because the microbes stay put and congregate. Treatment: Brush, floss, and guzzle water, which helps scatter bacteria. Breath mint or mouthwash just covers one odor with another. Visit the dentist--cavities make good hiding places for bacteria. And clean the tongue.