A Factor Analysis of the Acne Complex With Therapeutic Comment

Acne Vulgaris: Its Aetiology and Treatment

“…90 AUSTRALIAN JOUBNAL OF DERMATOLOGY. Stokes and Sternberg (1939) reported that relapses and exacerbations sometimes occurred owing to gastro-intestinai upsets, and I have also occasionally found this to happen. Lipman Colieii stated that tliere was some evidence that a period of strain could be followed by acne as lie had seen three girls develop the condition after or during preparation for examinations.…”

“…Sitting with one or both hands on the face or chin increases the heat of the skin in the area and the tendency to sebaceous secretion (Butcher and Parnell, 1948) and unconscious picking with the fingers increases local trauma. Stokes and Sternberg (1939) refer to the " contact inoculation factor " or chin fondling and head scratching as of major importance in acne of the chin and forehead in the post-pubertal or middle life period.…”

“…Burgess (1960) considers that diet is important, but that the dietary intake of an adolescent should be restricted as little as possible. Stokes and Sternberg (1939) believed that excessive carbohydrate intake tended to disturb water balance and cutaneous hydration. They considered that an alkaline ash diet which contained fruit juice played a part and that ovarian and testicular hormones also assisted in the process.…”

“…(13) Psychosomatic Influences. Stokes and Sternberg (1939) believe that sexual tension may produce repercussions on the endocrine system, and that emotional tension, i.e. the action of fear, conflict and anxiety, may affect the mobility, spasm and secretions of the gastro-intestinal tract and also the vasomotor mechanism.…”