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HISTORICAL REVIEW

The History of Acne

The history of acne can be traced way back to the period of the pharaohs. There are evidences that indicate that even pharaoh use to suffer from acne. The term acne has been derived from Greek which means skin eruptions. The term has been coined even before humans could learn to write. Acne is one of the most common conditions which have a very complicated history. However, it is not life threatening and cannot be regarded as a serious disease yet most of the adolescents and some adults suffer from it. Invention Of The Term Acne A number of arguments that were supported by a number of learned men from different parts of the world have been brought up about the term. In ancient Greece, Aristotle and Hippocrates discussed about the condition. Aristotle gave a clear description about the condition for any sort of doubts to arise. Hippocrates, however, did mention the term but did not give a definite meaning to it. However, he indicated that the term referred to a condition which is well known and recognized. The Roman physician referred to acne as varus. Till the fifth century A.D, the use of the word acne was considered as a misrepresentation of the word acme. But with the works of Aetius coming into light, it indicates that the word acme was misprinted. However, there are other theories which claim that the word acne has been derived from acme which means the highest point and comes from the Greek word akme which means point or spot. According to the geographical and historical conditions, acne seems to originate from ancient Egypt. There are certain works which cite that the pharaohs suffered from acne. Treatment of Acne in Ancient Egypt In ancient Egypt, the treatments of acne involved used of spells and charms. The pharaohs who suffered from acne were cast spells and charms to get rid of the condition. The prescription prepared by the pharmacopoeia of ancient Egypt for the treatment of acne largely contained ingredients from animal origins. Treatment of Acne in Ancient Rome Acne, in ancient Rome, was treated with baths. The bath was prepared by combining hot mineral waters with sulphur. This was particularly because sulphur helped in drying the hard lesions and getting rid of it by exfoliating. Treatment of Acne in Ancient Greece The treatment of acne in ancient Greece involved ingredients mostly from vegetable preparations. Despite the differences in the treatment methods adopted, honey is one common ingredient that has been approved by all three cultures for the treatment of acne. There are also a number of myths which involved the onset of acne. One such myth was telling

lies that resulted to the onset of acne. Despite all these myths and beliefs, the Roman and Greek physicians drew the conclusion that occurrence of acne was the result of the onset of adolescence as the condition occurred most commonly during puberty.