Acne or Pimples

Acne or pimples is a skin disorder which should be treated holistically from within the body and not superficially using ointments and creams because the outward eruption that we see is the mirror reflection of the internal disorder of the body.

Skin disease represents an internal turbulence, be it the improper secretion of hormones or lowered immunity which attracts the bacteria and viruses to cause skin lesions.

In the allopathic approach, medicines are used that work against diseases and their symptoms. They only suppress the acne or pimples. Topical bactericidals, antibiotics, isotretinion, oral contraceptives (for deep cysts), antiandrogen drugs such as spironolactone to reduce the excessive oil production and so on are prescribed. These have a number of side effects and drugs like isotretinoin can cause birth defects in the developing fetus of a pregnant woman. Other side effects include dry eyes, mouth, lips, nose or skin, itching, nosebleeds, muscle aches, sensitivity to the sun, poor night vision, changes in the blood, such as an increase in fats in the blood (triglycerides & cholesterol), change in liver function. Side effects of antiandrogen drugs may include irregular menses, tender breasts, headaches and fatigue.

If this medicinal approach fails, often cosmetic surgeries, phototherapy, laser treatments are suggested - and usually this is the case.

Homeopathy has a different approach to disease and remedies from that of the allopathic system of medicine. Homeopathy stimulates the natural healing powers of the body and brings about a remission. Over the years, homeopathic treatment has emerged as a preferred option among various sections of the population, because it provides one with an option of healing naturally without having to consume allopathic medicines and antibiotics which have strong side effects.

In the treatment of acne or pimples, homeopathy is found to be very effective and for this, it is essential to be aware of the details regarding the patient's medical history prior to treatment. This is deeply related to the cause of acne or pimple formation on the skin.

The disparity in the functioning of the sebaceous glands and the duct system is directly responsible for the formation of reddish swellings on the surface of the skin, leaving behind ugly blemishes on the skin.

Moreover, stress and hormonal imbalances are also responsible for acne or pimple formation. Therefore, in order to analyze the causes behind the acne formation and provide adequate and suitable medication, it is extremely important for the homeopathic doctor to know thoroughly about the patient's lifestyle, eating and sleeping habits, temperament and so on.

This is one of the important modes of homeopathic treatment of acne and pimples as here, the causes of acne or pimple formation are more important for ensuring the kind of medication to be given rather than the condition of the inflammation on the skin.

Homeopathy makes use of mostly non-chemical and natural products, using even herbal components upon the skin. The remedies are extremely effective in regulating hormone levels as hormonal imbalances facilitate the growth of acne or pimples on the skin.

The homeopathic treatment aims to cure the internal disharmony and the cause behind the apparent disease. A homeopathic remedy is selected considering the emotional state of the patient, the probable causative factors (physical or mental), general state of the body and all the disease symptoms of the body. By stimulating the natural healing processes of the body, the same medicine is capable of eradicating various diseases present in the body at a time.

By using the right homeopathic medicines, the homeopathic doctor will help you in drying up and reducing the number of existing acne or pimples.

There will also be a reduction in associated symptoms like pain, burning and itching. The skin texture will also improve. The results of homeopathic treatment can improve your mental outlook on life, increase your energy level, help focus your thoughts to improve your quality of life, control your emotions and remove physical problems that have been bothering you for years. Natural homeopathic remedies can be an effective solution to stopping embarrassing acne today.

There are 152 homoeopathic medicines which give great relief in acne or pimples. However, the correct choice and the resulting relief is a matter of experience and right judgment on the part of the homeopathic doctor. The treatment is decided after thorough case taking of the patient. Thus homeopathic medicines for acne or pimples are tailor made unlike allopathy in which all patients receive the same antibiotics, steroids and so on, although the trade name may be different.

For online homeopathic treatment of acne or pimples, you may e-mail us on dr_ramanand@rediffmail.com

Acne is a general term for pimples and deeper pustules due to clogged pores. Medically, acne is a disorder of the skin resulting from the blocking of pores of the skin called pilosebaceous units (pilo - means related to hair and sebaceous means related to sebum or oil). These pores contain hair follicles and oil secreting glands which lubricate the hair and skin.

Acne eruptions are caused by a disturbance of the skin's natural functioning. Acne can range from a thinly scattered area of pimples and blackheads to an area covered with large cysts.

Pimples begin in the skin's hair follicles which are connected to the oil-producing sebaceous glands. When acne occurs, it means the body is not performing two jobs necessary for the maintenance of healthy skin:

• The hair follicles are not getting rid of dead cells fast enough.
• The sebaceous glands are pumping out too much sebum.

When dead cells stick to a hair follicle full of sebum, it provides a breeding ground for the growth of bacteria which can lead to acne or pimples.

Although acne or pimples is a disorder associated with teenagers, it can occur at any age of life. Acne usually appears on the face, neck, back, and chest due to the abundance of pilosebaceous units in these areas. It affects about 80% of people between the ages of 12 and 24.

During puberty, high levels of hormones are produced in both girls and boys. This leads to production of large quantities of sebum. Sebum is an irritant that can clog the pores and lead to formation of pustules. Hormones do not 'go away' after adolescence. Many women can still get premenstrual acne from the release of progesterone after ovulation.

Acne or pimples is not a serious health threat but it can lead to scarring and disfigurement of the face that can have a significant impact on the patient.

Acne or pimples is perhaps the most common health condition that can affect people for their entire life. The scars of acne or pimples go much deeper than the skin. Acne scars the vital self image of an individual which can orchestrate success or failure, happiness or depression and many other things in life.

The British Journal of Plastic Surgery published the article, "The Quasimodo Complex." Two physicians reported on a random study of 11,000 prison inmates who committed serious crimes (murder, rape and so on). They clearly documented a trend showing 60% of the 11,000 offenders had facial deformities: acne scars, birth marks, protruding ears, misshapen noses or a receded chin.

In the average adult population, only 20.2% of all people may be said to have these characteristics. The article ended suggesting that hostility and rejection these criminals encountered from classmates through school could have pushed them towards the state of emotional imbalance that ultimately led to criminal acts.

People form a self image based largely on what kind of image other people imply. We give inordinate regard to the physical body (shell) we inhabit. It takes a rare individual to look through that shell and acknowledge the true inherent human worth that God equally gives to all. The universal stereotype of equating ugly with bad and beautiful with good is a worthy challenge for all.

Homeopathy offers a vital piece of the puzzle to restoring the individual's constitution for overcoming acne or pimples. Teenager or middle aged, there is hope for the condition of acne or pimples that scars in more ways than one.

Acne or pimples typically appear on face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and the areas of skin with the largest number of functional oil glands. People with acne or pimples frequently have a variety of lesions. The basic acne lesion, called the comedo, is simply an enlarged and plugged hair follicle. Acne or pimples can take the following forms :

• WHITEHEADS : These are created when the openings of hair follicles become clogged and blocked with oil secretions and dead skin. These are minute pimples that appear under the surface of the skin.
• BLACKHEADS : These are similar to whiteheads, but are open to the skin surface and darken. A comedo that reaches the surface of the skin and opens up is called an open comedo or blackhead because it looks black on the skin's surface. This black discoloration is due to changes in sebum as it is exposed to air. It is not due to dirt.
  
  Both whiteheads & blackheads may stay in the skin for a long time.
  
  Other troublesome acne and pimple lesions can develop which include the following :
• PAPULES : Inflamed lesions that usually appear as small, pink bumps on the skin and can be tender to touch.
• MACULES : A macule is the temporary red spot left by a healed acne lesion. It is flat, usually red or pink, with a well-defined border. A macule may persist for days to weeks before disappearing. When a number of macules are present at one, time they can contribute to the "inflamed face" appearance of acne. It shows the "red face" appearance.
• PUSTULES : These are raised, reddish spots that signal inflammation or infection in the hair follicles. Papules topped by white or yellow pus-filled lesions that may be red at the base.
• NODULES : Large, painful, solid lesions that are lodged deep within the skin.
• CYSTS : These are thick lumps beneath the surface of the skin, which are formed by the buildup of secretions deep within hair follicles. They are deep, painful, pus-filled lesions that can cause unsightly scars on the skin.

After resolution of acne or pimple lesions, there may be prominent unsightly scars.

The following are the commonly recognized types of acne :

• Acne vulgaris
• Acne rosacea
• Acne conglobata
• Acne cosmetica
• Acne fulminans
• Acne keloidales nuchae.

The exact cause of acne or pimples is unknown; several related factors are :

• Hormones
• Increase in the level of the male hormone testosterone can cause acne or pimples. Too much of testosterone causes excessive secretion of sebum which leads to blockage of pores.
• During menstrual cycles and puberty.
• During pregnancy and menopause, changes in hormones lead to an imbalance in the levels of testosterone and can result in acne.
• Starting or stopping of oral contraceptive pills may also lead to acne in some.
• Hereditary and genetic constitution - Many school-age boys with acne have a family history of the disorder.
• Stress - It plays a major role in the development of various physical disorders. Emotional disturbance can often lead to improper secretion of hormones.
• Accumulation of dead skin cells.
• Bacteria in the pores to which body becomes allergic.
• Skin irritation and scratching of any sort will activate the inflammation.
• Side effects of certain medicines - Corticosteroids, androgens, oral contraceptives, lithium, halogens, isoniazed, phenytoin, phenobarbital, high levels of iodine and so on.
• Use of inexpensive, comedogenic makeup; greasy makeup.
  
  In some patients, contributing factors may be :
• Pressure can aggravate the acne or pimples - Sweating and friction on the skin caused by headbands, back packs, bicycle helmets, or tight collars.
• Squeezing and picking comedones.
• Environmental factors - Pollution, humidity and so on can contribute but may not cause acne or pimples.

No matter what's causing your acne or pimples, there are lifestyle management steps that can help you in the preventive maintenance of your skin :

• KNOW WHAT FOOD ARE THE OFFENDERS : It's a good idea to avoid foods such as sugar, white flour products, soft drinks, refined foods, artificial sweeteners, chocolate, butter, meat, cheese and iodized salt.
• MANAGE YOUR STRESS : Regular exercise is important for overall health as it boosts endorphin levels, which in turn can ease stress, anxiety and so on. Exercise can also help flush the impurities through the skin by way of perspiration.
• BE GENTLE : Your skin is already irritated, if you have acne or pimples, be sure to use a mild soap. Do not use a washcloth or exfoliate. Gently massage soap into skin with fingertips.
• Oiliness can be minimized by wiping skin with an astringent.
• Clay masks and mud packs can help lift off superficial grease, dead skin, and tone the skin.
• Avoid wearing heavy, oily makeup which may clog pores and cause acne or pimples. Teenage girls are better off not using cosmetics regularly.
• Do not prick, press, or rub acne or pimples as you risk spreading bacteria which increases the chances of scarring.
• Acne or pimples can affect self esteem. Children should be treated fairly young if they start showing signs of acne or pimples, especially if their parents suffered from acne or pimples. Encourage them to follow a healthy lifestyle management program.
• Men with moderate to severe acne or pimples should use a new razor blade every time they shave to lower the risk of infection. Instead of alcohol-based aftershaves, try herbal alternatives that include essential oils like lavender, chamomile or tea tree.