What
Acne (pimples) or zits, is an inflammatory skin disorder of the sebaceous glands – small microscopic glands that secrete sebum, a natural lubricant.
How & why
• Escalating hormonal levels and excess sebum in young girls and boys (during puberty) can trigger acne
• When excess sebum clogs the skin pores, acne is a possible outcome, along with pustules
• Poor personal hygiene can lead to build-up of grease. This can block the skin pores and cause acne
• Dandruff flakes are yet another cause of pimples, as also heredity, certain cosmetics, smoking and conventional drugs – steroids and anti-depressants – besides junk-food, stress and pollutants
• Some medical disorder like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), may also be blamed acne in women
Types
Acne presents itself primarily in two forms: 1. Inflamed, and 2. Non-inflamed acne.
• Individuals with inflamed acne may have plugs of sebum, blackheads, whiteheads as well as small solid rounded bumps, pustules, nodules and cysts
• Non-inflamed acne is characterized by plugs of sebum, blackheads and whiteheads when left untreated, non-inflamed acne may develop into inflamed acne. Deep-seated acne can lead to permanent scars, emotional ‘scarring’, stress, depression, and sometimes suicidal tendencies.
Diagnosis
• Most of us can self-diagnose mild acne with ease. When you are uncertain, or if your problem seems severe, it is necessary to consult a doctor
• Acne is diagnosed by a simple visual inspection by your doctor. There is no special test for it, although ultrasonography can help establish the diagnosis of an underlying problem, such as PCOS, a likely hidden trigger of acne in young women.
Healing with Homeopathy
Homeopathy believes in individualized, or customized, treatment. Acne is not just a disorder of the skin; it is also an external manifestation of an internal imbalance, something that needs to be addressed on a deeper or constitutional level. Homeopathy treats the cause for example, stress, or dandruff, while eradicating the external expression of an inner disorder – in this case, acne. Homeopathic medicines also stimulate the individual’s immunity from within. The result is a permanent resolution of the acne distress, from back-to-front.
Few remedies which found useful are – puberty during pulsatilla, during menses – kali brom, with oily skin – nat mur, due to cosmetics – bovista.
Self – help :-
Dietary tips :–
• Sulphur – rich foods such as onions and garlic are helpful in reducing outbreaks
• Increase zinc- rich foods such as soybeans , whole grains , sunflower seeds and raw nuts
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid sugar , cigarettes , fried and high –fat foods
• Keep dairy items and red meat to a minimum
Skin care in general :-
• Avoid scrubbing hard / over –washing acne afflicted areas.
• Avoid touching your face often
• Do not squeeze pimples since this can push the infection further into the skin
• Protect your skin from sun
• Keep your hair clean and keep it away from the face.
• Avoid using greasy or cream based make- up
• Always remove make up before going to sleep
Case :- Anitha (24), who was troubled by acne for 5 years. She tried with antibiotics and several over-the-counter creams and ointments, was disappointing. When she consulted, she also complained of irregular menstruations. On USG it was clear she had PCOD. She was prescribed homeopathic medicine, which over a period brought a remarkable change in her condition. Both her acne and PCOS were cured respectively.
