ACNE VULGARIS AND HOMEOPATHY
Have you spent a fortune on various products and medications
which affirm to give you a perfect skin - only to realize that your condition
becomes worse and worse? From age 10 to 40 and beyond, Acne is a condition that
apprehends almost everyone at some time in their lives. Acne also known as
Pimples is the expression for plugged pores that crop up on the face, neck,
chest, back, shoulders and even the upper arms. Acne can lead to perpetual
scarring causing significant impact on a person's outlook on life which could
lead to lack of self-confidence, anxiety and depression.
Acne Vulgaris
surfaces in various shapes, size and different colors:
Whiteheads: These appear when a pore is entirely blocked,
trapping oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells causing a white appearance on the
surface.
Blackheads: These materialize when a pore is only partially
blocked, allowing the trapped oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells to slowly
drain to the surface. The black color is not caused by dirt, but it a reaction
of the skin’s own pigment, melanin reacting with the oxygen in the air.
Papules: These are small, inflamed, red, tender bumps with
no head and are tender to touch.
Pustules: This is similar to a whitehead, but is red-looking
with white or yellow pus in the center.
Nodules: This is a severe kind of Acne, in which the lesions
are much larger, more painful, lodged deep within the skin and sometimes lasts
for months, leaving scars.
Cysts: This is also a severe kind of Acne and appears
similar to a nodule, but larger than a pustule; the lesions are deep, pus filled, very painful and leave
scars.
Acne Rosacea: This occurs in women over 30 years of age. It
appears as a bumpy, red rash on the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin.
Acne Conglobata: This is the most severe form of Acne which
occurs in numerous large lesions more common in males between the age of 18 and
30 years. It can cause severe damage to the skin and is seen on the face,
chest, back, buttocks, upper arms and thighs.
Acne Fulminans: This is an ulcerating form of Acne affecting
young men. It can cause awful scarring, with fever and joint aches.
Gram-Negative Folliculitis: This kind of Acne is in the form
of pustules and cysts caused by a bacterial infection. It can possibly occur as
a complication resulting from long term antibiotic treatment of Acne Vulgaris.
Pyoderma Faciale: This is an extremely severe type of facial
Acne with large nodules, pustules and sores leaving scars affecting only
females between the ages of 20 and 40 years.
Cause of Acne:
• Cause
may be unidentified.
• An
increase of male sex hormone termed androgen in both boys and girls during
puberty.
• Hormonal
changes related to birth control pills, before a menstrual period, during
pregnancy.
• Vitamin
deficiency.
• Oily cosmetics.
• Pressure
from sports helmet, backpacks, tight collars, etc.
• Environmental
irritants.
• Hard
scrubbing of the skin.
• Chronic
constipation.
Homeopathy considers Acne as an expression of the internal
hormonal process, which justifies treatment at the inner level rather than
treating it at the skin surface by local applications. Homeopathy offers
splendid treatment in cases of Acne, which is effective, harmless and without
any side-effects. A constitutional Homeopathic treatment will stimulate the
body’s own natural healing ability which will help remove toxins, rebalance
skin PH, will improve circulation of nutrients to the skin and finally soothe
and moisturize the skin for a spotless glow. In addition to healing existing
lesions, it will forbid new lesions from forming, prevent scarring and also
minimize the psychological stress caused by Acne. Homeopathy has an exceptional
proven safety record with the FDA with 200 years of clinical effectiveness.
Homeopathic remedies are inexpensive, easy to take, are regulated by the FDA
and prepared according to the Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States.
Self care measures:
• Take a
warm shower to soften your skin.
• Clean
skin very gently with a mild cleanser, avoid harsh scrubs.
• Use oil
and alcohol free cosmetics and facial products.
• Clean
all makeup at bedtime.
• Avoid
irritating your facial skin by rubbing or touching it too much
• Men who
have Acne must shave vigilantly and gently.
• Avoid
sunburn or suntan.
• Shampoo
hair regularly.
• Do not
squeeze, scratch or pick pimples, it may lead to infection or scarring.
• Eat a
diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Wash
your pillowcase often and always use clean face towels to prevent bacterial
re-infection.
• Shower
immediately after a workout since sweat when combines with skin oils can trap
bacteria in your pores.
• Use 2-3
tsp of dried basil leaves to 1 cup boiling water, let it cool and then apply to
your skin. Let it dry and then clean with slightly warm water.
• Paste
made from mashed papaya with slight honey when used as a facial mask, will heal
Acne lesions.
• Drink at
least 64 ounces of water a day to detoxify your body.
Dr.GurpreetSingh MAKKAR
Homeopathic Physician