Acne is an inflammatory disease of sebaceous (oil) glands. During puberty, sex hormones speed up the secretion of oil from these glands. Problems begin where there is a build-up of oil in the narrow gland openings or drainage passages in the skin. It is,therefore, important that the perspiration and other coatings clogging the skin pores be washed off. Acne should not be squeezed as it leads to inflammation and scarring.
FOUR MAIN TYPES OF ACNE ARE:
White Heads: Round white blemishes that form when hair follicles become clogged.
Black Heads: Round, dark blemishes that form when white heads reach the skin's surface and touch air.
Pimples Red, swollen bumps that form when plugged follicle walls break near the skin's surface.
Deep Cysts: Pimples filled with pus that form when plugged follicle walls break deep within the skin.
CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS OF ACNE:
Acne is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells.
Androgen Level: Androgen level rise when a human becomes an adolescent. Rising androgen levels make the oil glands under your skin grow; the enlarged gland produces more oil.Excessive sebum can break down cellular walls in your pores, causing bacteria to grow.
Genetic Factors: Some studies indicate that a susceptibility to acne could also be genetic.
Medication: Some medications that contain androgen and lithium may cause acne. Greasy cosmetics may cause acne in some susceptible people.
Pregnancy: Hormone changes during pregnancy may cause acne.
Bacteria: Recent research narrates that everyone has acne causing bacteria living on their skin, but researchers at the Washington University School of medicine have identified that there are some "good" and "bad" strains of the bacteria, which determine the frequency and severity of developing pimples.
HIGH GI-Diet and diary intake linked to acne: A diet high in glycemic index foods and dairy products is now linked to acne.
GENERALIZED MANAGEMENT
Wash twice a day and after sweating. Perspiration, especially when wearing a hat or helmet, can make acne worse, so skin should be washed as soon as possible after sweating.
Use fingertips to apply a gentle,non-abrasive cleanser. Using a wash cloth, mesh sponge or anything else can irritate the skin.
Be gentle with the skin.Use gentle products, such as those that are alcohol-free. Do not use products that irritate skin, which may astringents, toners and exfoliates. Dry, red skin makes acne appear worse.
Scrubbing of skin can make acne worse. Avoid the temptation to scrub the skin.
Rinse with lukewarm water
Shampoo regularly. Oily hair should be washed daily.
Let skin heal naturally. Picking, popping or squeezing of acne takes longer to clear and increases the risk of getting acne scars.
Keep hands off the face. Touching skin throughout the day can cause flare-up.
Stay out of the sun and tanning beds.
HOMEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT:
Homeopathy treats the person as a whole. It means that homeopathic treatment focuses on the patients as person, as well as his pathological conditions.The homeopathic medicine are selected after a full individualizing examination and case analysis, which includes the medical history of the patient, physical and mental constitution etc.
Some homeopathic medicines:
- ASTERIA RUBENS
- BELLADONNA
- SULPHUR
- KALI BRO
- ANT CRUD
- NAT MUR
- HEPAR SULP
- MER SOL