1. Can adults also get acne?

Acne begins around puberty and gets worse during adolescence. The 12 to 25 years age group is most vulnerable with 80-90 percent chance of getting the disease. Yet, acne before puberty is not unheard of. Also, there are those who continue to suffer this condition way past their teens and through their adult years. Hormonal imbalance is usually the culprit.

2. What makes women more likely to get pimples or acne?

The androgen hormone which mainly causes acne rises during adolescence. In women, however, several other hormonal changes take place during menses, pregnancy, and menopause, all of which have the potential to set off acne.

3. Can the same medicines be used to treat acne in men as for women?

Homeopathy works just as well in men who suffer from acne. What will work for women will work for men too. General medicines like Sulphur, Hepar Sulph and Kali Bromatum are used based on specific symptoms.

4. My mother had acne, does that mean I, too, will have it?

Yes, heredity does influence acne to an extent. A person having a positive family history of acne has an 80 percent chance of getting it. There is also, however, the 20 percent chance that one may not get it. Acne is caused by the enlargement of sebaceous glands under the influence of androgens, mainly during adolescence.

5. Is acne contagious?

Acne is not contagious. In other words, direct or indirect contact with a person with acne or pimples will not pass on the condition.

6. Does acne always cause itching?

Acne can be itchy, but not in every case. Mainly, cystic acne is known to cause itching

7. Can dandruff cause acne?

Dandruff is a condition characterized by flakes on the scalp. Dandruff may arise due to excessively dry or excessively oily scalp. When these flakes shed off and fall on the face, they can clog pores and cause pimples. However, such pimples are mostly found in the forehead region.

8. Will taking vitamin or mineral supplements help manage acne?

Yes, taking vitamins and minerals daily can help manage acne. But they are not substitutes for medicines. They can manage acne, not treat it. Vitamin A, vitamin E and zinc are helpful supplements. These can be taken along with natural medicines, but strictly in doses prescribed by a homeopathic doctor.

9. Will treating blackheads help my condition?

Yes, clearing out blackheads in time can prevent acne. For treating blackheads, homeopathy essentially falls back on medicines, such as Sulphur and Eugenia Jambosa.