Acne (Pimples)
| Acne are
an disease of the skin caused by changes in the pilosebaceous units (skin
structures consisting of a hair follicle and its associated). Acne lesions
are commonly referred to as, spots, or zits.
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 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.
·
Acne can run in families.
·
Stress does not cause acne but
can make it worse.
Symptoms-
1.The most common form of acne is known
as "acne vulgaris", meaning "common
acne." Many teenagers get this type of acne. Excessive secretion of oils
from the sebaceous glands accompanies the plugging of the pores with
naturally occurring dead skin cells( corneocytes)
blocking hair follicles
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2.The
accumulation of these corneocytes in the duct appears
to be due to a failure of the normal keratinization
process in the skin which usually leads to shedding of skin cells lining the
pores. Oil secretions are said to build Propionibacterium acnes
and the lipophilic yeast Malassezia
3.In response to the bacterial and yeast
populations, the skin inflames
4.The
face chest,back shoulders and upper arms are especially affected.
5.The typical acne lesions are: comedones pustules nodules and
inflammatory cysts known as cystic acne, one of the more severe forms.These
are more inflamed and pus-filled or reddish bumps, that can easily lead to
scarring or serious infections.
6.
Non-inflamed 'sebaceous cysts more properly called epidermoid
cysts, occur either in association with acne or alone but are not a constant
feature.
Complications-
1.Acne scars
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Severe acne often
leaves small scars where the skin gets a "volcanic" shape. Acne scars
are difficult and expensive to treatAcne scars are unsightly, and it is for this
reason they can be psychologically and emotionally distressing.
Aside from scarring, its main
effects are psychological, such as reduced self-esteem. Acne usually appears
during adolescence, when people already tend to be most socially insecure.
Early and aggressive treatment is therefore advocated to lessen the overall
impact to individuals.
2. Pigmentation
Pigmented scars is a slightly
misleading term, suggesting a change in the skin's pigmentation, and that they
are true scars. Neither is true. Pigmented scars are usually the result of
nodular or cystic acne (the painful 'bumps' lying under the skin). They often
leave behind an inflamed red mark. Often, the pigmentation scars can be avoided
simply by avoiding aggravation of the nodule or cyst. When sufferers try to
'pop' cysts or nodules, pigmentation scarring becomes significantly worse, and
may even bruise the affected area.
Homeopathic
approach to Acne:
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
Remedies-
1.Sulphur [Sulph]
Is perhaps the remedy most often indicated in this affection, especially if chronic. The skin is rough and hard and the acne is associated with comedones and constipation; great aggravation from water is the characteristic leading to Sulphur in skin affections. The acne punctata is the variety corresponding most nearly to Sulphur. Simple forms yield to Belladonna or Pulsatilla. Acne rosacea yields to Arsenicum iodatum or Sulphur iodide.
Is perhaps the remedy most often indicated in this affection, especially if chronic. The skin is rough and hard and the acne is associated with comedones and constipation; great aggravation from water is the characteristic leading to Sulphur in skin affections. The acne punctata is the variety corresponding most nearly to Sulphur. Simple forms yield to Belladonna or Pulsatilla. Acne rosacea yields to Arsenicum iodatum or Sulphur iodide.
2. Sanguinaria [Sang]
Is another useful remedy in acne, especially in women with scanty menses and irregular circulation of blood. Other remedies for acne dependent on sexual disturbances of women are Calcarea carbonica.
Is another useful remedy in acne, especially in women with scanty menses and irregular circulation of blood. Other remedies for acne dependent on sexual disturbances of women are Calcarea carbonica.
3. Kali bromatum [Kali.br]
produces an acne on the face, neck and shoulders. We frequently find acne in Epileptics who have been maltreated by bromides. This remedy is especially adapted to the acne simplex and the acne indurata, especially in hyperaesthetic, nervous females. Since Kali bromatum has been found a useful remedy in sexual excesses it will be especially a remedy in acne due to that cause.
4. Thuja is one of our best remedies for acne facialis.
5.
Calcarea picrata is also a useful remedy for
acne; clinically it has been found one of the good remedies.
6. Calcarea sulphurica is indicated
where the pimples suppurate.
7. Antimonium crudum [Ant.c] Small red pimples
on face, acne
in drunkards with gastric derangements, thirst and white-coated tongue.
8. Antimonium tartaricum. Obstinate cases, with tendency to pustulation,
are curable with this remedy.
9. Berberis
aquifolium is useful
where the skin is rough and the acne
persistent.
10. Natrum muriaticum acts especially on the sebaceous glands, and is a very
helpful remedy in acne. In this affection attention must be directed especially
to the patient's type, temperament and tendencies and the general symptoms are
far mores important than the local ones.
