Homeopathic Treatment for Acne
Definition:
Acne or pimples is a common skin condition frequently seen in young individuals during their teenage and youth years. This occurs mainly due to the action of hormones on the oil glands in the skin. The draining ducts of the oil glands get blocked, so they cannot drain the oil secretion. The oil and cells inside the blocked gland form a perfect environment for developing Propionibacterium acnes (the organism responsible for acne). Thus, it results in the formation of pimples or acne.
Acne usually occurs on the face, chest, back, shoulders and neck. It is one of the most common skin conditions. Although acne is not a serious threat to health, it can lead to scarring and disfigurement of the face, which can have a significant impact on the patient.
Various Forms of Acne
Acne may present itself in various forms, and these are as follows:
- Whiteheads and blackheads (Comedones): White or black tiny bumps on the skin which are nothing but the enlarged and plugged hair follicles
- Papules: Inflamed lesions that usually appear as small, pink bumps on the skin and can be tender to the touch
- Pustules (pimples): Pus-filled lesions that may appear red at the base
- Nodules: Large, painful, solid lesions that are lodged deep in the skin
- Lesions that can cause scarring
Types of Acne
Following are the commonly recognized types of Acne:
- Acne vulgaris
- Acne rosacea
- Acne conglobata
- Acne cosmetica
- Acne fulminans
- Acne medicamentosa
- Acne keloidalis nuchae
Causes of Acne:
One of the most important causes is the increase in the male hormones (androgens) that occurs in boys and girls during puberty. These hormones cause increased production of sebum (oil) and hence result in acne.
Hormonal changes related to pregnancy or such changes caused by starting or stopping birth control pills can also cause acne. Another factor is heredity or genetics; there is evidence to support the fact that the tendency to develop acne can be inherited from parents. Apart from this, certain drugs, including androgens and lithium, are also known to cause acne. Greasy cosmetics may cause further plugging of the follicles in the skin and hence can precipitate the onset of acne.
The majority of people who develop acne are between the ages of 12 and 25. For most people, acne tends to go away by the time they reach their thirties; however, some people in their forties and fifties continue to have this skin problem.
Homeopathic treatment:
Homeopathic treatment for Acne is strongly suggested. It helps in the following ways:
- Controls the tendency to have acne (often genetic, in severe cases)
- Addresses underlying hormonal disturbance which gives one a proneness to have acne
- Reduces excessive oiliness of the skin
- Reduces acne directly
- Controls infection
- Controls scar formation
- Reduces hyperpigmentation following acne
- Controls tendency to scar formation following acne
Homeopathic Remedies for Acne
Acne is a dynamic condition triggered by factors such as hormones, food, climate, irregular lifestyle, and stress. The homeopathic medicines for acne or pimples are chosen based on the underlying causes and factors which lead to or increase acne. There are about 20 most common medicines to choose from for acne.
Calcaria Sulphuricum: This medicine is often indicated for those who tend to get pus on acne. The person may be less tolerance to heat as compared to cold. The acne may be large, inflamed, red, and painful with a tendency to get scars. It is one of the twelve tissue remedies used in homeopathy and biochemistry.
Silica: A wonder drug sourced from sand, the metal Silica (Si) which works on the immune system, a hormone in such a way that the tendency to get acne with pus formation, reduces after some doses of this medicine. The person tends to be sensitive to cold air, breeze, and cold water. Usually, lean and thin physical structure, sharp mind but shy attitude, intelligent but less confident. Somewhat strong-headed in his or her belief system.
Dulcamara: This medicine from the plant kingdom works for acne, and the marks are left after that. The face may be full of acne and also some allergic rash. When acne increases with a change of climate from dry to humid, you must remember Dulcamara.
Natrum Muriaticum: This homeopathic medicine, sourced from NaCl, simple salt, processed homeopathically through potentization, works as a remedy for many cases of acne. Hormonal disturbances such as PCOD or menstrual irregularities associated with or leading to acne may call for a study of Natrum Muriaticum. The face may be oily, a bit hairy, hypertrophied acne, and ugly scars; in young girls and boys may benefit from this medicine. The personality that matches this medicine is self-centered, reserved, brooding over past issues, inability to forget and forgive, kind-hearted yet somewhat egoist, less expressive with emotions, etc.
