Acne is a skin disorder most common among adolescents. It is caused by the hormonal changes at puberty, which lead to an increase in the activity of the sebaceous (oil-producing) glands. Sebaceous glands secrete through pores and hair follicles—which are most abundant on the face and scalp—a fatty lubricant known as sebum.
Acne occurs when the pores become clogged with sebum. Blackheads—external plugs formed of sebum and dead cells—may be invaded by bacteria, which cause pus-filled inflammations, or pimples. The overlying skin may become stretched to the point of rupture, resulting in lesions and, in prolonged severe cases, eventual scarring. Sweating can aggravate acne, as do some oral contraceptives, lack of sunlight, poor skin hygiene, face creams, cosmetics, and exercise.
Symptoms
• red spots
• spots may become inflamed and infected, in which case they are extremely painful
Males are more often affected than females, and the condition is not confined to adolescence. The exact cause of acne is not known, but it is believed to be related both to genetic predisposition and to the increased hormonal activity that occurs during puberty. In a reaction comparable to allergy, certain foods may increase irritation in susceptible persons.
TREATMENT
Chinese Herbalism
Cai Feng Zhen Zhu an Chuang Wan/Margarite acne pills. This is an excellent remedy for acne. It contains Pearl. Treatments to clear excess Heat in the Blood and Stomach include chrysanthemum, dandelion, and honeysuckle, with cucumber and watermelon juice applied externally.
Herbalism
A facial steam with chickweed, elderflower, and marigold may be useful for soothing and drawing out infection. Take echinacea, burdock root, cleavers, or yellow dock, sipped three times daily as a decoction, to cleanse the system and fight infection. Massage comfrey ointment into any old spots to reduce scarring.
Homeopathy
Treatment should be constitutional, but the following remedies may help:
• Silicea, when there is scarring.
• Ant. tart., for pus-filled pimples.
• Sulfur, for chronic acne, with rough hard skin, and proneness to diarrhea.
• Kali brom., for itchy spots, accompanied by bad dreams.
• Hep. sulf., for large spots resembling boils.
• Pulsatilla, when the spots are aggravated by rich, fatty foods; and if the sufferer dislikes stuffy rooms and is often tearful.
Flower Essences
Gorse is useful for people who have given up hope of finding a cure.
Vitamins and Minerals
Try a multivitamin and mineral supplement which is low in iodine. Increase intake of vitamin E, vitamin A, zinc. Eliminate processed foods.
Monday, 13 January 2014
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