ACNE (PIMPLES)

ACNE (PIMPLES) – A COMMON TEENAGERS PROBLEM WITH HOMOEOPATHIC APPROACH.

Acne, medically known as Acne Vulgaris, is a skin disease that involves the oil glands at the base of hair follicles. Acne, or the presence of pimples or blackheads, can be a problem on the face, chest, and back. Although it is most common during adolescence, acne can occur at other times in life. Acne is the common cause of spots. Boys are more commonly affected than girls.

The severity can range from mild to severe. About 9 in 10 teenagers develop some degree of acne. Often it is mild. However, it is estimated that about 3 in 10 teenagers have acne bad enough to need treatment to prevent scarring. Untreated acne usually lasts about 4-5 years before settling. However, it can last for many years in some cases. Good hygiene and diet play an important role in resolving this complaint. The acne vulgaris is perhaps one of the most dreaded problems many people face. The main cause behind the fear is obviously the degree of “loss of confidence” this problem causes in the population than the actual lesion.

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 - Nobody is completely sure what causes acne. Experts believe the primary cause is a rise in androgen levels - androgen is a type of hormone. Androgen levels 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 factor - Some studies indicate that a susceptibility to acne could also be genetic. Medications - 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 either to develop for the first time, or to recur.

·        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 "good" and "bad" strains of the bacteria, which determine the frequency and severity of developing pimples.

·        High GI-diet and dairy intake linked to acne - A diet high in glycemic index foods and dairy products is now linked to acne, according to a new study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Other condition which worse acne includes

·        The progestogen-only contraceptive pill may make acne worse. In women, the hormonal changes around the monthly period may cause a flare-up of spots.

·        Picking and squeezing the spots may cause further inflammation and scarring.

·        Sweating heavily or humid conditions may make acne worse. For example, doing regular hot work in kitchens. The extra sweat possibly contributes to blocking pores.

·        Spots may develop under tight clothes. For example, under headbands, tight bra straps, tight collars, etc. This may be due to increased sweating and friction under tight clothing.

Classification and Clinical Manifestations

Whiteheads - remain under the skin and are very small

Blackheads - clearly visible, they are black and appear on the surface of the skin. (Remember that a blackhead is not caused by dirt. Scrubbing your face vigorously when you see blackheads will not help)

Papules - visible on the surface of the skin. They are small bumps, usually pink

Pustules - clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are red at their base and have pus at the top

Nobules - clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are large, solid pimples. They are painful and are embedded deep in the skin

Cysts - clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are painful, and are filled with pus. Cysts can easily cause scars.

General Management

·        Wash your face about twice each day. Do not wash it more often. Use a mild soap and lukewarm water. (Very hot or cold water may worsen acne.) Do not scrub hard when washing acne-affected skin. Do not use abrasive soaps, cleansing granules, astringents, or exfoliating agents. Use a soft washcloth and fingers instead. Excess washing and scrubbing may cause more inflammation, and possibly make acne worse.

·        Don't try to burst the pimples. It may push the infection further down, causing more blocking and worse swelling and redness. Popping pimples makes scarring more likely.

·        Keep your hands clean, wash them regularly

·        Always wash your hands before touching your face.This includes before applying lotions, creams or makeup

·        Glasses should regularly be cleaned. They will collect sebum and skin residue

·        You skin needs to breathe. If your acne is on your back, shoulders or chest try wearing loose clothing. Tight garments, such as headbands, caps and scarves should be avoided - if you have to wear them make sure they are cleaned regularly

·        Hair collects sebum and skin residue. Keep your hair clean and away from your face

·        Too much sun can cause your skin to produce more sebum.

Home Remedies:

1.      Ice can be used to quickly reduce the redness, swelling and inflammation of pimples. It helps in improving blood circulation to the affected area, and in tightening the skin pores and removing dirt and oil accumulated on the skin. You can use ice cubes or crushed ice, whichever is convenient. Wrap the ice in a piece of cloth and hold it on the affected skin area for a few seconds. Wait a few minutes and repeat the process.

2.      Another quick way to get rid of pimples is the use of lemon juice, which is rich in vitamin C. Lemon juice helps pimples dry up faster. Be sure to use fresh lemon juice and not bottled juice, which has preservatives. There are a couple of ways to apply this remedy. Dip a clean cotton swab in fresh lemon juice and apply it to the pimples before going to bed. You can also mix one tablespoon of lemon juice with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and put it on the pimples overnight. In the morning, wash the skin well with lukewarm water. However, this particular remedy is not suitable for those with sensitive skin.

3.      The toothpaste that you use every morning to clean your teeth also can be used to treat pimples quickly. It is most effective when used following the ice remedy. You must use white toothpaste; avoid using gel toothpaste. The toothpaste that you use every morning to clean your teeth also can be used to treat pimples quickly. It is most effective when used following the ice remedy. You must use white toothpaste; avoid using gel toothpaste. Apply some white toothpaste over the affected skin area before going to bed. In the morning, wash your face with water and you will see a significant improvement in the swelling.

4.      Garlic is an antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic and antioxidant agent that can help in the fast treatment of pimples. The sulfur in garlic also promotes quick healing of pimples. Cut a fresh garlic clove into two pieces. Rub the garlic on the pimples and leave it for five minutes before washing the skin with lukewarm water. Repeat the treatment several times a day. Eating one raw garlic clove daily can also help purify your blood. But do not to eat too much raw garlic as it can upset the stomach.

HOMOEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT

Homoeopathy treats the person as a whole. It means that homoeopathic treatment focuses on the patient as a person, as well as his pathological condition. The homeopathic medicines are selected after a full individualizing examination and case analysis, which includes the medical history of the patient, physical and mental constitution etc. A miasmatic tendency (predisposition/susceptibility) is also often taken into account for the treatment of chronic conditions. The medicines given below indicate the therapeutic affinity but this is not a complete and definite guide to the homeopathic treatment of acne. The symptoms listed against each medicine may not be directly related to this disease because in homeopathy general symptoms and constitutional indications are also taken into account for selecting a remedy.

Some Homoeopathic remedies for Dyspepsia are Sulphur, Sanguinaria, Kali bromatum, Antimonium crudum, Asterias Rubens, Belladonna, Hepar Sulphur, Calcarea Silicata, Nux vomica, Arsenicum iodatum, Causticum, Chelidonium majus, Graphites, Psorinum, Sabina, Calcarea phosphoricum, Ledum palustre, Nitricum acidum, Bovista, Tuberculinum

Indicated Remedies	Indications
Asterias rubens	Considered as one of the chief dugs for treating acne, Itchy acne, Skin seems less elastic, Acne eruptions with fetid pus, Acne rosacea, Acne affecting back, shoulders, sides of nose, chin, Flabby patient with lymphatic constitution, Sycotic diathesis, Sexual excitement in both sexes, Fear of bad news in adolescent girls, Worse coffee, left side
Belladonna	Red, hot facial skin,  Scarlet rash like acne, Suddenly spreading acne lesions, Alternate redness and dullness of skin, Pustular eruptions on skin, Skin feels smoothly red but burns, Acne leading to swelling of glands of neck, chin, Bluish, red acne lesions, Shiny red eruptions
Sulphur	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. Face is Pale, sickly color. Heat and spotted redness of face. Black pores. Itching intensely in evening and from warmth. 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.
Kali bromatum	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. Face flushed. Acne of face, pustules. General failure of mental power, loss of memory, melancholia, anesthesia of the mucous membranes. Suicidal mania with tremulousness. Itching of skin worse on chest, shoulders, and face. Anesthesia of skin. This remedy may be given if Asterias Rubens fails. Dr. J.H.Clarke says, “I know of no remedy of such universal usefulness in cases of simple acne as Kali bromatum 30,” and the late Dr.A.M. Cushing recommended Arsenicum bromatum 4x as very efficacious. Thuja is one of our best remedies for acne facialis. Calcarea picrata is also a useful remedy for acne; clinically it has been found one of the good remedies. Calcarea sulphurica is indicated where the pimples suppurate.
Antimonium crudum	Small red pimples on face, acne in drunkards with gastric derangements, thirst and whitecoated tongue. Face with sad expression Fat, fretful, cross and peevish; cries if looked at, touched or washed. Ecstatic, dreamy, sentimental. Pustules.
Natrum muriaticum	It 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.
Radium brom	Acne rosacea with red pimply rashes, Small eruptions with itching, burning, swelling, and redness, Excessive itching with burning of skin as if on fire, Painful pimples, Acne with scars that take long time to heal, May be associated with itchy dermatitis of skin and/or trophic changes in fingernails, Acne seem worse after getting up in the morning, Better, in open air and hot bath
Bovista	Acne in sensitive girls, Crusty eruptions around mouth and nostrils Acne from overuse of cosmetics, Swollen look of cheeks, Sensitive skin with tendency to leave deep impression with blunt instruments Itchy eruptions, May have had an attack of urticaria or tendency to recurrent urticaria, Pimples covering the entire body, Acne always worse in summer
Hepar Sulphur	Papules prone to suppurate and extend. Acne in youth. Suppurate with prickly pain. Easily bleed. Unhealthy skin; every little injury suppurates. Cannot bear to be uncovered; wants to be wrapped up warmly. Sticking or pricking in afflicted parts. Great sensitiveness to slightest touch. Constant offensive exhalation from the body Face, Yellowish complexion. Suits especially scrofulous and lymphatic constitutions that are inclined to have eruptions and glandular swellings. Unhealthy skin. Great sensitiveness to all impressions. The lesions spread by the formation of small papules around the side of the old lesion. Chilliness, hypersensitiveness, splinter like pains, craving for sour and strong things are very characteristic.
Calcarea Silicata	Pimples, comedones. A deep, long acting medicine for complaints which come on slowly and reach their final development after long periods. Hydrogenoid constitution. Skin Itching, burning, cold and blue, very sensitive. very sensitive to cold. Patient is weak, emaciated, cold and chilly, but worse from being overheated; sensitive generally.
Merc sol	Syphilitic acne, Earthy, puffy, dirty looking face, Pustular acne, Constantly perspiring skin, A big pimple surrounded by many small pimples, Itchy eruptions worse from the warmth of bed, Eruptions in private parts, buttocks. Skin and mucus membranes affected at the same time, Yellowing brown or greenish pus from Pustular acne, may be streaked with thin blood. Extremely fetid suppuration Worse extremes of temperature, night, dampness, perspiration

OSTEO ARTHRITIS

OSTEO ARTHRITIS – A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO A COMMON DEGENERATIVE JOINT DISORDER.

                

The word arthritis means inflammation of the joint ("arthr" meaning joint and "itis" meaning inflammation). Inflammation is a medical term describing pain, stiffness, redness and swelling. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis. It is also known as degenerative joint disease, degenerative arthritis, wear-and-tear arthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease of the entire joint involving the cartilage, joint lining, ligaments, and underlying bone. The breakdown of these tissues eventually leads to pain and joint stiffness. The joints most commonly affected are the knees, hips, and those in the hands and spine. The specific causes of OA are unknown, but are believed to be a result of both mechanical and molecular events in the affected joint. Although osteoarthritis can damage any joint in your body, the disorder most commonly affects joints in your hands, knees, hips and spine.

Causes of Osteoarthritis:

·        Osteoarthritis occurs when there is damage in and around the joints that the body cannot fully repair.

·        It's not clear exactly why this happens in some people, although chances of developing the condition can be influenced by a number of factors, such as age and weight.

·        Osteoarthritis usually develops in people over 45 years of age, although   younger people can also be affected.

·        It is commonly thought that osteoarthritis is an inevitable part of getting older, but this is not quite true. but may in fact be able to reduce chances of developing the condition by doing regular, gentle exercises and maintaining a healthy weight.

·        Other risk factors for OA include obesity, a job that puts stress on the joints, joint injury and joint malformation.

·        Changes in sex hormone levels may play a role in the development of OA as it is more prevalent among postmenopausal women than among men of the same age.

Clinical Manifestations

Osteoarthritis symptoms usually develop gradually. At first, there may be soreness or stiffness that seems more like a nuisance than a medical concern. 

Common symptoms include:

§        Sore or stiff joints – particularly the hips, knees, and lower back – after inactivity or overuse.

§        Stiffness after resting that goes away after movement.

§        Pain that is worse after activity or toward the end of the day.

§        Osteoarthritis, or OA, may also affect the neck, small finger joints, the base of the thumb, ankle, and big toe.

§        The pain may be moderate and come and go, without affecting the ability to perform daily tasks.  Some people’s OA will never progress past this early stage. Others will have their OA get worse. The pain and stiffness of more severe osteoarthritis may make it difficult to walk, climb stairs, sleep, or perform other daily tasks. 

§        Bone spurs. These extra bits of bone, which feel like hard lumps, may form around the affected joint.  Classic bony enlargement of the small joint at the end of the fingers is called a Heberden's node

Diagnosis

§        Complete physical examination – Include inspection of affected joint, movement, stiffness, tenderness, swelling and other important findings.

§        X-ray knee – Cartilage doesn't show up on X-ray images, but cartilage loss is revealed by a narrowing of the space between the bones in joint. An X-ray may also show bone spurs around a joint. Some people may have X-ray evidence of osteoarthritis before they experience any symptoms.

§        Joint fluid analysis - Examining and testing the fluid from joint can determine if there's inflammation and if pain is caused by gout or an infection.

§        MRI – MRI uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to produce detailed images of bone and soft tissues, including cartilage. MRI isn't commonly needed to diagnose osteoarthritis but may help provide more information in complex cases.

§        Blood tests – Blood tests may help rule out other causes of joint pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

MANAGEMENT

Lifestyle changes and home treatments also can help reduce osteoarthritis symptoms.

Exercise: Exercise can increase endurance and strengthen the muscles around joint, making joint more stable. Try walking, biking or swimming. If feel new joint pain, stop. New pain that lasts for hours after exercise probably means you've overdone it but doesn't mean you should stop exercising altogether.

Lose weight: Being overweight or obese increases the stress on weight-bearing joints, such as knees and hips. Even a small amount of weight loss can relieve some pressure and reduce your pain. Most people combine changes in their diet with increased exercise.

Use heat and cold to manage pain: Both heat and cold can relieve pain in joint. Heat also relieves stiffness, and cold can relieve muscle spasms and pain.

Sleep well:  A good night's sleep will help you cope with the pain and stress of arthritis. To sleep better, try going to bed at the same time every night. 

HOMOEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT

Homoeopathy is one of the most popular holistic systems of medicine. The selection of remedy is based upon the theory of individualization and symptoms similarity by using holistic approach. This is the only way through which a state of complete health can be regained by removing all the sign and symptoms from which the patient is suffering. The aim of homoeopathy is not only to treat osteoarthritis but to address its underlying cause and individual susceptibility. As far as therapeutic medication is concerned, several well-proved remedies are available for osteoarthritis which can be selected on the basis of cause, location, sensation, modalities and extension of the complaints. For individualized remedy selection and treatment, the patient should consult a qualified homoeopathic doctor in person.

Some important arthritis remedies are given below which are much helpful in treatment of osteoarthritis:

Indicated Remedies	Indications
Aconitum napellus	This remedy may be helpful for pain and inflammation that comes on suddenly after exposure to cold wind and weather. The person is likely to feel fearful, panicked, or agitated.
Apis mellifica	This remedy can be helpful in acute conditions with redness, tenderness, and swelling. Joints feel hot and have stinging pain. The hands and knees are often affected. Warmth can aggravate the symptoms and cool applications bring relief.
Arnica	Chronic arthritis with a feeling of bruised soreness can indicate a need for this remedy. Pain is worse from touch, and may occur in joints that were injured in the past.
Belladonna	Sudden flare-ups of arthritis with a sensation of heat and throbbing pain indicate a need for this remedy. The joints look red and inflamed, and the surface may feel hot to the touch.
Bryonia	This remedy can be useful for tearing or throbbing pain that is worse from any motion. Rest and pressure may bring relief (if the pressure adds stability), but movement is intolerable. Cold applications often reduce discomfort.
Calcarea carbonica	This remedy is often useful for arthritis in a person who is chilly, flabby or overweight, and easily tired by exertion. Inflammation and soreness are worse from cold and dampness, and weakness or cramping in the extremities are often seen. Problems often focus on the knees when Calcarea is needed.
Calcarea phosphorica	Stiffness and soreness of the joints, worse from drafts and cold, may be relieved by this remedy. Aching in the bones and tiredness are common, and the person feels worse from exertion. Calcium deposits or bone-spurs may develop, especially in the neck. A feeling of dissatisfaction and a strong desire for travel or a change of circumstances are often seen in individuals who need this remedy.
Calcarea fluorica	This remedy is often indicated for arthritic pains that are improved by heat and motion. Joints become enlarged and hard, and nodosities or bone spurs may develop. Arthritis after chronic injury to joints often responds to Calcarea fluorica.
Cimicifuga	Severe aching and stiffness that is worse from cold may respond to this remedy, especially if the neck or larger joints are affected. Shooting pains or twitching can be felt in the area, and inflammation may be worse around the menstrual period.
Dulcamara	If a person has a flare-up of arthritis during cold damp weather, after getting wet and chilled, or when coming down with a cold, this remedy may be helpful. People who need this remedy are often stout, with a tendency toward allergies and back pain.
Kali carbonicum	If the joints have begun to get thickened or deformed, and discomfort is worse from cold and dampness, this remedy may help to bring relief. People who need this remedy are often dutiful and conservative, and tend to feel anxiety in the stomach.
Kalmia latiflora	Intense arthritic pain that appears quite suddenly may indicate this remedy—especially when the problems start in higher joints and extend to lower ones. Pain and inflammation often start in the shoulder, moving to the elbow, wrist and hand. The knees are also frequently affected. Discomfort is worse from motion and often worse at night.
Ledum palustre	Arthritis that starts in lower joints and extends to higher ones suggests a need for this remedy. Pain and inflammation often begin in the toes and spread up through the ankles and knees. The joints may make cracking sounds and may be very swollen. Cold applications bring relief to both the pain and swelling.
Pulsatilla	Pain that moves unpredictably from one joint to another suggests a need for this remedy. The hips and knees are often affected, and pain may be felt in the heels. Symptoms are worse from warmth, and better from cold applications and open air. A person who needs this remedy often is moody and changeable, and usually wants a lot of attention and comforting.
Rhus toxicodendron	Arthritis with pain and stiffness that is worse in the morning and worse in cold, wet weather suggests a need for this remedy. The person may feel extremely restless. Both warmth and motion improve the symptoms in the joints, as well as the person’s general state.
Ruta graveolens	Arthritis with a feeling of great stiffness and lameness, worse from cold and damp, and worse from exertion often is relieved by this remedy. Tendons and the capsules of the joints may be affected. Arthritis may have developed after overuse, from repeated wear and tear.