ACNE – AFFECT ELEGANCY AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH – HOMOEOPATHIC SKIN CARE

 Abstract

 

Even mild acne can affect one’s emotional health. This is especially true for teenage girls. In studies, teen girls often say that acne makes them feel unattractive. Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in all age groups, especially teenagers. The clinical presentation of acne can range from a mild comedonal form to severe inflammatory cystic acne of the face, chest, and back. This article reviews causes, risk factors, different types, clinical presentation general management including some home remedies management and homoeopathic way of treatment of acne. Homoeopathy treats the person as a whole. It means that homoeopathic treatment focuses on the patient as a person and his pathological condition.

 

Introduction

 

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. Acne can occur during a time of low self-esteem and high concern about appearance. For many people who have acne, the skin disease affects more than their appearance. Acne can take a toll on one’s emotional health.

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 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 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 that 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 in 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.

· Researchers have found in study after study that people with acne can also develop: depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, poor self-image, decreased quality of life, a feeling of being all alone.

 

Classification and Clinical Manifestations

 

Whiteheads - remain under the skin and are very small

Blackheads – are 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 – are 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 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

· Skin needs to breathe. If acne is on the back, shoulders or chest try wearing loose clothing. Tight garments, such as headbands, caps and scarves should be avoided - if  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 the 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

 

The homoeopathic 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 homoeopathic treatment of acne. The symptoms listed against each medicine may not be directly related to this disease because in homoeopathy general symptoms and constitutional indications are also taken into account for selecting a remedy.

Some Homoeopathic remedies for Acne 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
Antimonium crudum	Small red pimples on the face, acne in drunkards with gastric derangements, thirst and white coated tongue. Face with sad expression Fat, fretful, cross and peevish; cries if looked at, touched or washed. Ecstatic, dreamy, sentimental. Pustules.
Asterias rubens	is considered as one of the chief drugs for treating acne, Itchy acne, Skin that seems less elastic, Acne eruptions with fetid pus, Acne rosacea, Acne affecting the back, shoulders, sides of the nose, chin, Flabby patient with the 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 the skin, Skin feels smoothly red but burns, Acne leading to swelling of glands of the neck, chin, Bluish, red acne lesions, Shiny red eruptions
Berberis aquifolium	Face - Acne. Blotches and pimples. Clears the complexion. Skin - Pimply, dry, rough, scaly. Eruption on scalp extending to face and neck. Tumour of breast, with pain. Psoriasis. Acne. Dry eczema. Pruritus. Glandular induration.
Bovista	Acne in sensitive girls, Crusty eruptions around mouth and nostrils Acne from overuse of cosmetics, Swollen look of cheeks, Sensitive skin with a tendency to leave a 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
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. The patient is weak, emaciated, cold and chilly, but worse from being overheated; and sensitive generally.
Eugenia jambos	Acne, simple and indurated. The pimples are painful for some distance around. Acne rosacea. Comedones
Hepar Sulphur	Papules are prone to suppurate and extend. Acne in youth. Suppurate with prickly pain. Easily bleed. Unhealthy skin; and every little injury suppurates. Cannot bear to be uncovered; wants to be wrapped up warmly. Sticking or pricking in afflicted parts. Great sensitiveness to the slightest touch.
Hydrocotyle asiatica	Dry eruptions. Great thickening of epidermoid layer and exfoliation of scales. Psoriasis gyrates, on the trunk and extremities, palms and soles. Pustules on the chest. Circular spots, with scaly edges. Intolerable itching, especially of soles. Profuse sweat. Syphilitic affections. Acne. Leprosy. Elephantiasis (Ars). Lupus non-exedens.
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 acne simplex and the acne indurata, especially in hyperaesthetic, nervous females. Face flushed. Acne of face, pustules. 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.
Lappa arctium	is Very important in skin therapeutics. Eruptions on the head, face, and neck; pimples; acne. Styes and ulcerations on the edge of the eyelids. Profuse and frequent urination. Crops of boils and styes (Anthracin).
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.
Natrum muriaticum	It acts especially on the sebaceous glands and is a very helpful remedy for acne. In this affection attention must be directed especially to the patient’s type, temperament and tendencies and the general symptoms are far more important than the local ones.
Radium brom	Acne rosacea with red pimply rashes, Small eruptions with itching, burning, swelling, and redness, Excessive itching with the burning of skin as if on fire, Painful pimples, Acne with scars that take a long time to heal, May be associated with itchy dermatitis of the skin and/or trophic changes in fingernails, Acne seems worse after getting up in the morning, Better, in the open air and hot bath
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. The face is pale, sickly colour. Heat and spotted redness of the face. Black pores. Itching intensely in the 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 Arsenicum iodatum or Sulphur iodide.

 

Conclusion

The main outcome of the Homoeopathic approach is to regain the body's natural healing and immune the body cells to treat the conditions that affect the body, prevent and restore good level of health and well-being. Along with Homoeopathic medicines, lifestyle, personal habits & food habits modification may be useful for the treatment of patients with acne.