Acne

Acne is a skin condition that causes pimples or "zits." This includes whiteheads, blackheads, and red, inflammed patches of skin (such as cysts).

 

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Acne occurs when tiny holes on the surface of the skin become clogged. These holes are called pores.

• Each pore opens to a follicle. A follicle contains a hair and an oil gland. The oil released by the gland helps remove old skin cells and keeps your skin soft.
• When glands produce too much oil, the pores can become blocked. Dirt, bacteria, and cells build up. The blockage is called a plug or comedone.
• If the top of the plug is white, it is called a whitehead.
• If the top of the plug is dark, it is called a blackhead.
• If the plug breaks open, swelling and red bumps occur.
• Acne that is deep in your skin can cause hard, painful cysts. This is called cystic acne.

Acne is most common in teenagers, but anyone can get acne, even babies. Three out of four teenagers have some acne. Hormonal changes may cause the skin to be more oily.
Acne tends to run in families. It may be triggered by:

• Hormonal changes related to puberty, menstrual periods, pregnancy, birth control pills, or stress
• Greasy or oily cosmetic and hair products
• Certain drugs (such as steroids, testosterone, estrogen, and phenytoin)
• High levels of humidity and sweating
  

   

  Symptoms

  Acne commonly appears on the face and shoulders, but it may also occur on the trunk, arms, legs, and buttocks.
  

  • Blackheads
  • Crusting of skin bumps
  • Cysts
  • Papules (small red bumps)
  • Pustules
  • Redness around the skin eruptions
  • Scarring of the skin
  • Whiteheads
    
    

    Homeopathic medicines for Acne

    
    

    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 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.

    Sanguinaria   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 and Aurum muriaticum natronatrum.

    Kali Brom   produces an acne on the face, neck and shoulders. We frequently find an 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, and the late Dr. Martin Deschere loudly praised it. Since Kali bromatum has been found a useful remedy in sexual excesses it will be especially a remedy in acne due to that cause. Dr. J.H.Clarke says, "I know of no remedy of such universal usefulness in cases of simple acne as Kali bromatum.

    Antimonium crudum Small red pimples on face, acne in drunkards with gastric derangements,thirst and white-coated tongue. Antimonium tartaricum. Obstinate cases, with tendency to pustulation, are curable with this remedy. Berberis aquifolium is useful where the skin is rough and the acne persistent. 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.