ACNE
Symptoms
1. Persistent, recurrent red spots or swelling on the skin, generally known as pimples. They may become inflamed or pus- filled and typically appear on the face, chest, shoulders, neck or upper portion of the back, particularly in adolescents.
2. Dark spots with open pores at the center are Balckheads.
3. Spots that bulge under the skin and have no opening are Whiteheads
4. Red swellings or lumps, sometimes visibly filled with pus are Pustules, which develop from Blackheads or Whiteheads
5. Inflamed, fluid-filled lumps under the skin, which may become as large as an inch across, are nodules or cysts.
6. Abnormally flushed cheeks and nose are a sign of Rosacea, an acnelike disorder that affects adults- mostly women – over 30 years of age
Causes
The causes of acne is not fully understood .While poor hygiene, poor diet and stress can aggravate acne, they clearly do not cause it. Common Acne Vulgaris in teenagers starts with an increase in hormone production. During puberty, both boys and girls produce high levels of Androgens – male sex hormones that include Testosterone. Androgens can in turn step up production of Sebum the substance that lubricates the skin and helps it retain moisture, and Keratin, a primary constituent of hair. Tiny hair follicles, especially those on the face neck, chest, and back , can become plugged with sebum and keratin. As the follicles fill up and bacteria multiply, blackheads or whiteheads form on the skin’s surface, a condition called Non Inflammatory Acne. If the follicle wall ruptures under pressure and sebum leaks into nearby tissue, the result is a Pustules, or Inflammatory Acne. If pustules become infected, matters can penetrate deep into the skin and create Cysts, which can rupture and leave temporary or permanent scars.
Various factors appear to make certain people prone to developing acne, such as family history of the condition, stress and using contraceptives or corticosteroids. Taking oral contraceptives may trigger acne in some women but actually suppress it in others, depending on the type of pill taken. Anabolic steroids taken by some body builders can also lead to severe outbreaks.
Acne has many subtypes. Some forms- Acne Neonatorum and Acne Infantum.- occasionally affects newborns and infants, usually boys. A pimply rash appears on the face but usually clears within weeks with no lasting effect. Adults, usually women, who escape their teen years almost pimple free may develop persistent adult-onset acne as they get older. In some cases the outbreaks are allergic reactions to cosmetics or foods, while others are linked to menstruation. Both premenstrual and postmenstrual acne tend to be relatively milder than cosmetic-related flare-ups.
Despite the normal increase in androgen levels during puberty, some researchers believe that flare-ups of acne have less to do with individual’s androgen level than with how that person’s skin responds to an increase in the production of sebum. The bacteria “Propionivacterium” acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis occur naturally in healthy hair follicles. If too many of them accumulate in plugged follicles, they may secrete enzymes that break down sebum, promoting localized inflammation. Some peoples are simply more sensitive than others to this reaction, so that sebum levels that might cause a pimple or two in one person may result in widespread outbreaks, or acute cystic acne, in another person.
TREATMENTS
The occasional pimple or two need no treatment. If outbreaks of acne cannot be eliminated, conventional and alternative treatment can provide relief.
The occasional pimple or two need no treatment. If outbreaks of acne cannot be eliminated, conventional and alternative treatment can provide relief.
ALTERNATIVE CHOICES
Chinese Herbs
Chinese herbal medicine for acne seeks to rid the skin of dampness and heat, which are believed to be causative factors. Preparations commonly used for the purpose include Cnidium Seed ( Cnidium Monnieri) and Honeysuckle Flower (Lonicera japonica). Consult a practitioner of Chinese medicine for specific formulation and dosages.
Chinese herbal medicine for acne seeks to rid the skin of dampness and heat, which are believed to be causative factors. Preparations commonly used for the purpose include Cnidium Seed ( Cnidium Monnieri) and Honeysuckle Flower (Lonicera japonica). Consult a practitioner of Chinese medicine for specific formulation and dosages.
Herbal Therapies
Many herbs are used to help the skin and soothe inflammation and itching. Among those a trained herbalist may recommend are Echinacea(Echinacea Spp.), Calendula ( Calendula Officinalis). Tea Tree Oil ( Melaleuca spp.) and Goldenseal( Hydrastis Canadensis); tincture of blue flag( Iris versicolor) works particularly well with Echinacea. Drinking tea made with combination of Nettles (Urtica dioica) and Cleavers(Galium spp.) tincture may be effective.
Many herbs are used to help the skin and soothe inflammation and itching. Among those a trained herbalist may recommend are Echinacea(Echinacea Spp.), Calendula ( Calendula Officinalis). Tea Tree Oil ( Melaleuca spp.) and Goldenseal( Hydrastis Canadensis); tincture of blue flag( Iris versicolor) works particularly well with Echinacea. Drinking tea made with combination of Nettles (Urtica dioica) and Cleavers(Galium spp.) tincture may be effective.
CAUTION: Never use any herbal preparation on newborns without consulting your doctor.
If stress may be contributing to your acne, try relaxing with cup of tea made from Lavender( Lavandula Officinalis) or Chamomile ( Matricaria recutita). A facial sauna two to three times a week with either of these herbs may also help.
Homeopathy
For minor outbreaks of acne, Hepar Sulphuris or Silica, in 6X potency tablets taken three times a day for up to a week may help speed healing.
For minor outbreaks of acne, Hepar Sulphuris or Silica, in 6X potency tablets taken three times a day for up to a week may help speed healing.
At Home Remedies
1. Washing your face gently with unscented, oil free soap- or even a medicated soap- helps keep your skin clean, but scrubbing already inflamed skin only makes acne worse.
2. Resist the urge to pop pimples. Let them break when they are ready, then wash gently.
3. For mild to moderate acne, try over-the-counter treatments that contain BenzoylPeroxide.
4. Expose your acne to sunlight in moderation, but be careful to avoid over exposure.
5. Men with moderate to severe acne should use a new razor blade every time they save to lower the risk of infection. Instead of alcohol-based aftershaves, try herbal alternatives that include essential oils of Lavender Chamomile, or tea tree.
1. Washing your face gently with unscented, oil free soap- or even a medicated soap- helps keep your skin clean, but scrubbing already inflamed skin only makes acne worse.
2. Resist the urge to pop pimples. Let them break when they are ready, then wash gently.
3. For mild to moderate acne, try over-the-counter treatments that contain BenzoylPeroxide.
4. Expose your acne to sunlight in moderation, but be careful to avoid over exposure.
5. Men with moderate to severe acne should use a new razor blade every time they save to lower the risk of infection. Instead of alcohol-based aftershaves, try herbal alternatives that include essential oils of Lavender Chamomile, or tea tree.
PREVENTION
Because of acne’s association with fluctuating hormone levels and possible genetic influences, many doctors believe there is no way to prevent it. Although the accepted wisdom is that neither good hygiene nor diet can prevent outbreaks.
Good general hygiene and sensible skin care are especially important during adolescence. The basics include a daily bath or shower and washing face and hands with unscented or mildly antibacterial soap. Teenage girls are better off not using cosmetics regularly. And despite claims to the contrary, few if any commercial skin medications have any beneficial effect on acne.
Because of acne’s association with fluctuating hormone levels and possible genetic influences, many doctors believe there is no way to prevent it. Although the accepted wisdom is that neither good hygiene nor diet can prevent outbreaks.
Good general hygiene and sensible skin care are especially important during adolescence. The basics include a daily bath or shower and washing face and hands with unscented or mildly antibacterial soap. Teenage girls are better off not using cosmetics regularly. And despite claims to the contrary, few if any commercial skin medications have any beneficial effect on acne.
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