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Acne
Acne is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilo-sebaceous follicles, which usually occurs in adolescents of both sexes. The disorder is caused by an excessive secretion of an oily substance called sebum by the sebaceous glands. In some patients acne, may appear during late adolescence. It usually stops by the age of 25 years. The types of lesions vary from patient to patient, but majority of the patients have multiple types of lesions.
The characteristic lesions of acne are the comedones, which have dark, horny, follicular plugs. These plugs may be open to the air, where they are called “blackheads” or closed, in which case they are known as “whiteheads”. The majority of patients have scars of different sizes and shapes on their face.
Acne is believe to be caused by many factors including:
- Puberty; increased testosterone levels
- Stress
- Pregnancy
- Excessive use of cosmetics
- Menopause
- Hormonal disturbances and PMS
- Use of oral contraceptive pills
- Constipation and lack of fiber
- Some vitamin and mineral deficiencies
- Inadequate probiotic levels in the gut
The Orthodox Approach
Treatment usually includes topical medications, such as benzoyl peroxide, topical antibiotics, and topical retinoids; or oral medications, such as oral retinoids, systemic antibiotics, or hormonal Therapy. Note that the medication Roaccutane is associated with later development of Chron’s Disease and other illnesses, so it should be avoided.
Cosmetic skin treatments such as dermabrasion and laser treatment can also be used to treat acne and its scars.
The IMI Approach
Our practitioners will recommend and instruct patients in proper skin hygiene. Patients should clean the skin properly, although over-washing (more than twice daily) is contraindicated. Some washes include mild tea tree preparations, which can be useful.
Patients will also be advised to stop using hair oil as well as any greasy make-up on the face, as it can aggravate the condition.
The Naturopathic Approach
Naturopaths will look for and treat the underlying cause of acne, which could include dietary factors, allergies, problems with digestion and nutritional deficiencies. Hormonal imbalances – excess testosterone or menstrual irregularity (PMS) — may also have to be corrected.
Many supplements and food recommendations are available to treat dietary or nutritional deficiencies that can contribute to acne: probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, sulphur, beta carotene, and selenium. Vitamins supplements include Vitamins B5 and B6, and Vitamins A, C, and E.
Some acne arises from an unclean colon. The detoxification process used to treat this condition is usually successful in clearing the skin within three months.
Other alternative treatments for acne include herbal medicine, especially to cleanse the system (the colon and lymph systems), or to balance hormones (for PMS-related acne). Tea tree oil is used to manage the problem topically.
The Homeopathic Approach
Homeopathy is one of the most popular holistic systems of medicine. Remedies are selected based upon the theory of individualization and symptoms similarity. The aim of homeopathy is to not only treat the symptoms, but to address its underlying cause and individual susceptibility. The only way complete health can be regained is by removing all the signs and symptoms from which the patient is suffering.
As far as therapeutic medication is concerned, several proven medicines are available for acne treatment that can be selected on the basis of cause, location, sensation, modalities and extension of the acne. For individualized remedy selection and treatment, the patient should consult a qualified homeopathic doctor in person.
A few important medicines for the acne are given below for reference purposes only:
Thuja. For acne on the face and nose, especially in cases due to vaccination.
Dulcamara. Rash on the face before menses.
Calcaria phos. Acne in anemic girls at puberty.
Psorinum. Acne that worsens during menses by consuming sugar, fat, coffee, and meat.
Bovista. Acne due to the use of cosmetics.
Heper sulph. Acne which suppurates with white pus, especially in hypersensitive patients.
Hydrocotyle. Excellent remedy for acne over the face.
Asterias Rub. One of the best remedies for acne that appears on the face at puberty.
Sulphur. This remedy has a marvelous action in case of acne.
Selenium. Used mainly on oily skin with blackheads.
Practitioners at IMI
IMI has a team of four qualified naturopaths who are all familiar with treating acne: Graeme Bradshaw, Tej BG, and Dr Ardyce Yik.
Our homeopathy specialist is Dr Sonal Hattangdi-Haridas.
