What is acne?

 Acne is a common condition of skin of face, chest or back associated with inflammation and irritation with or without bumps, discoloration and pain . 

 Acne can affect most of the people at some point in their lifetime. Acne vulgaris is a chronic condition affecting more than 85% of adolescents and young adults.

It causes spots, oily looking skin and sometimes skin that’s hot or painful to touch.Acne may mostly appear on various part of the body such as:

Face, back and chest.

 Does acne cause psychological upsets in people?

 Acne is associated with the psychological burden of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem due to the spots and scarring it causes.

What are the common causes of acne?

•  Hormonal 

Acne develops as a result of hypersensitivity of the sebaceous glands to normal levels of circulating androgens or male hormones.

• Bacteria

 Acne is commonly triggered during adolescence by Cutibacterium acnes, a bacterial species, under the influence of normal circulating levels of androgens.

• Medications

Certain medications such as lithium, steroids, and anticonvulsants may cause eruption of acne.

• UV rays of sun

Over exposure to sunlight.

• tight clothing

 Certain inner outfits such as shoulder pads, headbands, backpacks, and underwire brassieres.

• Oil-based cosmetics and facial massage.

• polycystic ovarian syndrome

•Pregnancy

• female hormones

 A premenstrual flare-up of acne occurs in 70% of female patients. It seems to be from edema of the pilosebaceous duct.

• Genetic factors

 Genes significantly influence the proportion of branched fatty acids found in sebum, with heritability estimates ranging from 50% to 90%.

• Repetitive mechanical trauma

 scrubbing of skin with soaps and detergents cause acne flare up.

• Milk consumption

Several studies have indicated that increased milk consumption and high glycemic load diets are associated with acne in adolescence. This could be due to insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and natural hormonal components of milk.

• Stress

Psychological stress is associated with increased severity of acne, probably by stimulating stress hormones.

• Insulin resistance

Individuals with insulin resistance have increased levels of IGF, which is linked to increased facial sebum excretion.

 What are the different types of acne spots?

Acne spots include blackheads, whiteheads, papules,pustules, nodules and cyst

blackheads  are small black or yellowish bumps breaking out on the skin; these  are black because the inner lining of the hair follicle produces  dark pigmentation (colouring)

whiteheads are a similar to blackheads, but may be firmer and won’t empty when squeezed

papules are small red bumps that may feel tender or sore

pustules are  similar topapules with a white tip in the center, filled with pus

Nodules are large hard lumps that build up beneath the surface of the skin and can be painful

Cysts are the most severe type of spot caused by acne; they’re large pus-filled lumps resembling  boils and carry the greatest risk of causing permanent scarring.

Skin care tips for managing acne

•  Avoid frequent washing of face. Frequent washing can irritate the skin and make symptoms worse

•  Wash the affected area with a mild soap or cleanser and lukewarm water.

•  Make up substances may aggravate or worsen acne. Avoid excessive make-up and cosmetics. Use water-based products that do not clog the pores and these are described as non-comedogenic products. For example, moisturizing lotions that are non-comedogenic or made exclusively for acne prone skin.

•   Completely remove your make-up before going to bed at night.

•   Avoid opening the blackheads or spots by squeezing. This may lead to permanent scarring

•   For applying on dry skin, a fragrance-free, water-based emollient or lotion is advisable.

•   Exercise cannot improve your acne, but may help to better your self-esteem and the hormonal imbalances in general reducing obesity.

•   It is advisable to shower your body after work out, as sweat can irritate your acne.

Treatment

Acne is not permanently curable; however, it can be controlled with treatment. Several creams, lotions and gels for treating spots can be prescribed by a dermatologist or healthcare provider. The primary objective of therapy is to resolve existing lesions and prevent the formation of new ones. 

Read more following the link below

http://siahmsrwellness.in/acne-or-pimples

Homeopathic remedies for acne vulgaris treatment

·      Calcarea carbonica

The remedy is indicated in nervous, fat, sluggish women with acne. Great sensitiveness to cold. Yellow pale face, hollow eyes, redness and puffing; Acne with crust, itching, sore as if excoriated.

Leucophlegmatic ,psoric constitution;easily fatigued.

·      Calcarea silicata

This remedy is indicated for both acne rosacea and acne vulgaris. People who are sensitive to cold .

·      Carbo  animalis

Brown discoloration of face,earthy complexion,Acne on forehead; indicated for acne rosacea also.Coppery eruptions on face. Pimples on nose and inside.

·      Carbo vegetabilis

Cold,dry ,pale; face;bluish discolouration. Acne on forehead.Pimples on upper lips.

·      Causticum

Face pale,bluish discoloration;Acne,Acne rosacea on nose,forehead.

·      Hepar sulphuricum

Sensitive to cold,bluish discoloration,Acne on forehead,crusty scabby eruptions.Pimples on chin.Rashes on face,pustules and abscesses also.

·      Kai bromatum

Acne rosacea,boils and pimples.whiteheads,pustules. Adapted to obese,nervous ,restless people.loss of memory,night terrors;

·      Nux vomica

Red discolouration of face,Acne on forehead, pimples.

Irritable,bilious sanguine temperament. Quarrelsome people. Nervous and melancholic.hypochondriac,impatient;oversensensitive to external impressions. Eructations ,nausea , vomiting after eating.constipation with ineffectual urging.

·      Sepia

Chlorotic face, brownish discoloration of face, Acne forehead, acne rosacea. comedones. itching ; pimples on chin,nose. wrinkles on forehead.

Adapted to persons with dark hair, rigid fibre,mild and easy disposition;

sensitive to cold air.

sensation of ball in inner parts.

Uterine diseases in women; melancholic ,lachrymosemood,indifference.anxiety towards evening hours.indolence.

Yellowness of face, yellow saddle across upper part of cheeks and nose.

·      Sulphur

Sulphur is adapted to persons with scrofulous diathesis, nervous temperament, plethoric; skin sensitive to weather changes.

Comedones, acne, pimples. Crusty scabby eruptions.

Comedones on chin and upperlip;boils

Eruptions on nose.

Boils coming in crops.

Recurring acne. Burning and itching.

Intolerance to hot air and warm weather;