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ACNE
by Dr. Rajesh Shah Definition:
Acne or
pimples is a common skin condition frequently seen in
young individuals during teenage and youth years. This
occurs mainly due to the action of hormones on the oil
glands in the skin.
The draining ducts of
the oil glands get blocked and hence they are not able to
drain the oil secretion. The oil and cells inside the
blocked gland form a perfect environment for the growth of
Propionibacterium acnes (the organism responsible for
acne). Thus, it results in the formation of pimples or
acne.
Acne usually occurs on the face,
chest, back, shoulders and neck. It is one of the most
common skin conditions. Although acne is not a serious
threat to the health, yet it can lead to scarring and
disfigurement of the face that can have a significant
impact on the patient.
Acne may present
itself in various forms and these are as follows:
-
Whiteheads and blackheads (Comedones): White or black
tiny bumps on the skin which are nothing but the
enlarged and plugged hair follicles
-
Papules: Inflamed lesions that usually appear as small,
pink bumps on the skin and can be tender to the touch
-
Pustules (pimples): Pus-filled lesions that may be red
at the base
-
Nodules: Large, painful, solid lesions that are lodged
deep within the skin
-
Cysts: Deep, painful, pus-filled
lesions that can cause scarring
Following
are the commonly recognized types of Acne:
-
Acne vulgaris
-
Acne rosacea
-
Acne conglobata
-
Acne cosmetica
-
Acne fulminans
-
Acne medicamentosa
-
Acne keloidalis nuchae
Causes of Acne:
One of the most
important causes is the increase in the male hormones
(androgens) that occurs in boys as well as girls during
puberty. These hormones cause an increased production of
sebum (oil) and hence result in acne.
Hormonal changes
related to pregnancy or such changes caused by starting or
stopping birth control pills can also cause acne. Another
factor is heredity or genetics; there is evidence to
support the fact that the tendency to develop acne can be
inherited from parents. Apart from this certain drugs,
including androgens and lithium, are also known to cause
acne. Greasy cosmetics may cause further plugging of the
follicles in the skin and hence can precipitate the onset
of acne.
Majority of people
who develop acne are between the ages of 12 and 25. For
most people, acne tends to go away by the time they reach
their thirties; however, some people in their forties and
fifties continue to have this skin problem.
Homeopathic treatment:
Acne or pimples is
nothing but an expression of the disturbance in the inner
hormonal balance and this is expressed at the level of the
skin. Hence it requires to be treated at the inner level
rather than treating it by local application of cream or
antibiotics. Homeopathy offers excellent treatment in the
cases of acne, which is effective, harmless and without
any side-effects. Homoeopathy not only helps in clearing
up the skin but it also prevents the tendency to develop
acne recurrently. Homoeopathy is strongly suggested for
the treatment of acne even in the most obstinate cases. |
