Acne - remedies in homeopathy

ACNE

Acne vulgaris is commonly known as Acne. It is a long-term skin disease that occurs when hair follicles are clogged with dead skin cells and oil from the skin.

Acne is characterized by areas of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and greasy skin, and may result in scarring. The resulting appearance can lead to anxiety, reduced self-esteem and, in extreme cases, depression or thoughts of suicide.

It occurs more commonly during adolescence. It can be mild, moderate or severe.

Open (blackheads) and closed (whiteheads) clogged skin follicles (comedones) when limited to the face with occasional inflammatory lesions is mild acne. When a higher number of inflammatory papules and pustules occur on the face compared to mild cases of acne and also involve the trunk of the body, is moderate severity acne. Lastly, when nodules (the painful 'bumps' lying under the skin) are the characteristic facial lesions and involvement of the trunk is extensive, is severe acne.

Typical features of acne include seborrhea (increased sebum secretion), microcomedones, comedones, papules, nodules (large papules), pustules, and in many cases scarring. The appearance of acne varies with skin color. It may result in psychological and social problems.

The predisposition to acne for specific individuals is likely explained in part by a genetic component

Hormonal activity, such as occurs during menstrual cycles and puberty, may contribute to the formation of acne. During puberty, an increase in sex hormones called androgens causes the follicular glands to grow larger and make more sebum. Several other hormones have been linked to acne, including the androgens testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), as well as growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Both androgens and IGF-1 seem to be essential for acne to occur.

Medical conditions that commonly cause a high-androgen state, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and androgen-secreting tumors, can cause acne in affected individual Conversely, people who lack androgenic hormones or are insensitive to the effects of androgens rarely have acne. An increase in androgen (and sebum) synthesis may also be seen during pregnancy. Acne can be a side effect of testosterone replacement therapy or of anabolic steroid use.

Homeopathic Treatment:

Chief Remedies:

Kali Bromatum: Kali Bromatum helps in treating acne of the face with pustules. There is itching which is worse on chest, shoulders, and face.

Silicea: Silicea is useful in treating acne when the skin is delicate, pale and waxy with boils and pustules on the face. It helps in rose coloured blotches. Eruptions itch only in daytime and in the evening.

Other Remedies:

Asteria Rubens: disposition to pimples at adolescence; pimples on the side of nose, chin and mouth.

Berberis Aquifolium: acne and blotches; clears complexion.

Rxhomeo COMBO # 21 - A homeopathic combination pack with two single remedies Kali Bromatum and Silicea for relief of acne.