Acne or Pimples is a skin condition characterized by whiteheads, blackheads, and inflamed red pimples or "zits."

Acne commonly appears on the face and shoulders, but may also occur on the trunk, arms, legs, and buttocks. 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 is most common in teenagers, but it can happen at any age, even as an infant. Three out of four teenagers have acne to some extent, probably caused by hormonal changes that stimulate oil production. However, people in their 30s and 40s may also have acne.  

CAUSES OF ACNE

Acne tends to run in families and can be triggered by

• Hormonal changes related to menstrual periods, pregnancy, birth control pills, or stress
• Greasy or oily cosmetic and hair products
• Certain drugs (such as steroids, testosterone, estrogen, and phenytoin)
• High levels of humidity and sweating

Despite the popular belief that chocolate, nuts and other foods cause acne, this does not seem to be true.

SYMPTOMS OF ACNE

• Blackheads
• Crusting of skin eruptions
• Cysts
• Inflammation around the skin eruptions
• Pustules
• Redness around the skin eruptions
• Scarring of the skin
• Whiteheads

TYPES OF ACNE

Following are the commonly recognized types of Acne

• Acne vulgaris
• Acne rosacea
• Acne fulminans
• Acne medicamentosa
• Acne keloidalis nuchae

COMPLICATION OF ACNE

Possible complications include

• Changes in skin color
• Cysts
• Damage to self-esteem, confidence, personality, and social life
• Permanent facial scars
• Side effects of Accutane (including very dry skin and mucous membranes, high triglyceride levels, liver damage, and birth defects in an unborn baby; call your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking this drug)
• Side effects of other medications

PREVENTION OF ACNE

• Clean your skin gently with a mild, non-drying soap with high TFM %. Remove all dirt or make-up. Wash once or twice a day, including after exercising. However, avoid excessive or repeated skin washing.
• Shampoo your hair daily, especially if it's oily. Comb or pull your hair back to keep the hair out of your face. Avoid tight headbands.
• Try not to squeeze, scratch, pick, or rub the pimples. Although it might be tempting to do this, it can lead to scarring and skin infections.
• Avoid touching your face with your hands or fingers.
• Avoid greasy cosmetics or creams. Look for water-based or "non-comedogenic" formulas. Take make-up off at night.

A small amount of sun exposure may improve acne

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR ACNE

• Controls the tendency to have acne (often genetic, in severe cases)
• Addresses underlying hormonal disturbance which gives one a proneness to have acne
• Reduces excessive oiliness of skin
• Reduces acne directly
• Controls infection
• Controls scar formation
• Reduces hyperpignementation following acne
• Controls tendency to scar formation following acne

HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINE FOR ACNE

ANTIM CRUDE : Useful for acne of granular like eruption,lumpy, red, burning, suppurating postural like eruptions on the face with red areola have an inflamed base.Useful for acne appears at teenage or in younger age group. There is tendency to weight gain, fatty, obese children who are fund of taking more junk foods and fast foods.Given to that person who is mentally very exhausted for his big acnes which making him/her to a depression state as because of ugly and dirty looking of facial skin.

ASTERIAS RUBENS : Useful for acne which  generally occurs at teenage and more abundantly found on chin and side of nose.Suited to that person who have anxiety, excited and irritable temperament.Given when sexual desire is increased in women.Useful for acne which is cause due to constipation.There is ineffectual desire for stool with hard, round faeces.

PSORINUM : Useful for acne that are postular types who have more coffee addiction.Given to that patient who is taking more fatty foods, meats, more sugars, chocolates which aggravates the acne eruption in face. There is more acne before the menstrual cycle and any sort of emotional distress triggers the development of acne. 

KALI BROM : Useful for postural,indurate acne which left the scar after healing. Suited to that persons whose physical constitution is of obese and is nervous,depressed,low spirited in nature.There is restlessness and no sleep at night due to worry or grief from loss of job, loss of business, loss of property, loss of reputation etc. 

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