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Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to the formation of pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. It can occur on the face, chest, and back and can be caused by hormonal changes, genetics, or certain medications. Acne can have a significant impact on an individual's self-esteem and quality of life.
Our skin has pores which is opening of a follicle. The follicle consists of a hair and sebaceous gland, the function of sebaceous gland is to secrete sebum which lubricate the skin. Due to excessive secretion of sebum the pores get blocked and causes acne they also formed if pores are blocked due to dead skin cells or bacterial infections. The acne is more common on forehead face upper back upper arms where sebaceous glands are in increased numbers.
Causes:
Acne has several causes including:
1. Overproduction of oil (sebum) in the skin, which can clog hair follicles and lead to the formation of pimples.
2. Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can increase the production of sebum and lead to acne.
3. Bacteria on the skin, particularly a type called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), can contribute to acne by inflaming the hair follicles.
4. Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, androgenic steroids, or lithium, can cause acne as a side effect.
5. Genetics may also play a role in the development of acne,
6. Certain lifestyle factors, such as stress, diet, and personal hygiene habits, can also play role in the development of acne.
Types of acne
Noninflammatory acne types
1: White heads Also called closed comedones . A white head is a type of acne that form when dead skin cells, oil and bacteria become trapped within one of your pores. White heads can be annoying one cause of blocked pores is hormonal changes during puberty menstruation pregnancy as increased oil production causes clogged pores and white heads.
2: Black heads are a type of open comedones occur when the pores in the skin become plugged with dead skin cells and an oily known as sebum. Other acne lesions are usually closed, but in blackheads, the skin around the clogged pore opens, air gets in causing the collected sebum oil to oxidize and turn black or sometimes yellowish.
Inflammatory types of acne:
1: Papules are bumps under the skin’s surface that are less than 1 cm in diameter. Papules will appear solid, tender, and raised. Typically, the skin around a papule is also inflamed. Pics
2: Pustules can also form when the walls around pores break down. Unlike papules, pustules are filled with pus. These bumps come out from the skin and are usually red in color. They often have yellow or white heads on top. Insert pics
3: Nodular occur when clogged, swollen pores endure further irritation and grow larger. They are more, are deeper underneath the skin.
4: Cysts These large red or white bumps are often painful to the touch. Cysts are the largest form of acne, and their formation usually results from a severe infection. This type of acne is also the most likely to scar.
Management of acne
There are several non-medical management options for acne that can be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of outbreaks. Here are some general tips:
1. Wash the face gently twice a day with a mild, non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) cleanser.
2. Avoid using harsh scrubs and be gentle when drying the face with a clean towel.
3. Avoid touching the face, as this can transfer oils and bacteria to the skin and cause further outbreaks.
4. Keep hair clean and off the face, especially during sleep.
5. Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing or items that may rub against the skin, such as backpacks.
6. Eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, and reduce consumption of processed foods and sugary drinks.
7. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
8. Manage stress through exercise, relaxation techniques, and other stress- reducing activities.
9. Get enough sleep and try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
10. Avoid picking or squeezing pimples, as this can cause scarring or lead to infection
Medical management through Homeopathic medicine:
Antimuonium crude: Acne with stomachs disarrangements
Arnica. Acne in Symmetrical distribution.
Bovista: acne from overuse of cosmetic itching may present.
Berb aqua folium it is best suited for acne leaving scars.
Cal sulphurica :Unhealthy skin discharging pus. Many little matterless pimples under hair bleeding are that are very effective for treating pustular acne. Unhealthy-looking skin with yellowish scabs.
Cal silicata: suites to patient very sensitive to cold weak emaciated and chilly but worse from overheated. Comedones
Carbo animals: acne with unsightly scars
Causticum: Aggravation on becoming heated.
Dulcamara acne especially in puberty with menstrual irregularities and overweight girls.
Hepar sulphuricum : Painful pustular acne painful with oozing pus.
Kali Brom: Acne with menstrual irregularities, with unsightly scars. acne begins in the teen years and continues relentlessly into adulthood. Bluish, red pustules on the face, chest, and shoulders that leave scars, spots, or a depression in the skin. Pimples may have a depressed center or be painful, large red cysts with a white or yellow center. In females, the acne may be worse near the menstrual period. They may be worse from warmth.
Nat Muriaticum: Acne with Oily shiny as if greased skin Crusty eruption margins of hair, behind ears, the eruption in bends of limbs acne in young anemic girls craving for Salts and salty things.
Nux vomica : From cheese stomach disarrangements, in alcoholics acne resulting from gastric complaints like chronic constipation or indigestion.
Pulsatilla: Acne with menstrual Irregularities. It is the most prominent homoeopathic remedies for treating acne in girls at the time of puberty. When the hormonal change begins to take place in girls during puberty making them experience various kinds of irregular menses worse with consumption of fatty foods
Psorinum : suites to all types of acne. due to excessive secretion of sebum skin is constantly greasy acne results due to consumption of sweets chocolates meat and fatty food acne worse during winters. Dirty dingy look
Silicea :Deep hard cystic acne on face, slow to heal leaving scars. The person is sensitive to cold and catches cold frequently. Excessive sweating on soles and palms
Acne rosacea: - Carbo veg, Calc silicata, Psorinum,lachesis ,kreosote,Mezerium,Petrolium,Sepia.Radium Brom.
Please note that the above-mentioned remedies are just to make you understand that there is different homeopathy medicine for treating acne. Do not use medicine without consulting doctor as complete case history required to evaluate the cause of acne then prescribe homeopathy medicine.
Common side effects of allopathic medications used to treat acne can include:
1. Dryness, itching, or peeling of the skin
2. Redness or irritation of the skin
3. Increased sensitivity to sunlight
4. Increased risk of infection due to weakened immune response.
5. Changes in skin pigmentation due to overuse of topicals
6. Stomach upset or nausea when taking oral medications
7. Headache or dizziness when taking certain medications.
Impact of acne on quality of life:
Acne can have a significant impact on an individual's quality of life, affecting them.
emotionally, socially, and psychologically.
Psychological and emotional effects: Acne can cause low self-esteem, poor body image, and feelings of embarrassment. It may lead to anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal.
Social effects: People with acne may avoid engaging in social activities due to concerns about their appearance. They may also experience teasing, bullying, or negative comments from others, which can further decrease their self-confidence and social interactions.
Physical discomfort: Severe acne can be painful and cause physical discomfort such as itching, tenderness, or even scarring. This can reduce the quality of life by negative impact on sleep pattern and poor concentration.
Acne can influence personal relationships, particularly intimate ones. Individuals may feel insecure about their appearance, leading to a lack of confidence and strain on personal relationships.
In teenagers it effects the school performance due to frequent absenteeism, low confidence and difficulty in concentration. they feel more skin conscious due to their skin condition.
Frequent dermatologist visits medications skin care products can burden and impact the quality of life.
The impacts of acne may vary from person to person in some it effects mild, and others may be severe consequences. Correct medical advice, support from love ones and taking proper care of skin help to face the social and emotional challenges.