Acne: Types, Causes, Effects, And Home Remedy
Acne vulgaris:
Popularly known as acne can be defined as an inflammatory sebaceous skin condition that results in the visible occurrences of spots and pimples frequently in adolescents at the commencement of puberty when the sebaceous glands become more active. Lesions may appear on the face, neck, and chest. Worse in winter, better in summer. Acne may be whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, cysts, and nodules. Blackheads are formed by blockage of follicles with sebum. A black pigment, melanin, concentrates on the top of the hair follicle forming a plug.
The hair follicles are attached by the sebaceous glands which are glands just close to the surface of the skin. This gland acts as a lubricant and lubricates the hair and the skin. The secretion of the sebaceous gland is called the sebum. When the sebum is produced in excess, with the help of expired skin cells they block the hair follicles. Bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) on the skin sometimes take advantage and infect the clogged follicles causing nodules, papules, and pustules. The clog bulges out creating a whitehead (closed plugged pores) on the surface of the skin. Acne vulgaris has blackheads (comedones) that distinguish it from acne rosacea. Studies show low zinc levels. The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia records Poke root singularly effective. Medicines containing iodine and bromine (Kelp) should be avoided. Dr. Edward Frankel, Los Angeles, warns against the use of Vaseline which, through the build-up of bacteria, may cause a pustular reaction.
Alternative treatment: Teas. Agrimony, Alfalfa, Burdock leaves, Chamomile, Dandelion, Figwort, Gotu Kola, Heartsease, Hibiscus, Marigold petals, Mate tea, Nettles, Redbush (rooibos), Rose Hip, Violet, Wood Betony can be used to treat Acne vulgaris. Consult your medical herbalist, medication from the above has been proven capable of treating acne vulgaris.
Alternative home remedy:
- Cleanse lesions with distilled extract of Witch Hazel or fresh lemon juice. Follow with Marshmallow and Slippery Elm ointment, dilute Tea Tree Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Jojoba, or Aloe Vera gel. Thyme Lotion (Blackmore’s).
- Supplements: Vitamins A, B-complex, B6, C, E. Chromium, Selenium, Zinc.
- Avoid chocolate, cow’s milk, sugars, and drinks that induce facial flushing. Raw fruit and vegetables are helpful.
Acne Rosacea:
Chronic inflammatory skin disease of middle life with redness, i.e., enlargement of the nose due to swelling of sebaceous glands. Excessive alcohol consumption said to be a cause but is doubtful. May be accompanied by blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids). May appear anywhere on the body due to over-function of sebaceous (grease) glands. The absence of comedones distinguishes it from acne vulgaris. Often associated with dyspepsia (Meadowsweet), or hormone disorder (Agnus Castus). Key agent: Barberry bark (Berberis vulgaris).
Alternative treatment: Teas. Agnus Castus, Agrimony, Clivers, Dandelion, Nettles, Red Clover, Wood Betony. Tea. Formula. Equal parts: Agnus Castus, Dandelion, Wood Betony. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes; dose – 1 cup thrice daily.
The Consequences of acne:
The effects of acne include pains, scars, low self-esteem, anxiety, etc.
Triggers of acne
Do you know acne has triggers? Here are some of the things that render some people more prone to acne.
Teenage:
At the teenage, a lot of hormones are triggered at the stage of puberty. These hormones control essential roles both in girls and boys. The hormone testosterone sees the growth and the development of the male reproductive organ and increases bone and muscle strength in girls. It is thought that the increased level of testosterone increases the production of sebum which in turn serves as the breeding ground of acne.
Heredity:
Acne has hereditary ability such that if your parents had any form of acne, at adolescence or adulthood, you are likely to have it too.
As a female:
Studies show that females are more prospective to have adult acne than males. The complexity of the female chemistry is what accounts for the likelihood of them having adult acne. During menstruation (periods), and pregnancy, there are a lot of hormonal changes in a woman and these hormonal changes are what causes many instances of adult acne.
Other options:
You can rely on over-the-counter (OTC) medication in the form of soap, lotions, cream, and gels to treat and manage acne. Some active ingredients to check-in OTC acne medications before procuring one include:
Salicylic acid: aids in the breakdown of blackhead and whitehead. It can also reduce swelling and inflammation during acne.
Azelaic acid: this works by inhibiting sebum eruption and minimize the growth of bacteria.
Resorcinol: it has the same function of salicylic acid.
Benzoyl peroxide: it is a bactericide.
Retin-A: through cell turnover, it unblocks hair follicles that have been blocked.
It is always advisable to see your dermatologist before using any of these medications.
Daily Practices and Tips:
Washing your face with warm water and soap removes dead cells and sebum and it is good for lowering the risk of having acne
During acne, it is tempting to pop but that makes causes scaring. If you can it is advisable to desist from touching the face.
Refrain from using oil-based products.
Disclaimer: Seek your doctor's help before you may want to rely on any of the above to manage your acne. We are not to be held accountable for any side effects relying on the above suggestions.
References:
1. Thomas B. (1998), Bartram’s Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, (2nd Edition), Robinson Publishing Ltd UK.
2. Professor Dr. Reinhard L. et’tal, (2011), American Herbal Pharmacopoeia, CRC Press, United States Of America.
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