Acne and its homeopathic treatment

Let?s take the big question head-on. Does homeopathic treatment give permanent relief from those recurrent pimples? The answer is a big yes, but the treatment is quite different from the conventional ones. Homeopaths realise the truth in skin disorders. All forms of pimples (acne) are due to an internal disorder, Thus the usage of external application does not yield permanent results.

Internal homeopathic medication is often the best natural option to stop the recurrence of acne and that too without side-effects. Medically speaking too, acne results out of an internal disorder. It is a disorder resulting from the action of hormones on the skin?s oil glands (sebaceous glands), which leads to plugged pores and the outbreak of lesions commonly called pimples or acne. They usually occur on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. An important causative factor is an increase in hormones called androgens (male sex hormones). These increase in both boys and girls during puberty and cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum (oil). Hormonal changes related to pregnancy or starting or stopping birth control pills can also cause acne.

Another factor is heredity or genetics. Researchers believe that the tendency to develop acne can be inherited from parents. For example, studies have shown that many school-age boys with acne have a family history of the disorder. Certain drugs, including androgens and lithium, are known to cause acne. Greasy cosmetics may alter the cells of the follicles and make them stick together, producing a plug.

The following factors also influence the growth of acne: Changing hormone levels in adolescent girls and adult women two to seven days before their menstrual period starts; friction caused by leaning on or rubbing the skin pressure from backpacks, or tight collars; environmental irritants such as pollution and high humidity; squeezing or picking at blemishes, hard scrubbing of the skin, etc.

Medicines for acne

Belladonna: It is very useful in an acute flare-up where pus formation hasn?t started and acne is red and fiery looking. 30c potency of belladonna taken internally 3-4 times a day can be used to treat this acute stage.

Pulsatilla: It is often the most indicated medicine in the treatment of acne in girls. Acne associated with menstrual abnormalities are often best treated with pulsatilla. It is strongly indicated in a mild, yielding and sensitive personality with a weeping disposition.

Sulphur: No other medicine is more effective than sulphur, and covers nearly all kinds of acne. Dirty unhealthy skin and abuse of cosmetics are leading indication for its use. It is very useful in stopping the recurrence of pimples. Sulphur is a very deep acting medicine and should be used only in consultation with an experienced homoeopath.

Hepar sulph: Hepar sulph. is very appropriate for treating acne that has an easy tendency to develop into pustules (filled with pus), also where acne is very painful to touch.

Silicea (also called Silica): It is often indicated in cases of long-standing acne along with general low resistance and is often used for its scar-dissolving properties.

Developing a natural resistance towards acne: Once the acute flare-ups have been attended to, one would like a natural resistance towards acne. A thorough constitutional treatment by an experienced homoeopath would do the needful

This feature ( authored by Dr. Vikas Sharma ) was earlier published in The Tribune(north India?s largest circulated daily newspaper). Dr. Vikas Sharma is regular Homeopathic columnist for The Tribune.You can mail him at  vikas@drhomeo.com