Top 6 Homeopathic Medicines for Acne

Acne, medically known as acne vulgaris and commonly called pimples, is a common skin condition mainly affecting face, occurring mostly among teenagers. Acne arises from the clogging of pores with dead skin cells and oil (sebum). Though acne usually occurs on the face but can also affect shoulders, upper chest, and back.
Homeopathy offers safe, natural, outstanding treatment for cases of acne. Homeopathic medicines offer great relief in acne by abating the production of excessive oil by the overactive sebaceous glands. They also help to treat any associated bacterial infection if present. Firstly, homeopathic medicines work to stop the further progression of acne along with simultaneous healing of acne already present. Secondly, these help to relieve any pain, itching, burning sensation in acne. Next, any pus or bleeding from acne is also well controlled with these medicines. Further homeopathic medicines make sure to clear any scars /acne marks present along with the acne. With regular use of homeopathic medicines, the frequency and intensity of acne outbreaks is also cut down gradually.

Homeopathy does not work just on the skin surface, but it works from inside out to treat acne. To treat acne, the root cause needs to be identified and addressed. Ointments are commonly prescribed in mainstream medicine for acne that may temporarily reduce inflammation, pain and itching and suppress acne. There is a chance acne may appear again with more intensity after stopping of medicine. But homeopathy rather than suppressing the acne, treats the root cause of the problem to aid relief.

Homeopathy is the best treatment option for acne as it does not have any side effects and always heals in the most gentle and natural way. Homeopathic medicines for acne are prescribed taking into consideration the cause and type of acne and other associated symptoms after a thorough in-depth analysis of the case. The homeopathic prescription varies from individual to individual. So, it is advised to take homeopathic medicines for acne after consulting a homeopath for best results.

Top 6 Homeopathic Medicines for Acne

The top 6 homeopathic medicines to treat acne are Hepar Sulph, Belladonna, Silicea, Kali Bromatum, Sulphur and Pulsatilla.

1. Hepar Sulph – Best For Pus-Filled Acne

It is the most frequently used remedy to treat pus-filled acne. Medically these are called pustular acne. It is a highly reputed medicine that has proved effective time and again in healing acne. If there is any pricking pain in acne, then also this medicine is of great help. Though it works well for people of any age group, it is most suitable for young people. This medicine also gives good results in cases of acne that bleed.

When to use Hepar Sulph?

It is an ideal prescription for treating pimples filled with pus.

How to use Hepar Sulph?

In the beginning, it is best to use it in 30C potency once or twice a day.

2. Belladonna – For Red-Colored Acne

This natural medicine is most preferred when pimples are red. Along with pimples, the face becomes red and shiny. Increased sweating on the face may also be noticed. Though pimples may be present on any part of the face, they usually appear on the chin and the corners of the mouth where Belladonna is required.

When to use Belladonna?

It is a highly preferred medicine for red-colored pimples with a red, flushed face.

How to use Belladonna?

Though this medicine can be used in both low and high potencies, initially it is safe to take 30C potency twice a day. Potency can be raised after consulting a homeopathic physician.

3. Silicea – For Pus-Filled And Cystic Acne

This medicine is also highly effective for pus-filled pimples and cystic acne (painful pus-filled bumps forming deep under the skin due to infection and inflammation from blocked pores in the skin). This medicine helps to dry the pus-filled acne aiding prompt healing. It also works well on pimples that cause itching and burning sensation, which gets worse in the daytime.

When to use Silicea?

This medicine is apt for those with pus-filled pimples or cystic acne.

How to use Silicea?

This medicine is usually recommended in 6X potency. Silicea 6X can be taken three to four times a day depending on the intensity of the problem.

4. Kali Bromatum – For Pimples On Face, Chest And Shoulders

It is the main medicine to deal with acne breakouts on the face, chest, and shoulders. It can be used for simple/hardened acne or when acne contains pus. This acne may look bluish red and can be itchy too. It is also an excellent remedy for acne that leaves scars.

When to use Kali Bromatum?

Its use is highly recommended for pimples occurring all over the face, chest and shoulders. The same goes for pimples that leave scars. In both cases, it is a perfect remedy.

How to use Kali Bromatum?

One may take this medicine once or twice a day as per the severity of the complaint.

5. Sulphur – For Itchy Acne

This medicine has unmatched value when it comes to treating pimples that turn itchy, particularly at night. Though acne may occur on any area of the face, if it is prominent on the forehead, sulphur is the best answer. These may be inflamed and painful to touch as well. Lastly, it is suitable to treat comedones, commonly called blackheads (the blockage of pores with oil, dead skin cells occurring on forehead and chin).

When to use Sulphur?

This medicine can be chiefly used to treat itchy pimples.

How to use Sulphur?

Sulphur 30C can be taken once a day and no more. It is a strong medicine thus it should be used with caution.

6. Pulsatilla – For Pimples In Young Girls

Pulsatilla is a natural medicine sourced from a plant called ‘wind flower’. It is the most suitable medicine to treat acne in young girls at puberty. It is also a leading medicine used mostly to treat acne associated with any sort of menstrual irregularities.

When to use this Pulsatilla?

This medicine can be used to treat acne in young girls at puberty and when acne is linked with menstrual irregularities.

How to use this Pulsatilla?

This medicine can be taken in 30C potency. The dose should be just once a day.

Note You may use any of these medicines for about 2 to 3 weeks. To continue using them beyond this period, seek consultation from a homeopath. It is also strictly advised not to take high potencies of any of these medicines without consulting a homeopath.

What causes Acne?

The primary cause of acne is the rise in the level of the hormone androgen in the body. Androgen levels rise around the age of adolescence. Androgen activates the sebaceous (oil) glands under the skin and makes them grow bigger and produce excess oil. The hair follicles get plugged with this oil and dead skin cells, giving the bacteria a chance to thrive and cause acne.

Trigger / Worsening Factors For Acne

 Stress: Stress triggers acne. A stressful mind causes hormonal fluctuation that leads to increased production of oil by the sebaceous glands. The result is an acne break-out.

Dietary factors: The relationship between diet and acne is not yet clear, but some evidence supports that certain food products can worsen acne. These are high glycemic products (like white bread) and dairy. High glycemic products break down quickly and are rapidly absorbed, resulting in high blood sugar. The spike in blood sugar levels can lead to inflammation which can cause acne. Also, it can affect hormone levels which, in turn, affect the activity of oil glands in the skin and lead to acne.

Oil-based skin cosmetics

Lack of sleep:  Inadequate sleep is linked to acne though it is not directly a cause. Sleep deprivation leads to stress that causes cortisol levels to rise, which in turn makes the skin produce more sebum, resulting in acne.

Hormonal changes, irregular menstrual cycles: In women acne may be a part of PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) along with menstrual problems. So if acne and any menstrual problems occur at the same time, get proper consultation to rule out PCOS

Use of drugs: Cortisone and hormone replacement pills are a few of them which can cause acne.

Gastric issues such as constipation can trigger acne

 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can adults also get acne?

Acne begins around puberty and gets worse during adolescence. The 12 to 25 years age group is most vulnerable with 80-90 percent chance of getting the disease. Yet, acne before puberty is not unheard of. Also, there are those who continue to suffer this condition way past their teens and through their adult years. Hormonal imbalance is usually the culprit.

2. What makes women more likely to get pimples or acne?

The androgen hormone which mainly causes acne rises during adolescence. In women, however, several other hormonal changes take place during menses, pregnancy, and menopause, all of which have the potential to set off acne.

3. Can the same medicines be used to treat acne in men as for women?

Homeopathy works just as well in men who suffer from acne. What will work for women will work for men too. General medicines like Sulphur, Hepar Sulph and Kali Bromatum are used based on specific symptoms.

4. My mother had acne, does that mean I, too, will have it?

Yes, heredity does influence acne to an extent. A person having a positive family history of acne has an 80 percent chance of getting it. There is also, however, the 20 percent chance that one may not get it. Acne is caused by the enlargement of sebaceous glands under the influence of androgens, mainly during adolescence.

5. Is acne contagious?

Acne is not contagious. In other words, direct or indirect contact with a person with acne or pimples will not pass on the condition.

6. Does acne always cause itching?

Acne can be itchy, but not in every case. Mainly, cystic acne is known to cause itching

7. Can dandruff cause acne?

Dandruff is a condition characterized by flakes on the scalp. Dandruff may arise due to excessively dry or excessively oily scalp. When these flakes shed off and fall on the face, they can clog pores and cause pimples. However, such pimples are mostly found in the forehead region.

8. Will taking vitamin or mineral supplements help manage acne?

Yes, taking vitamins and minerals daily can help manage acne. But they are not substitutes for medicines. They can manage acne, not treat it. Vitamin A, vitamin E and zinc are helpful supplements. These can be taken along with natural medicines, but strictly in doses prescribed by a homeopathic doctor.

9. Will treating blackheads help my condition?

Yes, clearing out blackheads in time can prevent acne. For treating blackheads, homeopathy essentially falls back on medicines, such as Sulphur and Eugenia Jambosa.