Topic of the Month

Acne is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by skin eruptions around hair follicles. Localized skin inflammation as a result of over activity of oil (sebaceous) glands at the base of hair follicles. Acne happens when the oil glands are stimulated by hormones that are produced in the adrenal glands of both males and females. Bacteria, live in everyone’s skin, but generally mind their own business. In acne, however, they feast on this oil, multiply, and cause the surrounding tissues to become inflamed. This inflammation, depending on its location, can take the form of a superficial pastule (contains pus), a papule (pimple), or a deeper cyst. Much can be done, however, to treat acne.

Acne being associated often with adolescence is termed as 'Yuvanapidika' in Ayurveda. Vitiation of Pitta and Kapha are generally involved in the outburst of pimples. Acne due to a Pitta vitiation are generally red, soft, small and tend to be aggravated in hot weather. On the other hand, in a Kapha type, the lesions are pale, hard, fairly large, have an oily secretion and tend to aggravate in cold weather.

Stress, tension, pollution and chemicals are also among the major causes that aggravates Pitta dosha and result in acne, boils, pimples and rashes.

• Natural hormones. These are particularly active in your teens.

• Cysts
• Skin abscess
• Permanent facial scars
• Keloids
• Changes in skin color
• Psychological damage to self-esteem, confidence, personality, social life
• Side effects of other medications.

Precautions:

Do clothes cause acne? Clothes that are stay sweaty for period of time can result in acne. Headbands, tight jeans etc. are examples.

Can my work cause acne? Yes, if you work in areas where there is heat, such as a kitchen or boiler room.  This is from water swelling the partial hair duct and causing a blockage, then inflammation, then acne.

Do humid, hot climates cause acne? Yes, it can due to the hydration and swelling of ductal blockages which starts the inflammatory phase of acne.

Why do I breakout just before or during my period? This is due to the imbalance of the hormones estrogen and progesterone just before your cycle. Some birth control pills help this.

Does being pregnant improve acne? Often it does due to the high levels of the progesterone hormone during pregnancy. Also, women usually take a complete vitamin complex as well as eat better, stop drinking alcohol , get plenty of rest and generally treat themselves better.

Herbs which is useful :

Neem (Azadirachta indica):

The leaves, applied externally, are very useful in skin diseases. They can be used either as a poultice, decoction or liniment. It works as an antifungal, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory agent. It is effective in treating eczema, ringworm, boils, chronic ulcers, eruptions of smallpox, syphilitic sores and acne. Traditional methods include crushing the leaves into a paste and applying directly to wounds, ulcers or skin diseases.

Sandalwood (Santalum album):

An emulsion or a paste of the wood is a cooling dressing in inflammatory and eruptive skin diseases such as erysipelas, an inflammatory disease of the face and prurigo, an itchy eruption. The oil is useful for scabies too. This oil mixed with twice its quantity of mustard oil is used for removing pimples. In summer, regular application of sandalwood paste on the body, especially for children has a refreshing effect, which heals any tiny infected spots.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum):

A paste of cinnamon powder prepared with a few drops of fresh lime juice can be applied over pimples and blackheads with beneficial results.

 

Coriander (Corriandrum sativum):

A teaspoon of coriander juice, mixed with a pinch of turmeric powder, is an effective remedy for pimples, blackheads and dry skin. The mixture should be applied to the face, after washing it thoroughly, every night before retiring.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum):

A paste of the fresh leaves applied on the face every night before going to bed and washed with warm water, prevents one from getting pimples, blackheads, dryness of face and early appearance of wrinkles. It also improves complexion and makes one look years younger.

Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia):

Giloy is a Tridoshic Herb. The actual indications of Giloy, whose Sanskrit name ‘Amrit’ means ‘Ambrosia’. Giloy is useful in treating fever, gout, jaundice, torpidity of the liver, skin diseases, secondary syphilis, rheumatism, constipation, tuberculosis, and leprosy. It is a blood purifier.

Manjishtha (Rubia cordofolia):

It is found Effective in scabies, acne, pimples, boils and eczema. For Acne, Pimples Boils, Eczema: Apply an amalgamation of Indian madder with red sandalwood powder, turmeric, kuth and fuller's earth (multani mitti) on the affected area.

 

Home Remedies

Mix the paste of tender neem leaves with turmeric and apply on the affected area, it helps to soothe the acne. A paste made from one teaspoon each of sandalwood powder and turmeric mixed with milk is very good. A paste of nutmeg and water is also beneficial. Half a cup of Aloe Vera pulp can be taken internally (Do not take internally if pregnant) or applied externally to the skin. Dosage: Twice a day. Before going to bed, wash the face thoroughly and then apply a paste of 1-Tsp. coriander juice mixed with a pinch of turmeric powder. For pimples, apply a paste made from one teaspoon of cumin seeds. Remove after one hour. A paste of fresh fenugreek leaves applied and washed off with warm water before going to bed prevents pimples.

Diet :

Dermatologists have differing opinions on the importance of your diet in the management of acne. One thing is certain; a strict diet by itself will not clear your skin. On the other hand, if certain foods seem to make your acne worse, then try to avoid them. It is always important to eat a well balanced diet. 

Life Style :

• Eat a well balanced diet.

• Drink lots of water all day.

• Avoid fatty foods

• Use less chemical based makeup

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