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Topic of the Month

Acne (Pimples)

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 male 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.

Symptoms:
  • Skin rash or lesion on the face, truck (chest) neck, back, or other area
  • Comedones (whiteheads or blackheads)
  • Pustules
  • Cysts
  • Papules
  • Nodules
  • Redness (erythema) of the skin lesions or skin around a lesion
  • Inflammation around the skin eruptions
  • Crusting of skin eruptions
  • Scarring of the skin
Complications:
  • 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:

  • Clean the skin gently but thoroughly with soap and water, removing all dirt or make-up. Wash as often as needed to control oil, at least daily and after exercising.
  • Shampoo hair daily when possible. Use a dandruff shampoo if necessary.
  • Comb or pull hair back to keep hair out of the face.
  • Don't squeeze, scratch, pick, or rub lesions. These activities can increase skin damage. Wash your hands before and after caring for skin lesions to reduce the chance of infection.
  • Don't rest your face on your hands. This irritates the skin of the face.
  • Identify and avoid anything that aggravates acne. Though no substance is proven to cause acne in everyone, your triggers may include foods, lotions, make-up, and so on. Avoid greasy cosmetics or creams, which can aggravate acne.

Herbs which are useful in Indigestion:

Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna):

An ointment made by mixing the bark and honey applied over the affected area, can treat acne successfully.

 

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 Satwa is a Tridoshic Herb. The actual indications of Giloy Satwa, 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.

 

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 erruptive 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.

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 :

Acne is not caused by the foods you eat. 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.


Ayurvedic supplements:

Neem Guard capsules
Surakta Syrup / Tablets
Anant Salsa Syrup
Sarivadyarishta Asav (Liquid)