Acne
What is Acne
Acne is a skin condition characterised by spots or pimples on the face, chest, neck and back. It occurs when the small glands (sebaceous glands) along the hair follicles responsible for secreting a naturally occurring oil (sebum) on these areas become clogged with dead skin cells, excess sebum or bacteria.
Acne usually begins around puberty and peaks at age 18 years. However, in some instances, it can occur for the first time between the ages of 20 and 40.
Acne can be mild, moderate or severe in nature. In severe cases, it can persist for years and result in scarring and disfigurement. It can also have profound psychosocial effects. Many sufferers are embarrassed by the condition and find it difficult to socialise.
What are the Symptoms of Acne
Obvious signs of acne include:
- Whiteheads (open comedomes).
- Blackheads (closed comedones).
- Papules (raised pink lesions).
- Pustules.
- Cysts.
- Scarring.
- Hyperpigmentation (heightened colour). This is more prominent in those with dark skin. Skin may have an oily appearance.
What are the Causes of Acne
Several factors contribute to the development of acne: excess sebum production; bacterial infection (propionibacterium acnes) and inflammation and hormonal changes.
Traditional Medical Treatments for Acne
Treatment is aimed at reducing the production of excess amounts of sebum, preventing the development of comedones and killing the bacteria responsible for the infection.Basic treatment may involve the use of washes or cleansers which may dry the skin reducing the oily layer on the surface.
Treatment can be taken orally or applied topically. The choice of treatment depends on the extent, severity and duration of disease.
Topical treatments are available in gel, lotion or cream form and are normally only used for mild to moderate acne. Gels are ideal for oily skins as they are non-greasy and have a drying effect. In many cases acombination of topical treatments is used.
Complementaty/Alternative Treatments for Acne
Nutritional and Herbal Therapy for Acne
The following Chinese herbal patent formulas can help treat acne: Fu Fang Zhen Zhu An Chuang Wan (a variation of Margarite Acne Pills) and Chuan Shan Jia Qu Shi Qing Du Wan.
Nutritional Therapy
| Description: | Skin blemishes or pimples characterize this condition. It can occur at any point throughout the lifetime and is related to a hormonal imbalance. In Chinese terminology, the lungs control the skin, and acne is commonly a condition of ‘heat’ in the lungs. Thus, the Chinese approach to this condition is to cool the heat, cleanse the lungs, and also work externally on the healing process. |
| Recommendations: | squash, cucumbers, watermelon, winter melon, celery, carrots, cabbage, beet tops, dandelions, aloe vera, mulberry leaves and plenty of fresh fruits |
| Remedies: | · Blend a cucumber, apply externally; leave on for twenty minutes then wash off. · Apply plain, low fat organic yogurt; leave on for twenty minutes then wash off. · Rub watermelon rind on the acne. · Apply aloe vera. · Eat watermelon or drink watermelon juice. · Drink dandelion and beet top tea. · Drink lukewarm water with two teaspoons of honey every morning on an empty stomach. This effectively lubricates the intestines. If one does not evacuate the intestines regularly, the toxins either end up in the liver or coming out on the skin. |
| Avoid: | fried foods, fatty foods, spicy foods, oily foods, coffee, alcohol, sugar, smoking, stress, constipation, makeup, washing with chemicals or soap. Rather, wash with cool water. If the face is dirty, steam it with hot water to induce sweating; then wash with cold water. |
References:
Dr. Maoshing Ni and Cathy McNease from the Tao of Nutrition