ACNE VULGARIS: A HOMEOPATHIC APPROACH

Acne is a common chronic disorder affecting the hair follicle and sebaceous gland, in which there is expansion and blockage of the follicle and inflammation. It is characterized by the formation of comedones, erythematous papules and pustules, less frequently by nodules or pseudocysts and, in some cases, is accompanied by scarring.

Acne vulgaris occurs predominantly during adolescence and in early childhood. It affects mainly the face, upper back, and upper chest. It is prevalent in adolescents and young adults, with 85% of 16- to 18-year-olds affected. However, it may sometimes occur in children and adults of all age.

Acne usually persists until the early 20s, although in a few patients particularly women, the disease continues. Scar may follow healing, especially of chests or abscesses. Scars may be ‘ice pick’, atrophic or keloidal.

HOMEOPATHY MEDICINES

Homoeopathy today is a growing system and is being practiced all over the world. Its strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance at mental, emotional, spiritual and physical levels. When Acne vulgaris is concerned there are many effective medicines are available in Homoeopathy, but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient, considering the mental and physical symptoms.

ASTERIAS RUBENS

Acne at the age of puberty. Red pimples on side of nose, chin, and mouth. Without pliability and elasticity. Itching spots. Acne worse on left arm and chest. Enlarged axillary glands, worse at night and in damp weather.

BERBERIS AQUIFOLIUM

Acne, blotches, and pimples. Clear complexion.

EUGENIA JAMBOSIA

Simple and indurated acne, painful along with comedones. Pimples are painful for distance around. ?Red pimples and rosy skin on the sides of the nose, chin, and mouth.

JUGLANS REGIA

Comedones and acne of the face that itch violently, when acne bursts, it forms thick crusts. Acne is associated with menstrual irregularities. Itching and eruptions of small red pustules.

KALI BROMATUM

It should be tried when Asterias rubens fails. Acne, popular eruption, ulcer with punched out edges with tendency to penetrate and tenacious exudation. Pustular eruption resembling small pox, with burning pain, itching with vesicular eruption. Itchy pustular eruption on face, chest, and shoulders. Acne developing in individuals after sexual excess. Acne with unsightly scars and menstrual irregularities.

NUX JUGLANS

Variously sized reddish pimples and pustules on the face, chiefly around the mouth. Large painful blood-boils on the shoulders, and in the hepatic region. Adapted to all stages of acne.

PULSATILLA NIGRICANS

Acne at puberty, especially in girls who are overweight and have delayed menses. Acne from rich foods, fats, pork, pastries, desserts, and ice cream.

?AGARICUS MUSCARIUS

Pimples hard, like flea bites.

ANTIMONIUM SULPHURATUM AURATUM

Pustular acne. Itching of hands and feet.

ANTIMONIUM CRUDUM

Pimples on the face, shoulders, especially in fat person. ?Sensitive to cold bathing. Thick, hard, honey-colored scabs. Dry skin and indigestion. Worse in summer.

ASIMINA TRILOBA

Itching red pimples, appearing first on the left, then on right side. Pustular acne with itching in evening when undressing.

BOVISTA

Acne, due to use of cosmetics. Worse in summer.

DULCAMARA

Humid eruptions on cheeks and face generally. Thick, brown, yellow crusts. Rash on face during menses. Worse in cold, and wet weather.?

GRANATUM

Pimples on the forehead and left temple with sore pain. They suppurate and on drying leave nodules. Itching in different parts of the body as if pimples would breakout.

GRAPHITES

Pimples on neck and back. Itchy, and dry skin. Severe itching and burning. Acne that oozes a sticky moisture, but bleed easily and has a tendency to develop thick crusts. ?Worse during and after menses. Skin symptoms alternate with digestive problems.

HYDROCOTYLE ASIATICA

Acne of face, when accompanied with uterine derangement. Great dryness of skin.

LEDUM PALUSTRE

Red pimples on forehead, and cheeks, stinging on touching. Sticking pain. Acne after suppressed discharges or after excess of alcohol. Acne with rheumatism.?

MAGNESIA MURIATICA

Pimples on face and forehead, worse before menses and constipation.

MEDORRHINUM

Acne and pustules come out in blotches of reddish color during menses. Discharge from the acne has a fishy odor.

MERCURIUS SOL

Pimples around vesicular and pustular eruptions. Skin is always moist with viscid perspiration. Pimples oily and shiny skin. Itching, worse from warmth of bed.

NABALUS SERPENTARIA

Pimples on the face, about the nose, upper lip and chin.

RADIUM BROMIDE

Small pimples with itching, burning, swelling, and redness. Severe burning.

SARSAPARILLA

Acne with menstrual irregularities. Acne during pregnancy.

SUMBUL

Smooth, small, reddish spots on the forehead. Black pores on the face. Comedones.

General measures

·??????Wash the face twice in a day and especially after sweating. Sweat can make acne worse.

·??????Rinse with lukewarm water.

·??????Avoid sunburn and suntan.

·??????Vitamin supplements. Vit A and B6 are essential for skin.

·??????Exercise helps natural acne healing process.

·??????Drinks lots of water to clean the body off toxins and keep skin hydrated.

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