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How is Acne Treated? (Homeopathic and Drugs)
Acne is the term for plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples,
and even deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that occur on the face, neck,
chest, back, shoulders and even the upper arms. Acne affects most teenagers
to some extent. However, the disease is not restricted to any age group;
adults in their 20s - even into their 40s - can get acne. While not
a life threatening condition, acne can be upsetting and disfiguring.
When severe, acne can lead to serious and permanent scarring. Even less
severe cases can lead to scarring.
There are numerous ways to treat acne. While acne cannot be prevented
nor cured, there are treatments to help lessen the severity of the acne
as well as to avoid scars and infection. Among the most common, day
to day or homeopathic methods for treating acne are:
Soap and water used once or twice a day to clean the skin can remove
excess oils (sebum), which are secreted by the sebaceous glands and
can cause oily skin as well as the formation of acne. benzoyl peroxide
is a mainstay of the over the counter acne treatments and may be commonly
prescribed by physicians for mild acne outbreaks. benzoyl peroxide is
effective due to its anti-bacterial agent and its effect of drying out
excess sebum. benzoyl peroxide has been known to bleach hair and fabric,
so be careful when using it. Salicylic acid, one of the main ingredients
in aspirin, helps to correct the abnormal shedding of skin cells. It
helps to unclog pores and prevents lesions. But like benzoyl peroxide,
it must be used continually because neither has an effect on the sebum
production.
Sulfur is often used with other agents like alcohol and salicylic acid.
As a component for most over the counter treatments, sulfur is rarely
used by itself because of the smell. Acetone and alcohol act as a de-greasing
agent and a mild anti-bacterial, respectively. The two are combined
in some over-the-counter medications, but acetone is rarely used alone.
Homeopathic remedies, while recommended and endorsed in some arenas,
have not been medically proven. Some homemade treatments suggested include:
- Apply fresh mint juice over the face each night.
- Mix equal amounts of lemon juice and rose water, apply on face and keep on for thirty minutes.
- Use 2-3 tsp of dried basil leaves to 1 cup boiling water. Steep for 10 to 20 minutes and then let cool before applying to skin.
When acne is severe, a visit to the dermatologist may be in order.
The dermatologist has several stronger medications available to prescribe.
Among those they may offer are:
- Topical antibiotics
- Topical Retinoids
- Oral Medications
- Hormonal Therapies
- Corticosteroids
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Topical antibiotics are useful in the treatment of acne when used in
combination with other agents. The problem with using topical antibiotics
is that long-term use may lead to antibiotic resistant skin bacteria.
Topical retinoids are a class of molecules in the vitamin A family.
The retinoids prove potent against acne because they stabilize abnormal
growth and death of cells in the sebaceous follicle. These abnormal
growth cycles are believed to play a key role in the formation of blackheads,
whiteheads and other acne. The danger in retinoids is that they cannot
be used by pregnant women, women who might be getting pregnant and in
some cases their partners because of high rate of serious birth defects
in unborn children.
Oral medications include oral antibiotics that work much the same as
the topical ones, but these antibiotics are used as a systemic therapy
because they reduce the bacterial populations in the sebaceous follicle.
Of the oral antibiotics that might be prescribed, oral erythromycin
is safe for use in pregnant women and very young children.
Hormonal therapies are designed to lessen the acne-promoting effects
of androgenic hormones. Estrogen is the feminine hormone that counteracts
those effects. Estrogen has wide-ranging effects on the body so the
use of it should be carefully monitored. Many women on birth-control
pills, which contain estrogen, will also notice a significant lessening
to their acne. Hormonal therapy may be the choice for women whose acne
does not respond to other treatments.
Corticosteroids are a powerful anti-inflammatory. They are usually
prescribed for very short courses to treat only the most severe acne.
Low doses are helpful to suppress excessive secretions of androgenic
hormones (hormones which promote the sebaceous glands secretions of
sebum.)
There are numerous therapies and treatments for acne. Always consult
a doctor before experimenting with the stronger remedies, as well as
if you believe your acne is severe and has been unresponsive to over
the counter treatment methods.
Other Resources:
Acne.net
BringHealth.com
A
Guide to the Treatment of Acne
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