This article will cover the homeopathy for acne, their causes, symptoms, type, risk factors, management & treatment. Acne is an inflammatory disease of the skin, hair follicles of the skin, and most importantly sebaceous gland present on the skin.
Comedone is the hallmark of acne vulgaris which can be open or closed.
Open come domes are known as blackheads which are dilated and keratin-filled follicles and closed come domes are known as whiteheads which are caused accumulation of sebum.
These hair follicles plug the dead skin cell and oil from the skin.
During this process, our delicate skin suffers from blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, oily skin, and also scarring.
This disease occurs in both males as well as females.
In this disease, the condition can be hormonal or bacterial depending upon nature. It is common during the stage of puberty where approximately 90% of teenagers suffer.
This condition causes pimples on the face, forehead, chest, shoulders, and upper back. In hormonal conditions, this can arise due to high-stress levels, high humidity, and heat, oily skin, using greasy belly products, etc.
Acne Types
Acne Vulgaris is classified into the following two main types. They are as follows.
A. Non Inflammatory
1. Blackheads
Open Comedone is also known as blackheads. These blackheads are dilated and have keratin-filled follicles. Skin is filled with excess oil and dead skin and they look so dirty.
2. Whiteheads
Closed comedones are also known as whiteheads. These are caused by the accumulation of sebum inside the surface of the skin. Comedone remains closed with oil and dead skin.
B. Inflammatory
1. Papules
Papules are small solid elevation in the skin. These are small and pink in color which is usually inflamed. This occurs by clogging and can be treated by the use of salicylic acid.
2. Pustules
These are also known as pimples. They are caused by overproduction of oil due to functional oil glands or bacterial causes. Sometimes they can be painful too.
3. Nodules
These are large pimples and mostly painful with an excess of oil. They are swollen as well as scarring.
4. Cystic Acne
These are stubborn and painful acne that cannot be treated easily. They are usually large with a lot of pus-filled inside the skin.
5. Fungal Acne
They are also known as pityrosporum folliculitis. They are itchy and inflamed which is caused by an excess of yeast formation on the skin.
Acne Causes
Acne Vulgaris is a chronic and hormonal disease that has many causes. Some of the causes are introduced here
Acne is caused by implanting of hormonal levels, especially during the time of menstruation.
Excessive stress can also increase cortisol levels in the body.
Air Pollution and change of weather may lead to acne on the face or anywhere in the body mainly during humidity and the summer season.
Using oily and greasy cosmetics on the face and body may lead to acne and also darken the skin surface.
Irregular use of some harmful medicines, chemicals, drugs, etc.
Picking of acne from the skin leads to scarring.
Improperly balanced diet.
Regular intake of junk and fried foods.
Acne Symptoms
- Acne mainly appears on the face and shoulders.
- It may occur anywhere on the body such as the trunk, arms, legs and buttocks, etc.
- There are various signs and symptoms of acne vulgaris. Some of them are mentioned below.
- Scarring is commonly seen during the inflammation within the dermis.
- Hypertrophic scars are uncommon and characterized by increased collagen fibers and abnormal healing.
- Keloids scars are formed outside of these borders near the acne.
- Pigmented scars are common and may also darken the skin.
- Redness is seen around the skin eruptions.
- Small red bumps (Papules).
- Small red bumps with white pus (pustules).
- Whiteheads
- Blackheads
- Cysts
- Itching on the surface of the dermis.
Risk Factors for Acne
Risk factors depend upon the following factors:-
Age Factor Â
People of this age group can have acne, especially teenagers.
Hormonal Factor
Females who have menarche, puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. An increase in androgen hormone in males and females during puberty result in the sebaceous gland, which makes more sebum.
Greasy/Oily substances
Using oily creams and lotion along with a contact of the dermis.
Hygienic Factor
Scrubbing the skin too hard can damage the dermis superficially with harsh soap or more chemicals that irritate the skin.
Cosmetic ItemsÂ
Irregular use of oil-free chemicals for makeup removal.
Acne Complications
Skin Changes
Skin can be hyperpigmented or hypopigmented after the acne is cleared.
Scars
Keloids scars, pigmented scars, and pitted scars take long term after healing.
Diagnosis
Acne Vulgaris can be easily diagnosed by Gastroparesis.
This requires examination of the face, chest, back for different types of acne such as blackheads, whiteheads, sores, nodules, cysts, etc.
The severity of acne is in three main types:-
Mild
This covers mainly black and whiteheads with few pustules and papules.
Moderate
This covers blackheads and whiteheads with so many pustules and papules.
Severe
Very Painful pustules, papules, cysts, nodules, etc.
Especially in the case of moderate and severe cases, it is important to have a GP.
Acne Management
Acne vulgaris is a very common disease but if not treated it can be very dangerous too.
So the first-line management for acne vulgaris can be antibiotics and as per physician advice.
Intake of Vitamin C helps to reduce the redness and swelling of the acne.
Intake Vitamin E helps in healing and scarring.
Use aloe vera gel for antibacterial properties.
Acne In Women
In our day-to-day sedentary lifestyles, many females suffer from hormonal imbalance in their bodies.
These hormonal changes develop so quickly that women are not able to understand which further turns into mood swings, weakness, and lethargy.
But later on, these few symptoms take a long step and many diseases arise.
Excessive hair on the midline of the body in the female is commonly known as hirsutism.
Irregular and light menses.
Amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, metrorrhagia etc. may also be seen.
The most common hormonal imbalance in women is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOD/PCOS).
This PCOS/PCOD can be further diagnosed by Ultrasonography (USG). And Blood test.
PCOD/PCOS is also treated by proper medication, meditation, and physician advice.
Homeopathy For Acne – Best Medicines
The Homeopathic System of medicine treats the patient as a whole. It is the holistic system of treating the patient suffering from head to toe.
So we cannot prescribe a single remedy for a particular disease.
It is a holistic concept and requires proper case taking before prescribing any remedy to the patient.
And therefore we cannot say that one single remedy can work. It depends on the totality of symptoms given by the patient.
Some of the best homoeopathic remedies are mentioned below.
- Antimonium Crudum
- Antimonium Tartaricum
- Arnica Montana
- Arsenicum Iodum
- Asterias Rubens
- Berberis Aquifolium
- Calcarea Phosphorica
- Calcarea Sulphuricum
- Graphites
- Hepar Sulphur
- Kali Bromatum
- Natrum Muriaticum
- Nitric Acid
- Pulsatilla Nigricans
- Psorinum
- Sanguinaria
- Sulphur
- Silicea
1. ANTIMONIUM CRUDUM – for Acne with burning
Antimonium crude is the best remedy for acne on the face and cheeks.
It is given when burning is present along with acne on the face.
Given when yellow sebum comes out from the dermis.
Dosage and potency: Antimonium crude 30 potencies is given directly on tongue 3 times a day as such morning, afternoon, and evening.
2.ANTIMONIUM TARTARICUM – For acne with large pustules
Antimonium tartaricum is helpful in cases of acne having large pustules.
Acne is tender, swollen and hard to touch.
Dosage and potency: It is given in 2 drops 3 times daily on the tongue as such morning, afternoon and evening.
3.ARNICA MONTANA– For Itching on small pimples
It is given on cases of itching on small pimples, crops of small boils.
In the treatment of acne boils and rashes.
Dosage and potency: Arnica montana gave 2 drops directly on the tongue 3 times a day as such morning, afternoon and evening.
4.ARSENICUM IODUM – For the nodular type of acne
Arsenic Bodum has a great similarity with the arsenic album and sodium.
This is the best constitutional remedy for acne vulgaris.
It is given in the nodular type of acne.
Dosage and potency: It is prescribed in 2 3 drops for 3 times daily on the tongue as such morning, afternoon and evening.
5.ASTERISA RUBENS – For pimples at adolescence
It is indicated for the flabby person who has a lymphatic constitution.
It is given in cases of pimples on the sides of the nose, chin and mouth, red face, hard and knotty glands.
Dosage and potency: It is prescribed as 2 drops on the tongue 3 times daily as such morning, afternoon and evening.
6.BERBERIS AQUIFOLIUM – To remove acne scars
Berberis Aquifolium is the most important remedy for removing acne scars of the face
This helps to clear the scars very clearly.
Dosage and potency: Berberis Aquifolium is a cream applied any time after washing the face.
It is very useful in the nighttime.
7.CALCAREA PHOS – Improves pimples on feet and toes
It is suitable in case of pimples and skin eruptions on feet and hands, easily tired.
Person carves for sweet and eggs.
Dosage and potency: Calcarea Phos 30 potency is given by 2 drops directly on the tongue 3 times a day such as a morning, afternoon and evening.
8.CALCAREA SULPHURICUM – For unhealthy skin and cystic acne
This is used in the case of cystic acne along with acid nitric.
It is used in a person having a pimple on the face and behind the ears.
Dosage and potency: Call Sulp is given in 30 potencies by 2 3 drops directly on the tongue 3 times daily as such morning, afternoon and evening.
9.GRAPHITIES – For keloids and unhealthy skin eruptions
Graphities is useful in cases of all kinds of skin eruptions such as keloids, pimples, acne which are painful, eczema etc.
Itching all over the body with/without eruptions.
Skin discharge is a gelatinous, sticky, watery fluid that is transparent.
Dosage and potency: It is prescribed as 2 drops directly on the tongue 3 times daily as such morning, afternoon, and evening.
10.HEPAR SULPHUR – For all skin types
Hepar sulphur is given along with Calcarea carb and sulphur to cure all skin cases such as acne, boils, carbuncle etc.
Scratching of pimples may lead to burning and redness of the acne.
Dosage and potency: Hepar pulp is given on the tongue in 2 drops daily as such morning, afternoon and evening.
11.KALI BROMATUM – For postural acne
This remedy is given in cases of postural acne.
In this remedy, scars are formed after the acne is healed.
Dosage and potency: Kali Brom is given in 2 drops directly on the tongue 3 times as such morning, afternoon and evening.
12.NATRUM MURIATICUM – For red and inflamed acne
Natrum Mur helps cure pimples and acne which are red, inflamed and swollen.
This is aggravated by excessive intake of salt in the body and causes intense itching.
Dosage and potency: Natrum Mur 30 is given 2 drops daily for 3 times as such morning, afternoon and evening.
13.NITRIC ACID – For bleeding from acne and pimples
Nitric acid is also helpful along with the Calcarea sulphuricum in case of cystic acne.
It cures acne near the lips, corners of the mouth, nose, ears, anus, vagina etc.
Dosage and potency: Nitric acid 30 is given 3 drops directly on the tongue 3 times daily as such morning, afternoon and evening.
14.PULSATILLA NIGRICANS – Acne getting worse from eating
Pulsatilla is helping in curing pimples and acne if it is getting worse from eating rich and fatty foods.
It is especially indicated in the case of puberty and during menses.
Dosage and potency: Pulsatilla nigricans 30 is given daily on the tongue by 2 3 drops for 3 times as such morning, afternoon and evening.
15.PSORINUM – For oily face and more sebum secretion.
Acne occurs in people who have excessive addiction to coffee, chocolates, fatty foods, meats etc.
A person is extremely psoric.
This medicine helps to cure all skin eruptions, especially oily face and sebum.
Dosage and potency: It is given in 2 drops on the tongue 3 times daily as such morning, afternoon and evening.
16.SANGUINARIA – For acne in women during scanty menses.
Sanguinaria is the best remedy for acne in women who suffers from scanty menses.
It is also given in burning cases of acne.
Dosage and potency: It is given in 2 3 drops of 30 potencies on the tongue 3 times daily as such morning, afternoon and evening.
17.SULPHUR – In case of pustules and papules
Sulphur helps in curing acne with pustules and papules arising on the forehead and back.
It is aggravated especially by burning and heating.
Dosage and potency: Sulphur 200 is given 2 drops directly on the tongue only in the morning.
18.SILICEA – Best for acne scars
Silicea is given in case of a scare.
In case acne left its scars on the face.
Dosage and potency: It is given in 2 drops directly on the tongue 3 times daily as such morning, afternoon and evening.
Remember that homeopathic remedies are prescribed based on individual symptoms and characteristics. It’s crucial to consult with a qualified homeopath for proper evaluation and personalized treatment. Homeopathy focuses on treating the whole person, so a detailed case study is necessary to select the most appropriate remedy.
Homeopathic medicines should be taken only when prescribed by a homeopathic physician. Self-medication may aggravate the original conditions.