COPING WITH EMOTIONAL IMPACT:

• Acne can lead to low self-esteem, damage to self-esteem, confidence, personality, and disturbed social life
• Have you ever had a big pimple on your chin or cheek? People at times don’t want to leave the house worrying that their pimples are being watched by everyone. The embarrassment of regular breakouts can be overwhelming enough to cause depression.
• Though acne itself isn’t a serious health condition, living with long-term acne can be every bit as devastating as having a chronic disease like diabetes or epilepsy.

BEWARE OF MYTHS:

• There is no known way to prevent the development of acne.
• Acne is not caused by poor hygiene, sweating, or not washing. These factors do not cause the clogged pores that contribute to acne development.
• Acne is not caused by diet. No scientific connection has been found between diet and acne. No food—not chocolate, fries, pizza, or any other food—has been shown to cause acne. There’s no scientific proof that eating chocolate, sugar, or greasy food causes acne. However, if it seems that certain foods trigger breakouts, avoid them.

IMPORTANT CAUSES OF ACNE:

•  Is my age the reason?

The primary trigger for acne in Adolescence is fluctuating hormones. On Onset of puberty, the gonads begins to produce and release more androgen hormone. Most common trigger is puberty that surges in androgen stimulants sebum production and hyper-proliferation of keratinocytes.

• Could my makeup cause my acne?

Yes. In fact, anything you put on your face has the potential to clog pores. Look for oil-free makeup, sunscreens, and other skin products. Non-comedogenic and non-carcinoegenic products can be better for acne-prone skin. You might also try using powder cosmetics instead of cream foundations. Cosmetic agents and hair pomades may worsen acne.

• My job is hectic, stressful. Is that a factor in acne?

In some people, stress can worsen acne.

• Are my hormones the culprit?

Women may experience hormonal swings during their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause that result in acne breakouts. Endocrinological disorders associated with excess androgen like PCOS/PCOD, congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Pregnancy may cause flare – up of acne due to elevated levels of progesterone, which increases the secretion of sebaceous glands and alterations in the fluid levels in the body make hormone secretions remain undiluted triggering acne.

•  My medications can trigger my skin?

Medicines that can promote acne development like steroids and anti-epileptics drugs, anti-convulsants.

• My sister has so many pimples, should I fear for myself?

Some people may also have a genetic predisposition to acne. One study found that 50% of adults with acne had a parent, sibling, or child with acne as well.

MANAGEMENT OF ACNE:

• Avoid touching your face. Touching your face can increase oiliness, irritate your skin, and encourage the growth of bacteria. Develop a hands-off policy.
• Second, keep oily hair off your skin. And look for oil-free hair products.
• Changes in diet is unnecessary, though reach for fresh food for better over-all health.
• Moderation of milk intake might be effective for treatment resistant adolescent acne.
• Daily cleaning of the affected areas is necessary.
• Never pick, poke, or pop lesions. That can worsen acne and may cause scars.
• Use of bland facial washes and moisturizers are necessary during treatment
• Wash your face only twice a day, using a mild cleanser.
• Keep harmful sun rays off skin.
• Drink water throughout the day to keep your skin well hydrated.

TREATMENT:

Conventional Approach

Treatment available is antibiotics, bactericidal ointments, corticosteroids, hormonal therapy, oral and external retinoids, androgen blockers and other ointments depending on the need of an individual.

The scars, which do not heal, are treated by expensive laser treatment.

Homoeopathic and Lifestyle Clinic’s Approach

Our approach lies in activating the body’s defense mechanism in such a manner that it controls the excessive production of the sebum (oil).

Homoeopathic medicines reach the root cause of acne. For this a detailed case taking (medical history) is done. Homoeopathic medicines also reduce the stubborn scar marks for which laser treatment is advised conventionally. Most often, you won’t have any special tests to diagnose acne. You may need other tests if any another medical problem is suspected, for which acne is a symptom.