Acne is a common skin condition, usually on the face, prevalent mostly among teenagers. Commonly called pimples, acne can severely damage their self-esteem. The medical term for acne is acne vulgaris. Acne arises from the clogging of pores with dead skin cells and oil (sebum). Though acne usually occurs on the face, it can affect any area of the skin with a higher number of oil glands like the shoulders, upper chest, and back. Severe acne often leads to the formation of scars.
Top Homeopathic Medicines for Acne
The topmost homoeopathic medicines to treat acne are Hepar Sulph, Belladonna, Silicea, Kali Bromatum, Sulphur and Pulsatilla.
1. Hepar Sulph – Best for pus-filled acne
It is the most frequently used remedy to treat pus-filled acne. Medically these are called pustular acne. It is a highly reputed medicine that has proved effective time and again in healing acne.
If there is any pricking pain in acne, then also this medicine is of great help. Though it works well in persons of any age group, it is most suitable for young people. This medicine also gives good results in cases of acne that bleed.
When and how to use Hepar Sulph?
Anyone who has pimples filled with pus can take this medicine. It will prevent any more formation of acne as well as heal the old ones. This medicine can be used in different potencies from low to high. In the beginning, it is best to use 30C potency once or twice a day. Do not use high potency without consulting a homoeopath.
2. Belladonna – for red-coloured acne
This natural medicine is most preferred when pimples are red in colour. Along with pimples, the face becomes red and shiny. Increased sweating on the face may also be noticed. Though pimples may be present on any part of the face, they usually appear on the chin and the corners of the mouth where Belladonna is required.
When and how to use Belladonna?
If a person has red-coloured pimples with a flushed face, this is the ideal remedy. Though this medicine can be used in both low and high potencies, initially it is safe to take 30C potency twice a day. Potency can be raised after consulting a homoeopathic physician.
3. Silicea – for pus-filled and cystic acne
This medicine is also highly effective for pus-filled pimples and cystic acne (painful pus-filled bumps forming deep under the skin due to infection and inflammation from blocked pores in the skin). This medicine helps to dry the pus-filled acne aiding prompt healing. It also works well on pimples that cause itching and burning sensation, which gets worse in the daytime.
When and how to use Silicea?
This medicine is apt for those with pus-filled pimples or cystic acne. This medicine is usually recommended in 6X potency. Silicea 6X can be taken three to four times a day depending on the intensity of the problem.
4. Kali Bromatum – for pimples on the face, chest and shoulders
It is the main medicine to deal with acne breakouts on the face, chest and shoulders. It can be used for simple/hardened acne or when acne contains pus. This acne may look bluish-red and can be itchy too. It is also an excellent remedy for acne that leaves scars.
When and how to use Kali Bromatum?
In case of any type of pimples occurring all over the face, chest and shoulders also at the same time, one may take this medicine without any second thoughts. The same goes for pimples that leave scars. In both cases, it is a perfect remedy. One may take this medicine once or twice a day as per the severity of the complaint.
5. Sulphur – for itchy acne
This medicine has unmatched value when it comes to treating pimples that turn itchy, particularly at night. Though acne may occur on any area of the face, if it is prominent on the forehead, sulphur is the best answer. These may be inflamed and painful to touch as well. Lastly, it is suitable to treat comedones, commonly called blackheads (blockage of pores with oil, dead skin cells occurring on forehead and chin).
When and how to use Sulphur?
This medicine can be chiefly used to treat itchy pimples. It is mostly used in 30C power. Sulphur 30C can be taken once a day and no more. It is a strong medicine thus it should be used with caution.
6. Pulsatilla – for pimples in young girls
Pulsatilla is a natural medicine sourced from a plant called ‘wind flower’. It is the most suitable medicine to treat acne in young girls at puberty. It is also a leading medicine used mostly to treat acne associated with any sort of menstrual irregularities.
When and how to use this Pulsatilla?
Used to treat acne in young girls at puberty and when acne is linked with menstrual irregularities, this medicine can be taken in 30C potency. The dose should be just once a day.
Note You may use any of these medicines for about 2 to 3 weeks. To continue using them beyond this period, seek consultation from a homoeopath. It is also strictly advised not to take high potencies of any of these medicines without consulting a homoeopath.
What causes Acne?
The primary cause of acne is the rise in the level of the hormone androgen in the body. Androgen levels rise around the age of adolescence. Androgen activates the sebaceous (oil) glands under the skin and makes them grow bigger and produce excess oil. The hair follicles get plugged with this oil and dead skin cells, giving the bacteria a chance to thrive and cause acne. Many factors can trigger acne or make them worse.
Stress: Stress triggers acne. A stressful mind causes hormonal fluctuation that leads to increased production of oil by the sebaceous glands. The result is an acne breakout.
Dietary factors: Dairy, bread, chips and chocolates
Oil-based skin cosmetics
Lack of sleep: Inadequate sleep is linked to acne though it is not directly a cause. Sleep deprivation leads to stress that causes cortisol levels to rise, which in turn makes the skin produce more sebum, resulting in acne.
Hormonal changes, irregular menstrual cycles: In women, acne may be a part of PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) along with menstrual problems. So if acne and any menstrual problems occur at the same time, get proper consultation to rule out PCOS
Use of drugs: Cortisone and hormone replacement pills are a few of them which can cause acne.
What are the Various Types of Acne?
The different types of acne are papular acne, pustular acne, cystic acne, nodular acne, comedones, blackheads, and whiteheads.
1. Papular acne includes small, pink-coloured lesions (filled with pus).
2. Cystic acne is acne where the infection goes deep into the skin and forms a painful bump full of pus under the skin.
3. Nodular acne is hard, large, and painful acne.
4. Comedone acne is basically clogged hair follicles. A comedone can turn into a whitehead or a blackhead. An open comedone with its opening on the skin surface is called a blackhead. A closed comedone with its opening beneath the skin’s surface is a white head.
Homoeopathic help for acne
Acne or pimples are normal among teenagers and do not need medical attention as long as they are small. They usually clear off on their own. However, if acne is more in number, large, severe, pustular (full of yellowish fluid called pus), itchy, very painful and leaving scars, it’s time to consult a skin doctor. Ointments may temporarily reduce inflammation, pain and itching in acne, but acne will only be treated when the root cause is identified and addressed.
Homeopathy works from the inside out to treat acne, treating several causative conditions along the way to prevent the recurrence of the condition. Rather than suppress acne, these medicines treat the root of the problem.
These medicines, which do not have any bad side effects, are prescribed after a thorough in-depth analysis of symptoms.
