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Acne
DESCRIPTION
Acne is characterised by lesions that appear on the face,
neck, back, chest, and arms of an individual. They may be
blackheads (comedones), whiteheads (pustules), Inflammation
(acne vulgaris), and, in the more severe forms, cysts and
scarring (acne conglobata).
Acne results from the Inflammation
of blocked pores. Although most often present during puberty,
due to over-secretion of oil by the sebaceous glands, acne
can also occur in adulthood. Some speculate it is caused,
at least in part, by genetic factors. One type of adult acne,
rosacea, occurs most often in middle-aged people with fair
Skin, and can be the result of alcohol abuse or a depressed
Immune System.
In mild cases, frequent
washing (but no more than three times a day) of the face and
affected areas might clear up the condition. More severe cases
of acne can require the attention of a dermatologist.
HERBS
Echinacea (6)
Hawthorn (7)
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
Evening Primrose Oil
Fish Oil
Selenium (1)
B Complex
Vitamin B6 (2)
Vitamin A (3)
Vitamin E (1)
Zinc (4,5)
HOMOEOPATHY
Belladonna
Rapidly developing bright red spots.
Usually high coloured complexion.
Hepar sulph.
Pus filled spots. Very tender.
Pulsatilla
May help in fair complexions.
Silicea
Spots linger under the Skin, slow to come to a head, form
scars.
Usually a cold-blooded person.
Sulphur
Unhealthy Skin, with crops of pimples or Boils, resistant
to treatment.
Usually a warm-blooded person.
REFERENCES
1. Michaelsson G and Edquist L. Erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase
activity in acne vulgaris and the effect of Selenium and Vitamin
E treatment. Acta Derm Venerol 1984; 64: 9-14.
2. Snider B, Dietman DF. Pyridoxine therapy for premenstrual
acne flare. Arch Dermatol 1974;110:130-31.
3. Kligman AM et al. Oral Vitamin A in acne vulgaris. Int
J Dermatol 1981; 20:278-85.
4. Michaelsson G, et al. Serum Zinc and retinol-binding protein
in acne. Br J Dermatol 96(3): 283-286, 1977.
5. Goransson K, et al. Oral Zinc in acne vulgaris: a clinical
and methodological study. Acta Dermatovenereol (Stockh) 58(5):
443-448, 1978.
6. Tyler V, et al. Pharmacognosy, 8th ed. Philadelphia: Lew
and Febiger, 1981, 480-81.
7. Longhi MG, et al: Activity of crutaegus oxyacantha derivatives
in functional dermocosmesis, Fitoterapia, L(2), 1984, p 87-99.
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