ACNE:- AN OVERVIEW
The most prevalent skin issue is acne, which is the medical term for pimples. Between the ages of 13–14 and 30 years, it may appear just once or more than once. Acne occurs when dead skin cells obstruct a hair follicle’s opening and oil glands secrete too much oil under the influence of hormones. Simple comedones, painful nodules, and cysts can all be signs of acne. Simple cases of acne can be treated at home with acne creams and home remedies, but patients with severe cases may require a combination of oral medication, Blood purifiers, and acne creams. Though this is a common disease, there are many myths due to lack of the right information accessible to patients. Because of misbeliefs and myths sometimes it becomes difficult for people to get clear skin. So, Dr Hitendra Singh Gautam Ayurvedic Skin Specialist in Delhi/NCR has put together all the basic and advanced information with effective ayurvedic treatment on this page that can help you to take care of acne (pimples).
Why do I need treatment of acne (pimples) ?
The biggest misconception is that you should let acne go untreated because it will eventually go away on its own. We at Virog Ayurveda strongly advise against doing this because untreated acne can produce unsightly pigmented stains (dark spots) and scars that last a lifetime on your face. Psychological effects, such as low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety, are frequently brought on by these alterations. To prevent post-inflammatory pigmentation and acne scars, early treatment of acne is advised.
ACNE: CAUSES
How does acne develop? Why does acne occurs?
There are four basic mechanism involved in the development of acne.
- Shedding of normal skin or hair cells
- Excess sebum (an oily secretion of sebaceous gland that lubricates the hair and skin) by sebaceous gland
- Inflammation occurs as a result of bacterial over growth
- Hormonal changes
How do hormones affect acne?
Sebaceous glands are Very sensitive to the hormones. Hormonal changes during young age cause the sebaceous glands to become enlarged, and sebum production increases. Sometimes , women’s hormone levels are affected by an underlying medical problem Such as irregular Menstruation polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Hormonal acne more common in women. Pre menses flares of acne (menstrual acne) also common in women older than 30 years.
What are other factors which influence acne?
There are some aggravating Factors which influence acne
1.Family history:- Some patients have family History of Acne they have more chances to get acne.
2.Diet- There are Several Food that causes acne those are are dairy products specially skimmed milk, food with high glycemic index like sweets, some chocolates, whey protein supplement. Diet which you should avoid in continuous and excess consumption are carbohydrate rich or fat rich goods like pizza, burger and french fries, Samosa , Pani puri.
3.External factors- Oil-based creams, make-ups, cosmetics, excess use of soap or facewash can worsen acne.
4.Life styles which worsen acne- Stress, Sedenetary lifestyle and lack of proper sleep.
How does pimple form ?
Normal skin or hair cells and excess sebum leads to development of plug that occlude the opening of hair follicle. It is called comedone. Overgrowth of normal bacterial flora specifically Cutibacterium acnes happens due to excess sebum production which results in inflammation. Due to inflammation there is formation of papule (red bumps), pustule (yellow bumps) which further may evolve into nodule and cysts.
ACNE Symptoms
What are the symptoms of Acne ?
- Blackheads, whiteheads, red/yellow bumps, painful nodule or cysts.
- Itching & pain in acne, headache & fever due to acne.
- Red-brown spots on the skin: After acne heals, it usually leaves behind dark spots that may take some months to clear off.
- Post acne scars: Acne cysts and nodules which leave scars are common with people who have had acne. The scars tend to show after the acne has cleared.
- Low self-esteem and depression: Acne makes some people feel bad and can lead to low self-esteem and depression.
What are the types of acne?
1.Whiteheads are closed plugged pores
2.Blackheads are open plugged pores
3.Small red, tender bumps is papules.
4.Pimples (pustules), which are papules with pus at their tips
5.Large, solid, painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin i.e called nodules
- Painful, pus-filled lumps below the surface of the skin is cystic lesions.
What are common sites of acne?
Face – most common. Teenagers have acne specially in T zone of face (forehead, nose and sides of nose). Cheeks and forehead are commonly involved.
Hormonal acne most of the time develops on lower face around jaw line.
Back acne- These are also very common mostly occurs in shoulders and upper back involved. Sometimes whole back may have acne.
Chest & arms:- Chest and arms are also some times site of acne.
Buttocks :- In some young age person acne also develop in buttocks.
How Is Acne Diagnosed?
Only a facial examination is necessary to diagnose acne. It’s crucial to distinguish acne from other conditions that can cause acne outbreaks because several skin conditions can resemble acne. Assessing the severity of acne in conjunction with the diagnosis is crucial for choosing the type and pace of treatment. A dermatologist can determine one of four acne severity levels based on the type of lesions present.
What are grades of acne ?
Severity of acne is graded as grade 1-4 and can be assessed by observing number of acne lesions.
Grade 1- Comedones in the form of black heads, white heads, with very few papules mostly in face.
Grade 2- Comedones, Many Papules forms as Red bumps and Pustules Yellow bumps, few nodules painful condition.
Grade 3- comedones, papules, pustules, many nodules, few cysts are also formed.
Grade 4- Nodulocystic acne.
How is acne cured or removed?
According to Ayurveda, the root cause of skin issues is the imbalance of three doshas – Vata, Pitta, & Kapha. Superficial treatment will not give you a permanent solution. The doctor considers each factor separately to provide you the best treatment that may include panchkarma , some medicinal treatment , and some topical application of antiacne Vamana ,Virechana, Raktmokshana, Nasya, and so on. Ayurveda offers a comprehensive approach to eradicate acne from the root. Therefore along with the herbal treatment, it also suggests proper diet and lifestyle changes.
Useful Herbs for Acne and Pimples:-
Ayurvedic herbs such as Lodhra, Shalmali, Turmeric, Chandana, Saariba, Vacha, Nimba, Manjishtha, Kushta are extensively used during acne and pimples treatment. Moreover, other local applications of Khas-Khas, Jathiphal and blood purifiers like Neem and Guduchi are considered beneficial and the best treatment for pimples.
DAILY SKIN CARE ROUTINE IN ACNE
The following are tips related to daily skin care routine which can help you reduce acne:
Have good personal hygiene, yoga and daily exercise in daily routine.
Use a gentle non-abrasive alcohol-free cleanser on your skin with your fingertips.
Avoid scrubbing or aggressive your skin; it worsens acne and can lead to frictional pigmentation.
If skin is oily, salicyclic acid, tea tree oil based face wash can be used but avoid frequent facewash.
If you do workouts, don’t rub sweat on face while cleaning face.
Be regular with washing your hair, especially if you have oily hair.
Do not pick or squeeze your acne; this will make them take a longer period to heal and can leave pigmented spot also. Let them heal naturally.
Avoid repetitive touching your face with your hands to prevent the spread of germs.
Consult a dermatologist if you feel that conservative treatment and daily care tips are not helping you in clearing acne.
During treatment of post acne pigmentation avoid excess sun exposure.
At Virog Ayurveda clinic and panchkarma center , Acne treatment is always conducted by Specialist Dr. Hitendra singh Gautam Best Acne Specialist and Dermatologist in Delhi NCR doctors under strict guidelines and protocols to ensure your safety. We will provide the customize treatment with Ayurveda medicine and Panchkarma treatment.