Acne Vulgaris: What is it?

Acne vulgaris is the scientific name for acne. Nearly everyone gets this skin disease, at some point in their life. In fact, it has been proven that about 85% of the total population in any given place has been afflicted with pimples at some point in their lives, usually during the teenage years. Also, women seem to keep fighting the scourge well into their 40s and 50s as a result of female fertility cycles and the hormonal changes that create those cycles. Men, on the other hand, have been known to develop pimples as a result of stress.

The cause of acne is not complicated. It is caused by the blocking of the skin pores by oil and dead skin. When the oil and the skin block the skin pores, it gives room for bacteria that is trapped under the pores to grow causing infection. Androgen hormones cause the sebaceous glands to produce too much oil, then when excessive skin oils and the bacteria are trapped below the surface of the skin, the area becomes inflamed and the mixture begins to leak into surrounding skin. This build up, causes swelling, redness and pus, which is seen on the surface of the skin as a pimple; either a whitehead or a blackhead.

The Chinese believe that acne is caused by toxicity and heat in the blood stream. Others view acne as a digestive problem where the poisons from poor digestion are discharged into the skin. One of the most elemental alternative acne treatments is to consume a low fat diet, maintain proper hygiene, and eat proper vitamins. Saturated fat intake should be kept to a minimum, as they can damage the tissue of the body, and also induce inflammation.

Although acne has been around since the beginning of man, it is a fairly under-studied disease. This means that there is still a lot of frustration for those that suffer from acne, since a lot of trial and error is involved in treating the condition. Western medicine still can not identify one single treatment to resolve all cases of acne. More often than not, dermatologists ask their patient to try one treatment after another until they find the solution that will work for them. To add to this frustration, the skin takes a long time to show improvements even when a treatment is working.

Fortunately, there are effective treatments for all types of acne, even the most severe cases. It is best to seek treatment for acne sooner rather than later as acne is a progressive condition that moves from mild, to moderate to severe quickly over time. Severe acne can, and often does, cause permanent scarring of the skin. Once this happens, the acne sufferer will either have permanent scars or will have to seek regular treatment to have the scars removed. This is a hassle that they do not need after years of painful acne.

The person that seeks medical treatment for their acne before it reaches the stage of being severe has a better chance of fully recovering unscathed. They can go on to lead "normal" lives with no visible signs of the skin disease that at one time ailed them. If you are currently suffering from acne, the most important decision that you can make is the decision to seek treatment and to halt the progression of the skin disease.

There are several acne alternative treatments that can help impede or even cure acne

• Most alternative treatments insist upon a change in diet: abstaining from foods that may cause heat to build up in the body, like garlic, coffee, or spicy foods. This is said to lessen the chances of developing acne, as well as slowing its progression.
• Plenty of Beta Carotene (which safely turns into Vitamin A in the body) should be consumed, as it is essential for healthy skin.
• Zinc is also important as it helps heal the skin, and reduces hormonal imbalances.
• Omega-3 fatty acids are essential as they maintain cell membranes and aid in the transport of nutrients to the cells. Fish, flaxseed, borage and evening primrose oils are easy, on-the-go sources of omega-3. And the last two are especially good for aging skin.
• Clearing the body of waste products is especially important, so taking acidophilus capsules, for digestion, and eating a high fiber diet, for daily bowel movements, is very important.
• For acne caused by menstruation, Vitamin B-6 is important as it can help regularly maintain the proper metabolism of the increased release of hormones.
• Some alternative acne treatments that may be applied directly to the skin include:
• A honey facial. This is done by putting uncooked honey onto ones face and leaving it on the skin for five to ten minutes. Honey is said to revitalize the skin.
• Tea tree oil may be applied to the skin, in a thin layer or diluted in oil-free moisturizer, to impede bacterial growth.
• Exfoliants may be used to treat acne and pimples. Glycolic acid and lactic acid are alpha-hydroxyl acids that are found in citrus fruit and milk, respectively. It is suggested that they lessen dead skin cells from building up. Therefore lemon juice should be allowed to dry on the skin for up to ten minutes and then rinsed off. If one has sensitive skin more water may be required to blend so the individual doesn't experience too much of a "burning" sensation.

"What works for one may not work for another" is true whether you go to a dermatologist, use an over-the-counter medication, or seek a holistic approach. So it's important that you try any treatment for at least four weeks, preferably eight, before moving on to the next. While alternative acne treatments are controversial, especially with doctors, their success depends highly on the individual, how well they follow directions, and the degree of acne they are suffering from.

21ST CENTURY APOTHECARY
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