Acne vulgaris is a most common skin condition in teenagers, although it affects people of all ages. It occurs when the hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells. Acne appears mostly on the face, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders.
Symptoms of Acne (Pimples)
The symptoms are different based on the severity of the condition:
- Whiteheads (closed plugged pores)
- Blackheads (open clogged pores)
- Small red bumps (papules)
- Pimples (pustules), with the pus at the tips
- Big, solid, painful lumps under the skin (nodules)
- Painful, pus-filled lumps under the skin
Common Causes Of acne (Pimples)
- Excess oil (sebum) production
- Hair follicles plugged by oil and dead skin cells
- Bacteria growth on the skin
- Inflammation (redness)
- Hormonal imbalances
Risk factors For Acne (Pimples)
Certain things may trigger or increase your risk of acne. Those include:
- External factors such as mechanical obstruction (helmets, shirt collars)
- Occupational exposures, or medications
- Cosmetics and emollients
- Topical corticosteroids
- Smoking or alcohol use
Diagnosis Of Acne (Pimples)
Acne vulgaris is usually diagnosed by the help of physical examination
The severity of acne is often categorized as below:
- Mild – whiteheads and blackheads, with a few papules a
- Moderate – more widespread whiteheads and blackheads, with many papules and pustules
- Severe – lots of large, painful papules, pustules, nodules, or cysts; you might also have some scarring
Treatment for Acne (Pimples): Ayurvedic View
- Ayurveda mentions this disorder as yuvan pidika.
- The root cause of skin issues is the imbalance of three doshas – Vata, Pitta, & Kapha.
- Superficial treatment may not give you a permanent solution, according to Ayurveda.
- Many internal medications to purify the blood and relieve allergies are recommended, along with herbal face packs to soothe the skin and vanish scars.
- The treatment plan may include Nasya, Virechana, Raktmokshana, Vamana, etc.
Ayurveda offers a comprehensive approach to eradicating acne along with herbal treatment. It also suggests proper diet and lifestyle changes.
Useful Herbs for Acne Treatment (Pimples)
Ayurvedic herbs that are extensively used during acne (pimples) treatment include:
- Lodhra
- Shalmali
- Turmeric
- Chandana
- Saariba
- Vacha
- Manjishtha
- Kushta
Local applications of certain herbs are considered beneficial and the best spot treatment for pimples. These include
- Khas-Khas
- Jathiphal
- Neem
- Guduchi
- Guduchi
Ayurvedic Formulations for Acne (pimples)
1. Mukha Lepas
Mukha lepas are herbal face packs. Ayurveda prescribes a list of herbs beneficial for skin diseases, especially acne.
Some of the herbal combinations for Mukha lepa (face packs) include:
A. Yastimadhu, Chandanam, Manjistha and Milk
B. Lodra, Vacha, Dhanya and Rose Water
C. Neem, Guduchi, Shalmali, Jatiphala
D. Haridra, Shatavari, Ashwagandha, Rakta Chandanam
2. Panchakarma Vidhi
The process detoxifies and purges the body of harmful toxins and opens the blocked channels. The three main procedures in Panchakarma Therapy that can heal acne are:
Nasya: The process of administering herbal oils through the nasal cavity to clear blockages.
Vamana: Vamana or therapeutic vomiting reduces excess Kapha Dosha in your body.
Virechana: This involves the administration of purgatives to remove excess Pitta Dosha
3. Ayurvedic Oral Medicines
Ayurvedic oral medicines are often prescribed along with the Mukha Lepas
The medications include skin healing, Dosha calming, and blood-purifying herbs that are administered orally.
These herbs improve your digestive system and balance your hormones.
Complications:
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Scarring, including keloid scars
- Psychological effects of acne
Prevention:
- Wash your face twice a day
- Eat a balanced diet
- Use the fingertips to apply a gentle cleanser
- Use gentle products, that are alcohol-free. Avoid using products that irritate your skin (astringents, toners, and exfoliants)
- Avoid scrubbing your skin as it makes acne worse
- Rinse with lukewarm water
- Shampoo regularly if you have oily hair
- Avoid squeezing or popping your acne, as it takes longer to heal
- Stay out of the sun, as tanning damages your skin
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