Acne is the scientific term for what we normally call pimples, blackheads, whiteheads or nodules that form on the face, chest, upper back or shoulders. Acne sufferers experience persistent, recurring reddish blemishes on the face, chest, shoulders, neck, upper back or buttocks. When these blemishes are spots that have a dark, open center, they are called blackheads. Whiteheads are spots that bulge under the skin and have no opening. Pimples, on the other hand, are whiteheads that rupture. The boil-like lumps are called nodules.

Despite the common myth, poor hygiene or poor diet does not cause Acne. It is believed to be the result of an overproduction of sebum, a waxy substance that lubricates the skin. The sebum may plug a hair follicle, bacteria grows inside the blocked follicle resulting in an inflammation. This can result in a pimple, or in rare cases, a boil or a cyst. Acne is an outbreak of many pimples, blackheads, etc.

Conventional:

If you have a persistent, uncontrollable acne, see a dermatologist.
A prescription drug called retinoid, a derivative of Vitamin A, alters the growth of oil glands. It can dry up current pimples and prevent others from forming. Unfortunately, it also has an uncomfortable, burning or drying sensation.

For inflamed acne, your dermatologist may prescribe antibiotics.

For out of control acne, your doctor may prescribe a drug called isotretinoin (Accutane). It is one of the most potent acne remedy and can, in some cases, virtually eliminate the problem. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most hazardous. Use of this drug may result in itching, headaches, muscle pain and hair loss. It may cause birth defects if taken by pregnant women. So, it is only used when nothing else works. In order to minimize the problems cause by this drug, researchers are now testing preparations that can be locally applied at the affected areas, so as to minimize its reach.

Common Sense Care:

Wash the affected area twice a day with mild soap. Use soap such as Dove, or one that contains benzyl peroxide, such as Oxy-5. Wash as often necessary to keep the area clean. Do not scrub.

Shampoo the hair regularly.

Keep long hair off the face and shoulders and wash it daily.

Avoid shaving as much as possible; when shaving take care to avoid nicking the pimples. Use a fresh shaving blade to minimize the chance of spreading the infection.

Avoid use of make-up or cosmetics in areas prone to acne. If you have to wear make-up, use only the hypoallergenic or fragrance free kind.

Don't pop, pick, scratch, or squeeze your pimples. This may cause infection and scarring.

You may use an over-the-counter treatment that contain substances such as benzyl peroxide (gel or cream) or salicylic acid. Start with the lowest strength and apply once a day about half an hour after washing. It may take several weeks to work. Never use more than 5 percent strength without consulting a physician

Call Your Doctor When:

If the acne does not get better after two to three months of over-the-counter-treatment.

You have a large number of pimples or you have signs of scarring.

If your skin is abnormally flushed around your cheeks or nose, you may have rosacea.

Herbal Medicine:

Black currant seed oil or evening primrose oil, three 500-milligram capsules a day daily for three months or until your acne clears up.

Herbalists also may recommend echinacea, calendula, tea tree oil, and goldenseal. Drinking a tea made with a combination of nettles and cleavers tincture may be effective for acne.

If stress is a contributory problem for your acne, try relaxing with a cup of tea made from lavender or chamomile.

Chinese herbs cnidium seed and honeysuckle flower are prescribed by Chinese herbalists.

Caution: Under no circumstances, do not use any herbal preparations to newborns without consulting your qualified practitioner

Food and Nutrition:

Most doctors now believe that acne is not a food related problem. Some alternate practitioners use diet as a basis for their treatment of acne.

Eat foods high in beta carotene, such as carrots, pumpkin, cantaloupe and other yellow-orange fruits and vegetables.

Vitamin Therapy:

Nutritionists generally suggest:

30 - 50 mg Zinc supplement daily - Zinc may help contribute to reducing the inflammation and heals the damaged skin.

Chromium supplements - Chromium helps boosts the body's ability to break down glucose.

Vitamin A - reduces sebum and keratin production. (Caution: taking mega doses of Vitamin A can cause headaches, fatigue, muscle and joint pain and other side effects. Consult a qualified practitioner before taking mega supplements)

Vitamin E - an antioxidant (200 to 400 IU a day)

Vitamin B-6 50 mg per day. This vitamin aids in the metabolism of hormones

Beneficial Foods To Eat
· Green Vegetables
· Carrots
· Celery
· Onions
· Garlic
· Cucumber
· Watercress
· Kelp
· Seaweeds
· Fish (cold-water ocean)
· Whole grains
· Sprouts
· Fruit
· Vegetable juices
· Sweet potato
· Squash
· Broccoli
· Kale
· Peaches
· Apricots

Foods To Avoid
· Sugar
· Fried Foods
· Meat
· Poultry
· Dairy products
· Nut butters
· Citrus (except lemon juice)
· Processed or refined foods
· Caffeinated drinks

Herbal Acne Formula
Acne, Blemish Remover
Dried Herbs:
2 parts Red Clover
2 parts Dandelion Root
1 part Echinacea root
1 part Alfalfa leaf
1/2 part Capsicum

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