Written By: Dr Mukesh Batra | Updated : March 12, 2014 2:35 PM IST
Pimples, or acne, is a woman's most dreaded beauty defect an insult to their self-esteem, so to speak. No woman would want 'pimply' spots to play the 'devil' with their aspirations. In simple terms, acne is the inflammation of the sebaceous glands glands in the skin that secrete sebum, an oily substance, to lubricate the skin and their hair follicles. It is represented by an outbreak of hard-pointed, or isolated, elevations of skin with red spots. It can affect anyone, but it primarily occurs in teenage girls and young women.
There are a variety of factors that cause acne viz., puberty, hormonal imbalance, personal hygiene, dietary faults, stress, certain medications, chemical cosmetics, and also lifestyle. Acne isn't an illness; it is a cosmetic glitch. It is unglamorous. Yet, it can cause ripple effects. Long-standing acne can lead to certain psychological symptoms such as low self-esteem, depression, stress, social withdrawal, apart from scars.
Homeopathy believes that acne is a defence process. It's the body's response to fighting the intruder (e.g., bacteria). Acne, homeopathy also suggests, heals best when it is removed from the level beneath the skin and out of the body. When one's face, for example, is affected by acne, it suggests that the body has not come to terms with the eruption through its natural healing processes. Our basic instinct is to dab a powerful ointment on the spot of trouble. When we do this, we are only interfering with the body's healing patterns. This isn't all. We are also pushing the 'surface problem' inwards.
Homeopathy believes that there's a superior method the use of natural medicines made from substances that actually cause symptoms in large doses, but in 'micro-doses' encourage the body's own systems to get rid of them in this case, acne. Homeopathy uses internal medicines to treat 'acne-generated' external revolts. Studies suggest that individualised homeopathic treatment based on the patient's unique pattern of symptoms can stimulate a good response in skin conditions, such as acne. Useful homeopathic remedies for acne are Berberis Aquifolium, Hepar Suphuricum, Pulsatilla, Silicea, Sulphur etc., Nevertheless, seeking the advice of a professional homeopath is most appropriate to dealing with the acne anguish.
Published in Times of India on 24 May 2011
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