Top Homeopathic Medicines for Acne

Acne is a common skin condition, usually on the face, prevalent mostly among teenagers. Commonly called pimples, acne can severely damage their self-esteem. The medical term for acne is acne vulgaris. Acne arises from the clogging of pores with dead skin cells and oil (sebum). Though acne usually occurs on the face, it can affect any area of the skin with a higher number of oil glands like shoulders, upper chest, and back. Severe acne often leads to the formation of scars.

Top Homeopathic Medicines for Acne

The topmost homeopathic medicines to treat acne are Hepar Sulph, Belladonna, Silicea, Kali Bromatum, Sulphur and Pulsatilla.

1. Hepar Sulph – Best for pus-filled acne

It is the most frequently used remedy to treat pus-filled acne. Medically these are called pustular acne. It is a highly reputed medicine that has proved effective time and again in healing acne.

If there is any pricking pain in acne, then also this medicine is of great help. Though it works well in persons of any age group, it is most suitable for young people. This medicine also gives good results in cases of acne that bleed.

When and how to use Hepar Sulph?

Anyone who has pimples filled with pus can take this medicine. It will prevent any more formation of acne as well as heal the old ones. This medicine can be used in different potencies from low to high. In the beginning, it is best to use 30C potency once or twice a day. Do not use high potency without consulting a homeopath.

2. Belladonna – for red-colored acne

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This natural medicine is most preferred when pimples are red in color. Along with pimples, the face becomes red and shiny. Increased sweating on face may also be noticed. Though pimples may be present on any part of the face, they usually appear on the chin and the corners of the mouth where Belladonna is required.

When and how to use Belladonna?

If a person has red-colored pimples with a flushed face, this is the ideal remedy. Though this medicine can be used in both low and high potencies, initially it is safe to take 30C potency twice a day. Potency can be raised after consulting a homeopathic physician.

3. Silicea – for pus-filled and cystic acne

This medicine is also highly effective for pus-filled pimples and cystic acne (painful pus-filled bumps forming deep under the skin due to infection and inflammation from blocked pores in the skin). This medicine helps to dry the pus-filled acne aiding prompt healing. It also works well on pimples that cause itching and burning sensation, which gets worse in the daytime.

When and How to use Silicea?

This medicine is apt for those with pus-filled pimples or cystic acne. This medicine is usually recommended in 6X potency. Silicea 6X can be taken three to four times a day depending on the intensity of the problem.

4. Kali Bromatum – for pimples on face, chest and shoulders

It is the main medicine to deal with acne breakouts on face, chest and shoulders. It can be used for simple/hardened acne or when acne contains pus. This acne may look bluish red and can be itchy too. It is also an excellent remedy for acne that leaves scars.

When and How to use Kali Bromatum?

In case of any type of pimples occurring all over the face, chest and shoulders also at the same time, one may take this medicine without any second thoughts. The same goes for pimples that leave scars. In both cases, it is a perfect remedy. One may take this medicine once or twice a day as per the severity of the complaint.

5. Sulphur – for itchy acne

This medicine has unmatched value when it comes to treating pimples that turn itchy, particularly at night. Though acne may occur on any area of the face, if it is prominent on the forehead, sulphur is the best answer. These may be inflamed and painful to touch as well. Lastly, it is suitable to treat comedones, commonly called blackheads (blockage of pores with oil, dead skin cells occurring on forehead and chin).

When and How to use Sulphur?

This medicine can be chiefly used to treat itchy pimples. It is mostly used in 30C power. Sulphur 30C can be taken once a day and no more. It is a strong medicine thus it should be used with caution.

6. Pulsatilla – for pimples in young girls

Pulsatilla is a natural medicine sourced from a plant called ‘wind flower’. It is the most suitable medicine to treat acne in young girls at puberty. It is also a leading medicine used mostly to treat acne associated with any sort of menstrual irregularities.

When and How to use this Pulsatilla?

Used to treat acne in young girls at puberty and when acne is linked with menstrual irregularities, this medicine can be taken in 30C potency. The dose should be just once a day.

Note You may use any of these medicines for about 2 to 3 weeks. To continue using them beyond this period, seek consultation from a homeopath. It is also strictly advised not to take high potencies of any of these medicines without consulting a homeopath.

What causes Acne?

The primary cause of acne is the rise in the level of the hormone androgen in the body. Androgen levels rise around the age of adolescence. Androgen activates the sebaceous (oil) glands under the skin and makes them grow bigger and produce excess oil. The hair follicles get plugged with this oil and dead skin cells, giving the bacteria a chance to thrive and cause acne. Many factors can trigger acne or make them worse.

Stress: Stress triggers acne. A stressful mind causes hormonal fluctuation that leads to increased production of oil by the sebaceous glands. The result is an acne break-out.

Dietary factors: Dairy, bread, chips and chocolates

Oil-based skin cosmetics

Lack of sleep:  Inadequate sleep is linked to acne though it is not directly a cause. Sleep deprivation leads to stress that causes cortisol levels to rise, which in turn makes the skin produce more sebum, resulting in acne.

Hormonal changes, irregular menstrual cycles: In women acne may be a part of PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) along with menstrual problems. So if acne and any menstrual problems occur at the same time, get proper consultation to rule out PCOS

Use of drugs: Cortisone and hormone replacement pills are a few of them which can cause acne.

What are the Various Types of Acne?

The different types of acne are papular acne, pustular acne, cystic acne, nodular acne, comedones, blackheads, and whiteheads.

1. Papular acne includes small, pink-colored lesions (filled with pus).

2. Cystic acne is acne where the infection goes deep into the skin and forms a painful bump full of pus under the skin.

3. Nodular acne is hard, large, and painful acne.

4. Comedone acne are basically clogged hair follicles. A comedo can turn into a whitehead or a blackhead. Open comedo with its opening on the skin surface is called a blackhead. A closed comedo with its opening beneath the skin surface is a white head.

Homeopathic help for acne

Acne or pimples are normal among teenagers and do not need medical attention as long as they are small. They usually clear off on their own. However, if acne is more in number, large, severe, pustular (full of yellowish fluid called pus), itchy, very painful and leaving scars, it’s time to consult a skin doctor. Ointments may temporarily reduce inflammation, pain and itching in acne, but acne will only be treated when the root cause is identified and addressed.

Homeopathy works from inside out to treat acne, treating several causative conditions along the way to prevent the recurrence of the condition. Rather than suppress acne, these medicines treat the root of the problem.

These medicines, which do not have any bad side-effects, are prescribed after a thorough in-depth analysis of symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can adults also get acne?

Acne begins around puberty and gets worse during adolescence. The 12 to 25 years age group is most vulnerable with 80-90 percent chance of getting the disease. Yet, acne before puberty is not unheard of. Also, there are those who continue to suffer this condition way past their teens and through their adult years. Hormonal imbalance is usually the culprit.

2. What makes women more likely to get pimples or acne?

The androgen hormone which mainly causes acne rises during adolescence. In women, however, several other hormonal changes take place during menses, pregnancy, and menopause, all of which have the potential to set off acne.

3. Can the same medicines be used to treat acne in men as for women?

Homeopathy works just as well in men who suffer from acne. What will work for women will work for men too. General medicines like Sulphur, Hepar Sulph and Kali Bromatum are used based on specific symptoms. For itchy pimples, Sulphur is the best choice, while for pustular and painful acne, Hepar Sulph shows better results. For acne of face, chest, and shoulders, sometimes with ugly scars, Kali Bromatum is considered the best prescription for both men and women.

4. My mother had acne, does that mean I, too, will have it?

Yes, heredity does influence acne to an extent. A person having a positive family history of acne has an 80 percent chance of getting it. There is also, however, the 20 percent chance that one may not get it. Acne is caused by the enlargement of sebaceous glands under the influence of androgens, mainly during adolescence.

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5. Is acne contagious?

Acne is not contagious. In other words, direct or indirect contact with a person with acne or pimples will not pass on the condition.

6. Does acne always cause itching?

Acne can be itchy, but not in every case. Mainly, cystic acne is known to cause itching

7. Can eating junk food worsen acne?

The relationship between diet and acne is not yet clear, but some evidence supports that certain food products can worsen acne. These are high glycemic products and dairy. High glycemic products break down quickly and are rapidly absorbed, resulting in high blood sugar. The spike in blood sugar levels can lead to inflammation which can cause acne. Also, it can affect hormone levels which, in turn, affect the activity of oil glands in the skin and lead to acne.

8. Can dandruff cause acne?

Dandruff is a condition characterized by flakes on the scalp. Dandruff may arise due to excessively dry or excessively oily scalp. When these flakes shed off and fall on the face, they can clog pores and cause pimples. However, such pimples are mostly found in the forehead region.

9. Do gastric problems have anything to do with acne?

Yes, gastric problems can trigger acne. Therefore, homeopathy does take gastric complaints seriously and deals with them as part of acne treatment.

10. Will taking vitamin or mineral supplements help manage acne?

Yes, taking vitamins and minerals daily can help manage acne. But they are not substitutes for medicines. They can manage acne, not treat it. Vitamin A, vitamin E and zinc are helpful supplements. These can be taken along with natural medicines, but strictly in doses prescribed by a homeopathic doctor.

11. Doctors often prescribe antibiotics. Can antibiotics treat my acne?

Antibiotics cannot treat acne, though they can reduce infection. They are mainly helpful in inflammatory acne.

12. Will treating blackheads help my condition?

Yes, clearing out blackheads in time can prevent acne. For treating blackheads, homeopathy essentially falls back on medicines, such as Sulphur and Eugenia Jambosa.

13. I usually get a pimple breakout just before my menstrual cycle. How can homeopathy help?

Sepia is the most effective treatment for acne vulgaris in women before menses. For acne during menses, Dulcamara offers relief.

14. Can lifestyle changes help us get rid of acne?

Increased water intake, reduced stress levels, sound sleep, avoiding scratching the acne, cleaning the face 2-3 times a day are minor everyday changes that can hasten recovery from acne. Diet management also has a role to play in acne management. Cutting down on dairy and sugar, for example, are minor changes that go a long way in treating and preventing acne.