Acne: Kinds and Causes
Three major forms : Acne vulgaris, Acne conglobata, and Acne rosaceae.
Acne vulgaris is the most common form, and is a superficial disease affecting the hair follicles and oil-secreting glands (sebum) of the skin, and manifests as blackheads, whiteheads and inflammation (redness). Lesions occur predominately on the face but may also occur on the back, chest and shoulders.
Causes: sebaceous glands under the skin and connected to the surface through a hair follicle canal, secrete oils to lubricate and protect the skin. Most common among males, acne develops due to an overproduction of Keratin, a fibrous protein that lines follicle canals, because of the effects of hormones such as testosterone. Testosterone causes an overproduction of keratin and blocks the skin pores. It also causes an increase in sebum production. Testosterone production is most increased during puberty in both men and women. Outer bacteria also play a role.
The hair canal becomes blocked and the sebum builds up under the skin forming a blackhead with partial blockage and a whitehead if blockage is complete. Bacteria on the surface of the skin cause the inflammation, which, if severe, can damage the tissue around the hair canal. If the infection passes deeper, it can cause scarring. The skin’s reaction to high levels of testosterone may vary, so not everyone shows the same effect.
Nutrition seems to play a very important role, as does bowel health and cleanliness of the skin.
Therapy
An integrated approach is needed to obtain the best results: use diet, cleanliness and supplementation with nutrients or homeopathics. Broad-spectrum antibiotics may reduce infections but cause longer term problems like overgrowth with intestinal yeast. Skin antiseptics like Benzoyl peroxide and tetracycline may dry out the skin and cause peeling. Retin-A preparations may chemically burn the skin.
Diet: it is important to support the health of the skin by supplying the best nutrition possible. Refined foods (processed) and simple sugars and saturated fats should be eliminated from the diet. Fried foods and hydrogenated vegetable oils (margarine, shortening) should be avoided. Foods containing high sodium also usually contain high iodine content (most salt is ‘iodized’) and are harmful. Higher protein, lower carbohydrate diets may be beneficial.
Supplements: there are several recommended supplements, both to clean the liver , promote good digestion and regular healthy bowel movements and to help treat the causes of acne.
Proper dietary and supplement information can be obtained on a visit with a naturopath. Health food store clerks will make some recommendations but they are only partially effective and willnot produce lasting results.
Acupuncture has been used successfully as well to rid the body of extra heat, thought to be a cause of acne. There are a series of Chinese herbs and patent medicines formulated especially to deal with the problem.
Other important healing agents include special creams and soaps to reduce bacteria and relieve blockages.