Acne vulgaris, also known as acne, pimples, or zits, are boils which occurs mostly on the face or upper part of the shoulder and the back and are present mostly in the age group of 15 to 25 years, and possibly extend in some individuals till 35 years of age. Hormonal changes in the adolescent age group and changes related to menstruation, stress, obesity, and chronic constipation are all believed to be related to the occurrence an aggravation of acne.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for acne is aimed at treating the boils on the face as well as treating the known cause of the condition. Ayurvedic herbal medicines which have a known anti-inflammatory action as well as an antiseptic effect are used for prolonged periods in moderate or high doses, depending upon the severity of the condition. Large sized boils or cystic acne may require several medicines in combination and in high doses. In addition to treating the boils present on the face in the affected individual, treatment is also given so as to treat the infection and reduce the chances of recurrence by using herbal medicines which act on the skin, the subcutaneous tissue, as well as the microcirculation supplying the skin of the face.
Additional treatment also needs to be given to individuals affected with acne depending upon the known causes for the condition or any known factors present which have a strong contributing effect to acne. Stress is treated with Ayurvedic herbal medicines which reduce anxiety and stress and strengthen the nervous system. Hormonal dysfunction and imbalance is also treated with the appropriate Ayurvedic herbal medicines. Obesity, chronic constipation, and excessive secretion of oil in the skin of the face are treated with medicines which reduce overall fat in the body as well as treat the gastrointestinal system and the liver so as to promote regular bowel movement as also to reduce excessive oil secretion in the skin.
In addition to oral medication, local therapy can also be utilised in the form of application of ointments and pastes which usually include medicines which have an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and soothing action on the skin so as to help the boils subside and heal properly without scar formation. Depending upon whether the affected individual has a dry skin or an oily skin, the appropriate ointments are used to treat the skin.
Individuals affected with severe acne need regular treatment for periods ranging from four to eight months; however, almost all individuals affected with acne report very good results with regular Ayurvedic herbal treatment.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
