Ayurveda treatment for Acne focuses on the purification of the blood. Acne is a skin condition in which the hair follicles are clogged with dead skin cells and the oil from the skin. This condition may often be called acne vulgaris. This, later on, leads to the formation of whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples and most commonly occurs in teenagers. Acne usually occurs in the face and foreheads but also seen in the chest, upper back, etc.
- Signs and symptoms of Acne
- Causes of Acne
- Causes of Acne
- Pathophysiology of Acne
- Diagnosis of Acne
- Treatments of Acne
- Prognosis of Acne
- Complications of Acne
- Acne in Ayurveda
- Nidana- Causes of Acne
- Purvaroopam (Premonitory Symptoms) Acne
- Samprapthi (Maturation) of Acne
- Lakshana of Acne
- Chikitsa (Treatment) of Acne
- Commonly used medicines for Acne
- Diet desirable to prevent Acne
- Yoga
- Research articles link.
Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of acne usually depends on the severity of the symptoms and it includes,
- Open plugged pores called blackheads.
- Closed plugged pores called whiteheads.
- Papules are small tender red colored ones.
- Pus-filled pimples are known as pustules.
- At severe stage there forms large painful lumps under skin (nodules)
- Painful pus-filled cysts
- Papules, nodules, or pustules often result in the formation of scars.
- With the resolution of the inflamed nodular lesion there occurs hyperpigmentation.
Causes
The main cause of acne includes increases oil (sebum) secretion, the clogging of hair follicles with dead skin cells and oil, bacteria, or inflammation. The most frequent sites of acne are the face, chest, back shoulders, etc. where the number of sebaceous glands is more. Hormonal changes occurring in puberty, some medications like corticosteroids, carbohydrate, and oil-rich food are some of the factors which trigger the formation of acne.
Pathophysiology
In puberty due to the influence of androgen hormones the secretion of sebum increases. There occurs hyperproliferation of follicular epidermis leading to retention of sebum. This causes the distension of follicles leading to their rupture and releases pro-inflammatory chemicals to the dermis stimulating the inflammation. C. acnes, Staphylococcus epidermis, and Malassezia furfur also induce inflammation leading to epidermal proliferation.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis can be done by history taking and physical examination. Usually, they occur in sites with more number of sebaceous glands.
Treatments
The treatment primarily aims to prevent acne along with reducing scarring and damage to the skin. The medicines will be chosen considering the age and severity of the acne. Usually, oral medication and topical application are together given.
Topical medication includes antibiotics combined with benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, Azelaic acid, and salicylic acid. Dapsone is used topically to prevent the inflammatory condition in acne. Oral medicines include antibiotics, anti-androgen agents, and Isoretinoin. Light therapy and chemical peel were also found useful. In severe conditions like nodular and cystic types, steroid injection is used.
Prognosis
Acne never causes long-term impact in the body but severe lesions may lead to scar formation.
Complications
Acne scarring is the most commonly seen complication.
Disease and Ayurveda
Mukhadhooshika, Yavauna pidaka (Acne vulgaris)
Nidana
Manasika factors: Atisoka (grief), Kshobha (botheration), Krodha (anger), santapa (sorrow)
Viharaja factors: Suppression of urges, insomnia, fasting, Atapa sevana (excessive exposure to sunlight)
Aharaja factors: hot, spicy and sweet food, oily food, milk and milk products, excess use of mamsa ahara and alcohol
Purvaroopam
Specific premonitory symptoms are not specified in Ayurveda.
Samprapthi Maturation
Mukhadhoshika does not define as an independent disease, instead, it is described under Kshudraroga(minor diseases) by Susruta acharya and Vagbhata Acharya. The dosha s involved is Kapha, Vata and Rakta.
Lakshana Signs and Symptoms:
The symptoms involve pitakas (eruptions) associated with pain. The eruptions are thick, hard and indurate. They are usually impregnated with medas (thick pus) and usually occur in the face. Itching, burning sensation, and exudations may also be associated.
Chikitsa- Treatment
Both elimination and alleviation therapies can be advocated considering the severity of disease.
Sodhana chikitsa- Vamana (emesis) and Virechana (purgation). Nasya and bloodletting can also be used.
Samana chikitsa- Includes both internal administration of medicines and topical applications.
Ayurvedic lepas (Topical applications):
- Lodradi choorna with luke warm water or curd
- Eladi choorna with curd
- Siddharthakadi lepa
- Kunkumadi thaila
- Manjishtadi thaila
Internal Medicines
- Manjishtadi kashayam
- Panchatikthakam kashayam
- Patoladi kashayam
- Nimbadi Kashayam
- Khadirarishtam
- Nimbasavam
- Saribadyasavam
- Draksharishtam
- Avipathy Churna
- Arogyavardhini Ras
- Gandhak Rasayan
- Rasasindoor
- Vilwadi Gulika
- Dooshivishari Gulika
- Hridyavirechana
- Manibhadra Leha
Brands available
- Vaidyaratnam Oushadhasala
- Kottakal Aryavaidya sala
- SNA Oushadhasala
Home Remedies
- Fomentation with lukewarm water
- Cleansing of the face after exposure to dust
- Use ideal cleansers for skin like honey, lemon juice, curd etc.
Diet:
- Avoid oily, hot and spicy food.
- Junk foods
- Green tea is good for the skin
- Adequate quantity of water, fruits etc. also is healthy for the skin
Yoga
Daily exercise, Yoga and Meditation if good to maintain the glow of your face.
Research articles link.
https://www.ijam.co.in/index.php/ijam/article/view/2/15
http://www.wjpmr.com/download/article/29112017/1511957806.pdf
https://wjpr.net/admin/assets/article_issue/1457487146.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3821246/
https://www.ijam.co.in/index.php/ijam/article/view/2/15