In this short article I write about the homeopathy and its use in the treatment of acne. I will also share information on the orthodox appoaches by way of comparison.
Before I look at acne specifically, I want briefly to consider the philosophical differences between conventional (allopathic) medicine and homeopathic medicine. Both approaches have validity but the philosophies are different.
Homeopathy has four main laws, working together synergistically:
Behind these laws there is a fundamental principle that disease is a disturbance of the life force and that pathology (acne in this case) is not ‘the’ disease but the physical expression of that disturbance.
In contrast conventional medicine, takes a different view, though mostly not explicitly stated:
(*lifestyle / hormonal factors would be considered in acne)
Conventional medicine has no concept of life force, but lacks any explanation as to how the trillions of cells in the human body dance is harmony.
The Medscape webpages provide a useful overview of Acne Vulgaris (‘vulgaris’ meaning common). There are other forms of Acne, but the most common is Acne Vulgaris and this will be our focus. It is a chronic condition (meaning not self limiting) caused by excess production of sebum, a natural oily substance, produced by glands on the skin (pores). The majority are associated with hair follicles. The Cleveland Clinic gives a nice overview on their website.
When pores block, the result is that oil is trapped. Bacteria naturally occurring on the skin multiplies and infection can follow. The result is pimples and pustules often containing pus. When the cells rupture around the hair follicles deeper in the skin the term cystic acne is used. The result is painful boil like lesions which risk scarring. If the acne is mild, as is more often the case, it is no big deal, but if it is painful and disfiguring, that is another matter.
Teenage acne is quite common and related to the hormonal changes at puberty. Acne developing after the teenage years is termed adult acne. Severe acne would appear to be in the order of single figure percentages but numbers apprear to be increasing according to this article by the British Association of Dematologists.
Genetic predisposition is – as in most things – a factor that must be considered. It is not unusual to find a pattern across the generations.
In the more severe cases where treatment is warranted GPs or specialists will prescribe any of the following where appropriate:
Side effects vary from mild (e.g. redness / dry skin) to potential mood effects with the oral retinoids. This acne support website indicates benefits accruing after 12 weeks of treatment.
Homeopathic medicine regards acne as a symptom of fundamental imbalance, so the treatment is primarily constitutional. Homeopathy is not quick fix medicine – it takes time – but as mentioned above conventional treatments take time also, but unlike homeopathy the orthodox focus is more on the symptoms than the totality.
Homeopathy takes a particular interest in genetic predisposition. This is the study of ‘miasm’ on which I have written before here and here.
Where infection is present remedies such as Silica and Hepar Sulph may be prescribed. Where pus is not present, then Sulphur might be considered, or Kali Bromatum. But within the realm of constitutional prescribing there are many more possibilities.
Do remember that homeopathic medicines are energetic (I like to say ‘informational’) and not biochemical. I have a blog on this subject which is quite important to understand.
In researching this article, I came across another article titled ‘How Homeopathy Can Help Tackle Acne’ which I judge give a realistic assessment of both the nature of the indivdualisation in homeopathy and duration of treatment.
In the early days of my practice I did treat a young lady (20s) with quite bad acne. It was interesting because there had been quite a lot going on in her life that was clearly a contributing factor. There was clear hormonal component as well, as the condition worsened around the time of her period. One might think it irrelevant that she often came to that appointment after a stint in the gym, but these two factors alone pointed to the homeopathic remedy Sepia and she made some progress on this.
Unfortunately, she wanted quicker results than I could give (though we had barely reached the 12 weeks advice for orthodox treatment). Looking back, I wonder whether such as Folliculinum (oestrogen in homepathic potency) might have improved matters further – but this is just speculation.
At any rate, one learns. Not just the homeopathic method but setting our expectations at the outset.
There is a high probabilty of success using homeopathy but it takes time.
Whichever approach is followed, lifestyle factors cannot be ignored. A fundamental tenet in homeopathy is the need to address any exciting cause be diet or drugs (medicinal or recreational) or other factors. The liver in particular has a key role in detoxification so this organ needs to be funtioning well and homeopathy can assist in improving liver function.
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Should you care to explore whether homeopathy can help with your health please book a free 30 minute Discovery Call via this button.
And if you are in an organisation that would be interested a short talk (usually free) – tailored to your needs – please email me ([email protected]).
Disclaimer: I am a qualified professional homeopath and not a medical doctor. The NHS has many resources, and seeking the opinion of your GP is always of value.
Dibden Purlieu, Southampton