Patients with cystic acne who become resistant to conventional medicine venture into homeopathy in search of a more gentle treatment, and a permanent solution to their skin condition. More often than not, they are left pleasantly surprised as they experience a progressive improvement of their condition a few weeks into homeopathic treatment. Long term success in treating cystic acne is achieved by identifying the triggers such as hormonal imbalance, overproduction of sebum, low stress threshold, and PCOS etc, as the body's self-healing process is stimulated by employing homeopathic remedies to deal with such triggers.
Snippet From a Recent Case - Cystic Acne
Elisa was diagnosed with polycystic ovaries syndrome (PCOS) two years ago. She was experiencing persistent cystic acne on her chin and cheeks that would not respond to any treatment. After having exhausted other avenues of treatment, and in pursuit of a more natural form of treatment, Elisa decided to give homeopathic treatment a try. Initially, she was somewhat sceptical and unsure as to whether homeopathy would help clear her skin. She had known her acne to be stubborn and unresponsive to pretty much all that she had tried. She booked a consultation with me after being referred by her friend.
During the consultation where we discussed her condition, the symptoms pointed towards a hormonal imbalance as being the likely cause of her acne - this is quite characteristic of PCOS. Elisa experienced irregular and painful periods, hair loss, weight gain, lack of sleep and fatigue. She complained of sluggish bowels which caused frequent episodes of constipation. But the one symptom that she described as most distressing was the acne that appeared on her face persistently and stubbornly. The acne would often become itchy and painful causing her discomfort, and she also experienced mental distress due to being overly self-conscious about the appearance of the acne on her face. She described to me how her acne was impacting her self esteem and was causing her a loss in confidence.
Homeopathic treatment is individualised and so only a bespoke treatment regimen has a greater chance of success. Therefore, it was important to ensure that a remedy unique to Elisa’s set of symptoms, and one matching her constitutional makeup was prescribed. Further investigation revealed that Elisa was emotionally sensitive but didn’t necessarily like to make her feelings known to others. She felt more comfortable and at ease in her own company and generally felt a sense of nervousness in large groups. She explained how she was a restless person who reacted disproportionately to small stress triggers. She was physically active and played tennis and attended the gym regularly.
Taking a holistic view of Elisa’s symptoms, I prescribed her a homeopathic treatment protocol that she used for a period of four weeks. At her follow-up appointment, it was clear from her much-improved looking skin that the prescribed treatment protocol had been effective. More than 80% of acne had cleared, her energy levels and quality of sleep had improved significantly and her bowel movements have regularised. Elisa had responded brilliantly to the treatment - and continues to seek treatment from my practice whenever she experiences a flare-up. I am hopeful that she will experience a long-term resolution to her acne as a result of this homeopathic treatment.
Homeopathy continues to amaze me and my clients!
Homeopathic Remedies for Cystic Acne
Cystic acne is the most severe type of acne with cysts and nodules as the main presenting lesion. These lesions are relatively large, with localised pain and swelling which may become infected and result in scarring. Cystic acne has a long course and is prone to recurrence - and this affects facial aesthetics as well as being detrimental to patients’ physical and mental health. It is a disease that directly affects the quality of life, with reduced self-esteem, distorted body image and negative effects on personal relationships being reported. In a meta-analytic review, cystic acne is significantly associated with depression and anxiety.
Patients with cystic acne who become resistant to conventional medicine venture into homeopathy in search of a more gentle treatment, and a permanent solution to their skin condition. More often than not, they are left pleasantly surprised as they experience a progressive improvement of their condition a few weeks into homeopathic treatment. Long term success in treating cystic acne is achieved by identifying the triggers such as hormonal imbalance, overproduction of sebum, low stress threshold, and PCOS etc, as the body's self-healing process is stimulated by employing homeopathic remedies to deal with such triggers. Homeopathic remedies serve as a low-dose stimulus inducing patterns of functional adaptive changes in the body, thereby setting in motion personalised responses to reverse the disease. Some commonly used homeopathic remedies for acne are discussed below.
Silica. Silica is useful for cystic acne to help drain whiteheads. It is a very useful remedy for healing the area after the boil has drained; it helps form stronger, healthier tissue. This remedy also helps prevent scars after a large, cystic acne has formed. Individuals needing Silica usually have a low stress threshold and are generally anxious and of a nervous disposition. They are extra sensitive to external stimulants such as loud noises and bright lights. Acne that flares during menstruation would usually respond well to Silica.
Ledum. Ledum is useful for red, pimply eruptions (especially on the forehead and cheeks) that sting when touched. The acne feels better with cold application and worse with warm application and during the night. Ledum is also useful for treating acne of people who drink large amounts of alcohol. As to the emotional makeup of those who response well to this remedy, these individuals are short tempered and prefer solitude. Their skin has a tendency towards dryness and they perspire at lower-than-normal levels. A coexisting predisposition for urticaria would indicate the potential efficacy of this remedy for such individuals.
Graphites. Graphites is useful for treating pimples that tend to emit a sticky, thin discharge. Cracks may form around the acne, and eczema on the face may generalise in one area. There is a peculiar sensation often described as “cobwebs” on the face. This indivdual is generally constipated and has large, hard stools. This type of acne is worse around the time of menstruation, especially if menstrual periods are usually late and light. The individual tends towards forgetfulness and finds it difficult to take decisions. They have a tendency to catch colds easily and generally have a weakened immune system.
Calcarea phos. This is useful in treating acne of an individual around the time of puberty. It is particularly helpful to those who tend to be anaemic during the early phases of the menstrual period, tends towards headaches and suffers from bloating/gas. Such individual generally has low tolerance to the change in weather conditions, and vitality is usually low. She struggles to fall asleep and wakes up unrefreshed in the morning.
Antimonium crud. This is useful for treating small red pimples and nodules on the face which may itch. It also covers the pustules with yellowish or brown scurf that may scab off if scratched incessantly. There is excessive thirst and a very thickly coated, white tongue. Indigestion often accompanies this type of acne. This remedy is also useful for acne that aggravated with heat/being near a fire (such as a campfire or a fireplace). This type of acne is common in people who drink higher levels of alcohol or who are overweight. These individuals also tend to have frequent mood swings and can be hard to please.
Arsenicum alb. This is useful for pimples that emit an odorous discharge and burn and itch intensely. These symptoms are relieved by warm applications and made worse with cold. This individual tends to be fastidious, orderly, and concerned about appearance. The pimples cause extreme distress and the individual may become very anxious and restless.
Sulphur. Sulphur is one of the most important remedies for acne, especially if the acne tends to be chronic and recurrent. The area around the pimples burns and itches. The skin on the face is generally rough and dry. The acne is associated with large comedones and boils. Any kind of mositure touching the skin is aggravating. The person tends towards constipation. Women approaching menopause and experiencing a break out of acne may find Sulphur to be an effective remedy.
Bio
Haroon Ashraf is a homeopath based in London, where he offers in-person and online consultations. Haroon specialises in treating skin and gut conditions and allergies. Please visit his homeopathy practice at https://holistichomeopathy.co.uk/ for enquiries and appointments.