Acne
Acne is usually considered an adolescent affliction affecting up to 80% of teenagers, although it is not uncommon for adults to suffer from acne too.
Acne vulgaris, the most common form of acne, consists of whiteheads, blackheads, pimples and deep cysts that appear mainly on the face and to a lesser extent on the chest, shoulders and back.
Causes of Acne Acne commences when the sebaceous ducts become blocked by skin overgrowth, forming a whitehead, or by plugs of sebum which darken on exposure to air, forming a blackhead. When the sebum trapped in the whitehead or blackhead is forced into the deeper skin layers, an inflammatory reaction causes a red lump called a papule. If infection follows, pus collects and the classic pimple (pustule) is seen. When the inflammatory condition is severe, large and painful cysts may form. Acne is associated with hormonal imbalance, and will typically develop during puberty when hormonal activity increases the size and activity of the sebaceous glands. Some women also experience acne as a component of pre-menstrual syndrome. The naturopathic view is that acne is aggravated by ineffective toxin elimination, which may be related to a build-up in the system due to the liver’s inability to effectively break down circulatory toxins. It can also be initiated by food sensitivities, poor diet and stress.
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