Acne, commonly termed as pimples is an inflammatory disease involving the sebaceous glands (the oil-secreting glands) of the skin. It is characterized by the presence of papules, painful pustules and comedones (commonly known as blackheads, which are nothing but black-tipped plugs that clog the pores of the skin). Many a times, they are associated with an oily discharge. In such patients, healing of these eruptions generally takes place with scarring.

Causes of acne are not certain, but the probable ones are as listed below:

• Heredity
• Hormonal imbalance esp. during puberty (period of life when sex glands become functional)
• Hygiene
• Improper diet
• Stress and anxieties
• Drugs like corticosteroids

• Wash your face frequently, atleast 5 times a day, but take care that it does not become too dry.
• Do not scrub your face while washing because scrubbing on inflamed skin aggravates the acne.
• Use a gentle cleanser made from natural ingredients or herbs rather than chemical preparations.
• Do not use scented soaps, instead use a mild glycerine soap if possible.
• Try not to apply cosmetics regularly. If you have to apply, then use non-greasy, light make-up of reputed make.
• Do not sleep with your make-up on. Wash it off as early as possible.
• Do not overexpose your skin to the sun. Preferably wear a hat or carry an umbrella while going out.
• Do not break your pimples, else it will lead to secondary infection and bad scars.
• You can use facial steam to reduce inflammation and infection but never more than 15 minutes, and not more than once a fortnight.
• Diet should be rich in natural whole foods like whole grain cereals, fresh fruit, salads and raw or lightly cooked vegetables.
• Avoid fatty food, chocolate, ice cream, butter, cakes, white bread, sugar, sweets and fried food.
• Supplements of vitamin A and Zinc may be used.
• Do not apply any local ointments and creams as they would prove ineffective, because acne is not a local problem
• Regular exercise will improve your circulation.
• A regular facial treatment in a parlour using certain natural herbs, too may help to some extent.

• When your acne does not respond in 2-3 months after following the above-listed advice.
• If your acne are infected and there is pus-like discharge.
• If you are not sure whether you are suffering from acne or some other skin ailment.

As we understand from the above information, acne is not a local skin problem. It arises when there are lot of hormonal changes taking place in our bodies, particularly during puberty. Hormonal changes in turn, are directly influenced by mental and emotional changes. Therefore in order to cure acne, one must resort to some treatment that is directed at this level and Homeopathy is one such science that is capable of acheiving the same.

Stress and anxieties too are possible causes of acne. With the help of homeopathic medicines, one is in a better position to tackle these worries and thus get rid of acne that result from the same.