| SYMPTOMS OF ACNE
- Persistent recurrent red spots or swelling on the skin generally known as pimples.
- Dark spots with open pores at the center are black heads.
- Spots that bulge under the skin and have no opening or white heads.
- Red swellings or lumps sometimes visibly filled with pus are pustules.
- Inflamed, fluid filled lumps under the skin which may become as large as an inch across are nodules or cysts.
- Abnormally flushed cheeks and nose are a sign of rosacea, an acnelike disorder that affects adults-mostly women- over the age of 30.
TREATMENT- Over-the-counter cover-up creams and cosmetics may be used for the occasional pimple but should be water based and hypoallergenic.
CONVENTIONAL MEDICINE- Topical over-the-counter medication containing benzoyl peroxide
- Antibiotics may be prescribed and include: tetracycline, and clindamycin.
- Corticosteriod treatment may be given by a doctor, such as triamcinolone.
ALTERNATIVE CHOICES- Chinese herbs include cnidium seed (Cnidium monnieri) and honeysuckle flower (Lonicera japonica)
- Herbal therapies such as: echinacea, calendula, tea tree oil and goldenseal. Drinking tea made from lavender or chamomile or with a combination of nettles and cleavers.
- CAUTION: Never use any herbal preparation on newborns
HOMEOPATHY- Hepar sulphuris or Silica, in 6x potency tablets taken three times a day for up to a week
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