Acne, also called acne vulgaris, is a skin condition characterized by whiteheads, blackheads, and inflamed red pimples or "zits." Approximately 40 million to 50 million Americans have acne. Acne can occur at any age, but most people who have acne are teenagers and young adults. Acne can appear on the skin as any of the following:
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Blackheads
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Crusting of skin eruptions
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Cysts
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Inflammation around the skin eruptions
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Pustules
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Redness around the skin eruptions
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Scarring of the skin
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Whiteheads
Factors that contribute to acne include heredity, oily skin, hormonal imbalance, monthly menstrual cycles, and candidiasis. Other possible contributing factors are allergies, stress, and the use of certain drugs such as steroids, lithium, oral contraceptives, and some anti-epileptic drugs. Nutritional deficiencies and/or diets high in saturated fats, hydrogenated fats, and animal products can also be involved.
The common treatments for acne include:
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Oral antibiotics are the standard of care in managing moderate to severe acne, and acne that resists topical treatment therapy, and acne that covers large body surface areas. Side effects include irritation of the digestive system, yeast infections, sensitivity to light, and they may also decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills.
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Combination therapy (the use of two or more therapies) that uses oral antibiotics and topical medication (often retinoids) may help manage acne.
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Birth control pills that contain estrogen or medication that decreases the effects of male hormones may help certain women.
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Corticosteroids reduce inflammation & decrease the activity of the immune system. Side effects include severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, fainting, tightness in the throat, swelling of face & eyes), serious infections in the form of high fever or painful urination, bleeding in the digestive system, high blood pressure, slow wound healing, difficulty sleeping, and more.
In traditional Chinese medicine, TCM views acne as an external manifestation resulting from an internal imbalance. Excess heat and toxin are the primary components that produce this acne causing imbalance. The general approach chosen for therapy is to reduce internal heat by cooling the blood, decreasing toxin, and removing stasis. The medications are also meant to alleviate dampness and improve intestinal function where toxins can accumulate. The underlying factor causing the acne such as stress, hormonal imbalance, or the menstrual cycle, will also be treated accordingly so that the acne doesn't come back in the future. The goal of TCM is to restore balance to the body and to treat the root cause of an illness, thereby "curing" the disease. This approach gives TCM a special advantage over certain western medicine therapies that focus on merely providing symptomatic relief. Traditional Chinese medicine has been proven safe & effective without adverse side effects. If you would like to pursue this form of treatment or information, please contact us.
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