Acne

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Acne is a frustrating skin condition characterized by blackhead, white heads and red cystules, which form when hair follicles in the skin become blocked. It is more common in males and afflicts over half of our adolescent and young adult population. Because we are such an "appearance-sensitive" society, acne can create a great deal of stress and significantly inhibit social confidence. Acne usually appears around the age of fourteen for girls and sixteen for boys. While it typically eases before the age of 21, it can persist into middle age. Three out of four teenagers suffer form some form of acne.

Symptoms
Acne is characterized by pimples, whiteheads and inflamed red areas of swelling generally found on the face but can also appear on the neck, back and chest or buttocks.

Precautions
Severe cases of acne can involve the multiplication of whiteheads under the skin which eventually rupture and lead to serious inflammation and swelling. This condition is called cystic acne and can leave noticeable scarring if not treated properly. If red streaking develops around an inflamed area or a fever is present, contact your physician.

Causes
While the exact cause of this condition is not full understood, it is known that acne results from the blockage and subsequent infection of a sebaceous gland which produces oil. Apparently, hormonal changes typically seen in puberty, during pregnancy, the menstrual cycle or at menopause affect these glands, causing and over production of oil. When the oil becomes trapped, bacteria are allowed to grow, hence an inflammation causes the formation of a pimple.

Other agents which have been linked to the eruption of acne include certain antiepilepsy drugs like dilantin; phenothiazine; ioldides; steroids; exposure to petroleum, coal tar or oil; complications as a result of diabetes; birth control pills and pregnancy (called the pregnant mask).

Conventional Therapies
In simple cases of acne most doctors will prescribe ointments or gels designed to peel off the surface layer of the skin to discourage the formation of new blemishes such as Retin-A (retinoic acid), which inhibits the production of skin oil and shrinks the sebaceous gland has also been used, but is considered a powerful drug which must be taken with the strict supervision of your doctor. Both Retin-A and Acutane have significant side effects and should not be used by pregnant or nursing wormen.

Dietary Guidelines
• Good intestinal function and diet is often overlooked as a contributing factor to acne. Eat a high-fiber diet.
• Increase your consumption of raw fruits and vegetables.
• Eat whole grain, complex carbohydrates.
• Avoid sugary, fatty foods.
• Cut down on dairy products (milk can contain hormones).
• Use olive oil and cut down on saturated and polyunsaturated fats. Food containing trans-fatty acids such as dairy products, margarine, shortening, fried oils or other vegetable oils should also be avoided.
• Drink plenty of water. Keep a pitcher in the fridge and drink throughout the day.
• Fresh cherries or cherry juice helps to clear the blood of toxins.
• Foods high in iodine such as fish and iodized salt should be eliminated.

Recommended Nutritional Supplements
PRIMARY NUTRIENTS

VITAMIN A Boosts the strength of the epithelial layer of the skin and helps to reduce the excess production of sebum (oil). Suggested Dosage: 10,000 IU each day. Vitamin A can be taken in beta carotene form or in fish oil combinations. If you are pregnant, you should not take over 5,000 IU per day. Check with your physician when using larger doses of vitamin A.

CHROMIUM Helps to reduce skin inflammation and improve glucose tolerance. Some studies indicate that glucose tolerance can be impaired in some people suffering from acne. Suggested Dosage: 400 mcg daily of the GTF or picolinate type. Brewer's yeast is a good source of chromium, although it should not be used with anyone who has a yeast sensitivity or is prone to yeast infections.

VITAMIN B6 Contributes to maintaining good skin tone, boosts peripheral circulation and helps the body fight infection. Extra niacin helps to boost blood circulation to the skin prompting better waste removal and healing to affected areas. Vitamin B6 helps to normalize the metabolism of hormones which can initiate an acne outbreak.

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The information presented is for informational purposes only. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Consult your doctor or healthcare practitioner for any health problem and before using any supplements.

5.12.04

Article (Cont.)

Suggested Dosage: Take as directed.
VITAMIN E Helps prevent scarring and also contributes to maintaining normal levels of vitamin A. Vitamin E should be taken with selenium. Studies have found that this combination can significantly improve acne conditions. Suggested Dosage: Take 400 IU everyday.

SELENIUM A powerful antioxidant which helps to scavenge from free radicals created during periods of inflammation and infection. Suggested Dosage: Take as directed with a vitamin E supplement.

ZINC PICOLINATE Vital in treating acne due to its involvement in hormone normalization, tissue regeneration, immune function and vitamin A activity. Studies have shown that zinc levels are notoriously low in adolescents. Suggested Dosage: 50 mg to 100 mg everyday for several weeks to a month. Then reduce to 25 to 50 mg per day. Do not exceed 80 mg per day. Zinc lozenges are available. The picolinate form is more absorbable.

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS Supplies gamma-linoleic acid which contributes to skin elasticity and repair while helping to breakdown fatty deposits. A deficiency of EFAs has been linked to outbreaks of acne. These acids also help control abnormal fatty secretions in the skin. Suggested Dosage: Take as directed in liquid or capsulized form. Supplements can be in the form of evening primrose oil, flaxseed oil or borage oil.

PROTEOLYTIC DIGESTIVE ENZYMES Help to completely digest food macronutrients. Faulty digestion has been linked to the outbreak of blemishes. Suggested Dosage: Take as directed just prior to eating.

GARLIC Considered a natural antibiotic that fights bacterial infection and stimulate the immune system. Suggested Dosage: One capsule with each meal. Deodorized varieties are available.

ECHINACEA As an herb with antibiotic properties which also stimulates the immune system, echinacea helps to fight infection. Suggested Dosage: Take as directed, but do not take for more than weeks a time.

BURDOCK Works to detoxify the blood which helps to clear the skin. Burdock root's cleaning power is multifaceted. It has a diaphoretic action (promotes perspiration) which expels toxins from the skin and blood. It promotes liver function and increases bile flow, which in turn gastrointestinal tract. In addition, burdock root is a mild laxative and diuretic which action further cleanses toxins form the body and improves general health. Suggested Dosage: Take as directed. Can interfere with iron absorbtion.

MILK THISTLE (SILYMARIN) Boots liver function helping to efficiently detoxify waste from the blood stream. All of us can benefit from the therapeutic properties of milk thistle. This wonderful herb cleanse, strengthens, and protects the liver and its functions. Used extensively throughout Europe, milk thistle is one of the only herbs known to treat some forms of psoriasis. Suggested Dosage: 50 mg three times per day.

HERBAL COMBINATION This combination should contain gotu kola, yellow dock, dandelion root, bilberry, red clover, blossoms, kelp, and sarsaparilla. Suggested Dosage: Two to six capsules daily. For chronic conditions use the maximum dosage of six capsules per day for a prolonged period. For best results, use every day.

Gotu Kola: Even though this herb has a similar surrounding name to a popular soft drink, it is not related to the kola nut nor does it contain any caffeine. Gotu kola is supported by tremendous clinical research performed in Europe. This research demonstrates that gotu kola is effective in the treatment of various skin disorders associated with cellulites and lupus. It also possesses wound-healing activity and has been shown to decrease scarring.
Yellow Dock: Yellow dock root is a reputed blood purifier and has been prescribed for all types of skin problems including leprosy, boils, and eczema. It has also been reported to clear a congested liver. Its laxative effect is well documented and supports the body's detoxifying ability.
Dandelion Root: The common yard weed dandelion has a long history of use in herbal medicine. It is part of this formula for its ability to strengthen the liver, improve bile formation, regulate the bowels, purify the blood and tonify the skin.
Red Clover Blossom: Red clover blossoms are a reputed blood purifier and officially recognized in the United Kingdom for treatment of skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and rashes.
Kelp: Kelp is thought to be a blood purifier with the ability to alleviate skin problems, burns and insect bites.
Sarsaparilla Root: Sarsaparilla root has many benefits including the treatment of acne, psoriasis and eczema. As a result of its diuretic and diaphoretic action sarsaparilla cleanses the body, it is also thought to help balance hormones. Because acne can sometimes be due to glandular over stimulation by dihydrotestosterone, using saw palmetto with good diet can help to block this activity.

SECONDARY NUTRIENTS

Calcium/Magnesium: Helps to promote tissue healing. Suggested Dosage: 1,000 mg calcium and 400 mg of magnesium per day.
Chlorella: An excellent blood builder and purifier, which contributes to clearing the skin. Its astringent properties make it an excellent healing agent. Chlorella also decreases the chance of bacterial growth. Suggested Dosage: Take as directed in liquid form.
Fiber Supplement: Keeps the bowels working efficiently to remove waste products and prevent the reabsorption of toxins into the blood. Suggested Dosage: Take as directed with plenty of water.
Vitamin C with bioflavonoids: Reduces the inflammatory response and helps to boost immune function to fight infection. Suggested Dosage: 3,000 to 5,000 mg everyday in divided doses.
Acidophilus: Replaces friendly bacteria lost if taking an antibiotic for acne. Suggested Dosage: Take as directed. Either the capsulized or liquid form is effective. Look for products with guaranteed bacterial counts.
Aloe Gel: Used to help heal and minimize scarring. Suggested Dosage: Use as directed.
Myrrh Gum Spray: Works as an astringent and natural antiseptic agent. Suggested Dosage: Take as directed.
Tea Tree Oil: Works as a topical antiseptic agent, which helps to promote faster healing with less scarring and helps to dry out excess oil. Suggested Usage: Apply morning and night. Because tea tree oil is strong, you may want to use it in a carrier substance such as rose water or use a tea tree oil-based lotion or soap. Do not take internally.
Sassafras: May help to adjust hormone levels, which are involved in the development of acne. Suggested Dosage: Take as directed. Do not use if pregnant or nursing or give to children.

Home Care Suggestions
• Keep the skin clean by washing it with a tea tree oil-based soap in the morning and at night.
• Shampoo hair frequently to prevent excess oil production.
• Use a warm washcloth to help remove oil plugs.
• Over-the-counter creams, which contain benzoyl peroxide, can help to control mild acne but should not be used around the eyes or other delicate areas due to its drying effect.
• Girls should avoid foundation makeup that is oil-based. Cosmetics which contain lanolins, isopropyl myristate, sodium lauryl sulfate, laureth-4 and red dyes should also be avoided.
• Avoid medications which contain bromides or sulfides.
• In the case of pimples with distinct whiteheads, some doctors recommend gently removing the white core with a special tool (called a "comedo") and applying an antiseptic.
• Avoid using a topical steroid creams which can prolong infection.

Other Supportive Therapies
Acupuncture: Acne is a disorder which can respond to proper acupuncture treatment
Homeopathy: Pulsatilla helps to clear the skin of blemishes, and Lycopodium and Graphites help to breakdown the infected cystules. Kali bichromicum has also been used for chronic acne. Homeopathic preparations of sulfur also work well.
Hydrotherapy: Gently rubbing the arms, legs and trunk of the body with cold water and a natural sponge can help to promote healing through enhanced stimulation.

Scientific Facts-at-a-Glance
Interestingly, when dermatologists noticed that insulin was an effective treatment for acne, the link was made between acne and glucose intolerance. It is the skin's glucose - not necessarily the blood's glucose - that is the culprit. For this reason, chromium, which helps to boost the action of insulin, is highly recommended as a treatment for acne.

Spirit/Mind Considerations
The emotional factors which accompany or even may even cause acne should not be overlooked. Acne can cause feelings of withdrawal and can initiate a poor self-esteem. If you have a child who suffers from acne, talking together about treatment options is crucial. Parents who brush off acne as just another side effect of puberty that isn't worth treating need to think again. Find a physician who shows a genuine interest in finding the best treatment combination. Dr. T.G. Olsen, of the Yale University School of Medicine, suggested using oral Vitamin A for patients suffering from acne depends to a large extent on the amount of interest the physician is willing to give the patient. The role that sudden stress plays in initiating acne has also been studied. Some people who have suffered an emotional trauma may temporarily break out in acne-like blemishes.

Prevention
• While a genetic predisposition to acne has been observed, good facial hygiene coupled with a healthy low-fat diet, which emphasizes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean sources of protein can help to prevent or lessen the severity of acne.
• Keeping the bowels functioning properly by eating high-fiber diets and drinking plenty of water is also thought to be acne-preventative.

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