Acne vulgaris

WHAT IS ACNE VULGARIS ?

Acne vulgaris, commonly known simply as “acne,” is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and sometimes bacteria. This blockage leads to the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, cysts, and pustules. The condition most often affects areas of the skin that have a high concentration of sebaceous (oil-producing) glands, including the face, chest, back, and shoulders.

TYPES:

• Comedones (Blackheads and Whiteheads) : These are non-inflammatory acne lesions. Blackheads occur when the pore is open and the trapped material (sebum and dead skin cells) is exposed to air, oxidizing and turning black. Whiteheads occur when the pore is closed, trapping the debris inside, which appears as small white or flesh-colored bumps.
• Papules : Small, red, raised bumps that are often tender to the touch. These are inflammatory lesions that occur when a blocked pore becomes inflamed but does not have visible pus.
• Pustules : Pustules are similar to papules but contain pus at their center. They are often red with a yellow or white center and are more likely to rupture if squeezed, leading to potential scarring.
• Nodules : Larger, deeper, and more painful lumps under the skin that are often hard to the touch. Nodules are a more severe form of acne and can be difficult to treat.
• Cysts : The most severe form of acne, cysts are large, pus-filled lesions that develop deep under the skin. They can cause significant scarring if not treated appropriately.

CAUSES:

• Hormonal Changes : particularly during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• Dietary Factors : High-glycemic foods such as refined sugars, white bread, and processed snacks, dairy products.
• Stress : Chronic stress leads to the overproduction of cortisol, a hormone that triggers oil production in the skin.
• Bacterial Infection : Acne is often aggravated by the overgrowth of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), a bacteria naturally present on the skin. When pores become blocked, these bacteria thrive, leading to inflammation, redness, and pus formation in pustules and cysts.
• Environmental Factors : Pollutants, toxins, and exposure to environmental stressors like extreme weather, humidity, and air pollution can irritate the skin, increase inflammation, and trigger acne flare-ups.
• Genetics : If one or both parents had acne, their children may be more prone to experiencing the condition.
• Medications : Certain medications, including steroids, lithium, and some oral contraceptives, can trigger or worsen acne.

SYMPTOMS:

• Blackheads and Whiteheads : Small, clogged pores that may appear as dark spots or small, flesh-colored bumps on the skin’s surface.
• Red, Inflamed Pimples (Papules) : Raised, tender bumps on the skin, often accompanied by redness and irritation.
• Pustules : Pimples that contain pus, appearing as a white or yellowish center with surrounding redness.
• Large, Painful Cysts or Nodules : These deeper lesions are often swollen, painful, and may cause scarring.
• Skin Sensitivity and Irritation: Acne-prone skin may be sensitive to touch, topical products, and certain environmental conditions.

HOW CAN NIRVANA HELP YOU TREAT ACNE VULGARIS:

We design a holistic treatment protocol that focuses upon overall healing of your body, your treatment plan can consist of

• DIET:

• INCLUDE : Low Glycemic, Anti-Inflammatory Foods such as whole grains, legumes, and non-starchy vegetables, help to stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels.
• Probiotics and Gut Health : fermented foods such as yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir, help restore balance to the gut flora.
• Zinc-Rich Foods : such as pumpkin seeds, lentils, chickpeas, and quinoa, support the body’s ability to heal from acne while also helping to reduce its severity.
• AVOID : dairy products, refined sugars, and processed foods.
• Drinking plenty of water (8-10 glasses a day) helps flush out toxins and keep the skin hydrated.

• YOGA:

• ASANAS : Balasana, Adho Mukha Svanasana, and Viparita Karani.
• PRANAYAMA : Deep breathing exercises, such as Nadi Shodhana, Ujjayi Pranayama
• Meditation for Stress Reduction : Mindfulness and meditation help to reduce emotional stress, which can worsen acne.

• NATUROPATHY:

• Mud Packs or Direct mud application.
• Essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, and tea tree oil are frequently used to calm the skin, reduce itching, and promote relaxation.

• HYDROTHERAPY:

• Herbal steam baths
• Warm baths with Epsom salts
• Facial Steam

• OZONE THERAPY:

• Helps relieve inflammation, improve oxygenation by removing excess free radicles from body.
• Treatments like ozone steam, local bagging have a good result in relieving symptoms and induce healing.