Acne is an inflammation of the oil glands and hair follicles of the skin, manifesting as pimples, often filled with pus. These breakouts can significantly affect one’s appearance, causing distress and anxiety, especially among young people. In fact, many who suffer from severe acne are deeply concerned about their appearance, and repeated failed attempts to clear their skin can lead to intense frustration and despair. It’s not uncommon for people, particularly young women, to experience deep emotional turmoil over persistent acne.
Acne is classified into different types based on its severity and characteristics:
- Acne Simplex (Acne Vulgaris): This is the most common form, seen in many teenagers and young adults.
- Acne Indurata: A more severe form of acne with hardening or induration.
- Malnutritional Acne: This type affects undernourished individuals and is often seen on the trunk and lower limbs.
- Artificial Acne: Caused by the use of certain drugs like bromides and iodides or external irritants like tar.
- Atrophic Acne: Leaves scars or small pits on the skin.
- Papular Acne: Characterised by solid raised spots.
- Pustular Acne: Where papules evolve into pus-filled lesions.
- Hypertrophic Acne: Leads to thickening of the skin due to overgrowth of connective tissue.
- Scurvy Acne: Accompanied by small skin haemorrhages.
- Acne Rosacea: A combination of acne with chronic redness of the nose and face.
- Acne Varioliformis: Resembles smallpox lesions, usually appearing on the forehead, scalp, and neck.
Despite these various classifications, the underlying issue for most forms of acne is toxins in the body. Except for artificial acne, which is drug-induced, the other forms are all variations of the same issue and can be managed with similar approaches.
Acne affects both genders, though it is more frequently seen in women and girls. It often develops during adolescence, targeting areas like the forehead, cheeks, chin, and jawline, and may also appear on the chest, shoulders, and back. Though it commonly subsides with age, acne can persist well into adulthood and may worsen during menstruation.
Typically, acne begins with blackheads, which serve as the starting point for inflammation. Around the blackhead, a papule forms, which may eventually turn into a pustule. However, acne can develop without blackheads, and vice versa. A crust may form over the pustule, eventually falling off, leaving redness that lasts a few days or, in severe cases, scars. The severity of the scarring can vary; some scars fade over time, while others remain permanent.
For those with Acne Indurata, hardened areas can develop under the skin, often resembling boils. These may not erupt naturally and, even when drained, tend to refill, leading to persistent scarring.
Interestingly, acne sufferers often consider themselves otherwise healthy, observing that others around them eat the same foods and do not experience the same skin issues. This can lead to confusion and disbelief that their diet or lifestyle might be contributing to their acne.
However, the skin, as the body’s largest organ, is influenced by internal health. It reacts to issues within the body, including poor digestion, faulty metabolism, and improper elimination of waste. Many internal disorders—ranging from digestive problems to liver or kidney issues—can manifest through the skin. Conditions like eczema, pruritus (itchy skin), and acne are often linked to poor dietary habits and toxic overload in the system.
For instance, high sugar consumption during adolescence can saturate the skin with sugar, contributing to acne and other skin problems. Thus, the first step in treating acne is to address these internal issues by improving overall health and correcting dietary habits. Cleanliness is the only necessary local care for acne.
In summary, acne is often the result of impaired elimination, digestive disturbances, and glandular imbalances, all rooted in enervation and toxaemia. By eliminating these causes—through fasting, dietary improvements, and lifestyle changes—acne can be resolved. Parents should not allow their children to suffer unnecessarily, as acne can be remedied through natural care before it leads to lasting scarring and emotional distress.
Topical treatments, such as ointments and lotions, offer little to no lasting benefit. They may temporarily suppress symptoms, but the acne typically returns once treatment stops. In many cases, acne resolves naturally after adolescence, but waiting for it to disappear on its own can lead to significant scarring and emotional issues. Therefore, addressing the root causes early is essential for both physical and emotional well-being.