| Treating Acne with Chinese Herbs |
Page 1 of 2  Acne is an inflammatory disease of the sebaceous gland characterized by papules, inflamed nodules, pus-filled cysts, and in extreme cases, deep, inflamed, sometimes purulent sores. The cause of acne is not clear, however, scientists agree that a complex interaction between hormones, sebum (oil), and bacteria result in common acne or a pimple. The skin follicles, often called pores, are clogged with sebum and dead skin. When the pores are filled with oil and dead skin, the bacteria start to grow inside the clogged pores, causing inflammation. If untreated, the inflammation can advance into the nodules, cysts, and sometimes purulent sores.
The Western medical treatment of acne includes the topical application of antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic cream, and tretinonin cream. These topical medications are aimed to depress the growth of oil glands, and dry up the pimples. However, these topical agents leave the skin dry and red, with a burning sensation. Reoccurring cases or deep acne is treated by an oral administration of a broad spectrum of antibiotics, such as tetracycline or Minocine. Because relapse usually follows short term treatment, therapy must continue for months or years. Side effects of such antibiotics include gastrointestinal problems, dizziness, and pigmentation of the skin and mucous membranes.
Chinese medicine focuses on curing the cause of acne rather than drying the entire skin or supplying the entire body with antibiotic medications. According to Chinese medicine, acne usually involves blood heat, blood toxin, blood stasis, and dampness. The redness of acne lesions on the skin indicates the existence of blood heat and blood toxin. The heat and toxin in blood are blocked inside due to blood stasis. The white matter and pus inside the lesions indicate dampness and phlegm.
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