A pimple is a small pustule or papule. Pimples are small skin lesions or inflammations of the skin – they develop when sebaceous glands (oil glands) become clogged and infected, leading to swollen, red lesions filled with pus. Pimples are also known as spots or zits.
The development of pimples is primarily connected to oil production, dead skin cells, clogged pores and bacteria (although yeast infection can also cause pimples to develop). Sebaceous glands, which are located at the base of hair follicles, can become overactive due to hormone deregulation, which is why acne is most commonly associated with puberty, and why breakouts occur around the time of menses.
The most likely parts of the body to be affected by pimples are the face, back, chest and shoulders due to the proliferation of sebaceous glands in these areas of skin. Pimples are a sign of acne, especially when a breakout occurs.
Acne is characterized by areas of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and greasy skin, and may result inscarring. The resulting appearance can lead to anxiety, reduced self-esteem and, in extreme cases, depression or thoughts of suicide.
CAUSE
Genetic
Hormonal
Infectious
Diet
Smoking
Psychological
SYMPTOMS OF PIMPLES
There are several different types of pimples and they have different signs and symptoms:
Whiteheads – also known as a closed comedo. These are very small and remain under the skin, appearing as a small, flesh-colored papules.
Blackheads – also known as an open comedo. These are clearly visible on the surface of the skin and are black or dark brown due to the oxidation of melanin, the skin’s pigment. Some people mistakenly believe they are caused by dirt, because of their color, and scrub their faces vigorously – this does not help and may irritate the skin and cause other problems.
Papules – these are small, solid, rounded bumps that rise from the skin. The bumps are often pink.
Pustules – these are pimples full of pus. They are clearly visible on the surface of the skin. The base is red and the pus is on the top.
Nodules – these are morphologically similar (similar structure) to papules, but larger. They can be painful and are embedded deep in the skin.
Cysts – these are clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are filled with pus and are usually painful. Cysts commonly cause scars.
HOMOEOPATHIC APPROACH
Homeopathy treats the person as a whole. It means that homeopathic treatment focuses on the patient as a person, as well as his pathological condition. The homeopathic medicines are selected after a full individualizing examination and case-analysis, which includes the medical history of the patient, physical and mental constitution etc. A miasmatic tendency (predisposition/susceptibility) is also often taken into account for the treatment of chronic conditions. The medicines given below indicate the therapeutic affinity but this is not a complete and definite guide to the homeopathic treatment of acne. The symptoms listed against each medicine may not be directly related to this disease because in homeopathy general symptoms and constitutional indications are also taken into account for selecting a remedy. Remedies like Sulphur, Sanguinaria, Kali bromatum, Antimonium crudum, Asterias Rubens, Belladonna, Hepar Sulphur, Calcarea Silicata, Nux vomica, Arsenicum iodatum, Causticum, Chelidonium majus, Graphites, Psorinum, Sabina, Calcarea phosphoricum, Thuja are more useful for acne.