Acne and Blackheads

Vttiat causes Acne starts in a sebaceous follicle — a tiny, pocket-like skin pore that produces sebum, or it may start in a Phil sebaceous follicle.

The follicle becomes packed with sebum mixed with fine skin debris forming a tough waxy plug that dermatologists call a come-do.

When the tip of the plug forces its way through the pore opening, the top darkens and a blackhead is born.

The following stages of acne include inflammation and even rupture of the gland, causing swelling and redness, leading to any wells of pus and bacterial infection.

It is wise to have medical treatment for acne at any age. This helps to shorten the attack and ward off scarring.

However, the time-tested home remedies given below, sometimes yield excellent results and must be tried.

For Acne

* As the first step towards an acne-free skin should be purification of blood, take homoeopathic sulfur (in the 30th potency) for three or four weeks. The dose is five pellets, morning and night.

* Mix equal parts of mutton tallow, glycerin and castor oil. Melt over slow heat. Let cool, and store the solution in a glass jar. Apply to pimples till they heal.

* Spirit of camphor patted on pimples, three to four times a day, makes them dry-up and disappear. If pimples have heads, apply a hot cloth on them till they burst. Then pat on camphor.

* This prevents further infection and makes the blemishes heal rapidly.

* Mix 36 grams of soda bicarbonate and 1 ounce of Spermacetti ointment to form a smooth paste. Apply to affected areas. After 20 minutes, wipe off excess, leaving a slight film over the face.

* Peel and cut 2-3 onions. Cook with lard on slow heat until transparent. When cool, put it in a piece of muslin or cheese cloth and apply to pimples and do this twice a day.

Your diet should be one that includes plenty of fresh fruit, salads and raw-vegetable juices.

Fried foods, cakes, pastries, pies, etc., should be avoided.

Whole wheat bread and wheat germ bread should replace white bread.

Substitute honey or molasses (gur) for sugar, jams and marmalades. Avoid salted foods and increase the intake of curd.

Remember finally, that exercise does wonders for your skin as it starts the healing process moving more quickly.