In early 2021, Ashutosh Menon, 30, a software professional from Bengaluru, was full of excitement and anticipation. He had worked hard with dedication, met his workplace goals and it was now the time to look forward to the fruits of his labour.
The day of reckoning came but Menon was aghast when he saw the credit of his hard work go to someone else. The extra efforts and days he had put in to achieve his targets had gone in vain. He felt badly let down and it shook his morale at work.
The disappointment lingered for many months. The old enthusiasm in his work was missing.
That is when he noticed physical symptoms of his mental frame. He had acne on his face, back and other parts of the body. He tried different medications, but nothing helped.
Much worried about it, he consulted a homeopathic physician.
“The effect of the situation on his mind triggered the condition. He needed medication that covered both his mental and physical aspects,” says Dr Neha Bharadwajan, founder of Sneham Digital Clinic, a homeopathy treatment centre in Mumbai.
After studying Menon’s medical history and the skin problem in detail, Dr Bharadwajan prescribed medications and diet along with tips for maintaining mental health.
Menon says, “Within three months of starting the medications, I noticed an improvement in my condition. I have been taking them regularly.”
What is acne?
The skin produces sebum, an oily substance that helps in maintaining its moisture level. Acne is a chronic skin condition associated with increased production of sebum, inflammation, bacterial growth and altered shedding of skin. It appears on the skin as a small reddish bump, sometimes with pus.
According to a research published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health, acne can be set off by the following factors:
- Family history
- Obesity
- An oily or mixed type of skin
- Hormonal changes
- Consumption of sugary, greasy and dairy products
- Smoking
- Improper use of cosmetics
- Long-term use of electronics
- Poor quality of sleep
- Stress
- High external temperature
- Air pollution
Oral medicine
Dr Ajay Yadav, consultant at Dr Ajay’s Homeopathy Clinic, Mumbai, says with any health condition, homeopathy believes that the whole body is affected. As such, homeopaths, he says, prefer to manage acne with internal or oral medications rather than external application.
“The medicines will correct the internal imbalance and trigger the healing ability of the body to overcome the condition. A suitable management plan is chosen after knowing if the acne stems from any physical or mental factors,” he says.
Dr Yadav adds that the medicines can provide a long-term solution for acne instead of suppressing it which will lead to the recurrence.
Dr Bharadwajan says that individuals should ensure a healthy diet, make suitable lifestyle changes and foster resilience to stress.
As the condition causes visible skin eruptions, it can affect the self-confidence of a person, Dr Yadav says. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, people with the condition, especially adolescents often become self-conscious and embarrassed by acne and avoid social occasions. Thus, it is important to provide mental support to them by nurturing a positive outlook in them.
Tips to manage acne
- Avoid eating fried, oily, spicy, sugary and processed foods. Increase the intake of fruits and vegetables in your diet.
- Drink 2-3 litres of water every day. Hydrate yourself at regular intervals.
- Maintain skin hygiene. Use mild and gentle cleansers according to your skin type and moisturise the skin regularly. Use oil-free cosmetics. Do not touch or scrub the affected area as it can aggravate acne. Touching your face without washing your hands can transfer bacteria. For the same reason, do not prick or pop acne.
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule. Ensure eight hours of sleep every day.
- Wear clothes that do not irritate your skin.
- Let go of any emotional baggage. Approach a therapist or a mental health professional to seek help.
- Practise positive affirmations.
