Although most common during adolescence, acne can occur at other times in life, especially
during times of hormonal shifts. Blackheads or pimples may be a problem on the face, neck,
chest, and back when pores become infected or clogged with oil. The bacteria involved are
always present on normal skin. Therefore, improving the skin’s resistance to infection
is important. Most cases of acne can be resolved through hygiene and nutrition. Remedies may
be helpful during flare-ups, but a constitutional remedy, prescribed by an experienced
homeopath, is the most appropriate way to deal with severe or persistent skin problems.
For dosage information, please read the information at the end of this section. See also
“Using Homeopathy With Professional Guidance” in What Is Homeopathy?
Antimonium tartaricum: This remedy may be helpful for acne with large pustules that
are tender to touch, with bluish-red marks that remain on the skin after active infection has
passed. The person may be irritable, with low resistance to illness.
Calcarea carbonica: If a person with frequent pimples and skin eruptions is chilly
with clammy hands and feet, easily tired by exertion, and flabby or overweight, this remedy
may help improve the skin’s resistance to infection. People who need this remedy are
often very anxious when overworked, and have cravings for sweets and eggs.
Hepar sulphuris calcareum: This remedy may be indicated when the skin is easily
infected, slow to heal, and painful eruptions like boils appear. The pimples are very
sensitive to touch and slow to come to a head; eventually, offensive-smelling pus may form. A
person who needs Hepar sulph is usually chilly, sensitive to cold in any form, and
feel irritable and touchy.
Pulsatilla: This remedy can be helpful if acne is worse from eating rich or fatty
foods, and aggravated by warmth or heat. It is indicated especially around the time of
puberty, or when acne breaks out near menstrual periods. The person often has a fair
complexion and is inclined toward soft emotions and moodiness, feeling worse in warm or stuffy
rooms and better in fresh air.
Silicea (also called Silica): A person with deep-seated acne along with a general
low immune resistance, swollen lymph nodes, and a tendency toward fatigue and nervousness may
benefit from this remedy. Infected spots are slow to come to a head, and also slow to resolve,
so may result in scarring. A person who needs this remedy is generally very chilly, but
inclined to sweat at night.
Sulphur: Itching, sore, inflamed eruptions with reddish or dirty-looking skin often
indicate a need for Sulphur. Itching may be worse from scratching, and worse from any
form of heat—especially bathing or washing. Individuals who need this remedy are often
inclined toward convoluted mental notions and tend to give order and neatness a low
priority.
Homeopathy Dosage Directions
Select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where
self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X,
6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use are usually
printed on the label.
Many homeopathic physicians suggest that remedies be used as follows: Take one dose and
wait for a response. If improvement is seen, continue to wait and let the remedy work. If
improvement lags significantly or has clearly stopped, another dose may be taken. The
frequency of dosage varies with the condition and the individual. Sometimes a dose may be
required several times an hour; other times a dose may be indicated several times a day; and
in some situations, one dose per day (or less) can be sufficient.
If no response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a different remedy.
The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes
only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical
experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not
necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor,
practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or
before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2009.
