The Bothersome Acne
Do you remember that painful thorny eruption on the face, that you experienced during your teenage years? Yes, I am talking about acne. Acne vulgaris is considered the most common inflammatory disease of the skin. It affects almost 85% of young adults in the age group of 12-25 years of both sexes. Acne and its causes have been explained in Ayurveda under the heading called Kshudra Rogas. Acne is termed as Yavana Pidaka, which occurs during teenage years, or Mukhadushika, that which ruins the beauty of the face.
The causes for Yavana Pidaka according to Ayurveda are consumption of spicy and greasy food, stress, hormonal changes, and allergy due to various soaps, lotions, etc. Due to the above causative factors, boils like that of the spines of the Shalmali plant (Bombax ceiba) appear on the face of young people caused by vitiation of Kapha, Vata, and Rakta. They are known as Mukhadushika. The signs and symptoms of Mukhadushika are eruption on the face which looks like the thorn of the Shalmali plant, pain, eruption which is thick and hard, and filled with pus.
In modern science, acne vulgaris is a disease of pilosebaceous follicles characterized by blackheads, papules, pustules, and scars. They usually occur on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and trunk. The factors responsible for acne are increased sebum production and blockage of the pilosebaceous duct which results in inflammation.
Ayurveda suggests a lot of remedies for Yavana Pidaka. In Yavana Pidaka particularly Vamana (emesis) is beneficial. A paste of Vaca (Acorus calamus), Rodhra (Symplocus racemose), and Saidhava mixed with Sarshapa or Dhanyaka (Coriandrum sativum), Vaca (Acorus calamus), Lodhra (Symplocus racemose) and Kushta (Saussurea lappa) should be applied to the acne. Application of Aloe vera gel and washing it off after 20 mins with warm water is beneficial to get rid of blackheads.
A face pack with Raktachandana and turmeric mixed along with water is useful to fight against blackheads and acne. Nimba churna can be added when the acne is filled with pus. Another remedy that works wonders is the combination of Eladi churna, Manjistadi churna, and rose water. A paste of the same can be prepared, applied, and washed off after 20 mins. A few other tips to be followed are regularly washing the face with lukewarm water. Kumkumadi Taila and Nalpamaradi Taila are extremely beneficial to increase the glow of the face.
According to Ayurveda, it’s not only external lepas and ointments but also internal medications that are required to get rid of acne. Blood purifiers such as Khadirarishta, Sariva Kalpa, Usheerasava, Chandanasava, and Aravindasava are useful to get rid of pimple marks and scars. Avoiding fried and oily food, hot and spicy food, and having a good sound sleep play a very vital role in preventing acne.
Thus, we learned about various causative factors for acne and simple remedies that can be practiced at home for getting rid of zits. An Ayurvedic physician will be able to judge better about the right type of medication for your skin. Please consult an Ayurvedic physician before trying out any remedies on your own.
I hope you gained ample amount of information regarding Yavana Pidaka or acne vulgaris. In the further blogs, we shall learn about different skin diseases in detail.