Acne (pimples, zits)

Acne - called Fen Ci in Chinese Pin Yin (Zits).

Acne is a common inflammatory disease of pilosebaceous glands characterized by papules, pustules, inflamed nodules and superficial pus-filled cysts. Acne eruptions are commonly found around hair follicles and may have small white or black heads surrounded by red skin. A white pusy discharge is sometimes released from the white head eruptions. In severe cases of acne the eruptions will run deep into the epithelial layer of the body leaving a scar once it has healed.

Acne is most commonly found with people with oily skin. These eruptions may be present on the face, chest, upper back, upper arms or other area's such as the buttocks. Acne can become a chronic disease which can cause the patient pain and itchiness.

Chinese Medicine Treatment Of Acne:

INTERNALCauses of Acne

Lung Heat With Heat In The Blood - heat up surging to the face (not causing caugh) causing red pimples with heat and pain in the local area. They will have a red complexion and have pusy eruptions.

Herbal Formula: Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin (pusy head) + Pu Gong Ying (red/hard nodules) + Xia Ku Cao or Bei Mu Zi (constipation) + Da Huang or Zhi Shi

Damp Heat In Large Intestine And Stomach - usually relates to diet causing phlegm heat. Red swollen eruptions with a shiny oily complexion, pusy eruptions, nodules, itchiness, pain, constipation and dark yellw urine with a decreased appetite.

Herbal Formula: Yin Chen Hao Tang + clear heat / detoxify herbs (Jin Ying Hua, Lian Qiao) (poor appetite/bloating) + Chen Pi, Mu Xiang

Spleen Dysfunction With Damp Phlegm - spleen is unable to transform and transport dampness which turns to phlegm which turns to heat. Dull red complexion with deep eruptions, nodules, slow healing acne which leaves scarring

Herbal Formula: Shen Ling Bai Zhu San + Hai Zao + Yu Hu Tang (scarring) + E Zhu, Mu Li

EXTERNAL Treatment of Acne in Chinese Medicine - Jing Huang Gao

PREVENTION Of Acne Keep skin clean Regular lifestyle Proper diet - no grease, pungent, sweet, rich foods Regular bowel movements Do not touch - let eruptions heal on their own Regular sleeping patterns Eat more fruits, veggies and clean foods