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Cause
In conventional medicine, 3 major factors are thought to be involved in acne.
1. Hyperproliferation of the epidermis
This means the body is producing skin cells too quickly, and these skin cells end up obstructing skin pores, leading to the formation of an acne lesion called a comedone. Many skin care products make a point to say that it is non-comedogenic, what this means is that their products are purported to not contribute to clogging of pores. Exfoliating acne medication is addressing the clogged pores by breaking down the dead skin responsible for the clogging.
2. Excessive sebum or oil production
This is the typical greasy skin seen in some patients with acne. Oil production in the skin is regulated by the body’s hormonal system. This explains why as hormonal levels change prior and around menstruation, many women notice their acne flare-ups during this time.
3. Bacteria
The specie most commonly associated with acne is called Propriobacterium acne, which can cause inflammation by stimulating the immune system to produce pro-inflammatory mediators. A number of topical medications such as benzyl peroxide work by killing these microbes. This is also the reason why many patients have been prescribed oral antibiotics for their acne condition.
Other factors such as diet and stress are recognized causes for acne by both conventional and Oriental medicine.
Chinese Medicine & Acne
The strength of Oriental medicine is that it is not a one-size-fits-all type of medicine. Everyone is created differently, therefore why should everyone get the same medications? Each patient's body type will always be factored into Dr. Poney Chiang’s treatment plan, in addition to the 4 main acne patterns that he differentiates.
Lung Heat Acne
This pattern most often affects teenagers, and those in their early twenties. As our bodies change from puberty to adulthood, a lot of hormonal changes are happening to the body. In Oriental medicine, the lung system is said to be the most delicate organ and it also governs the integumentary (skin) system. As the most delicate organ, it is very sensitive to inflammation. Our body tries to discharge this heat to the surface, but because the lungs are delicate and therefore more susceptible to heat, it easily develops into the Lung Heat pattern.
This type of acne is unpredictable, not related to digestive or gynecological or stress factors. But can be associated with smoking, which is adding fire to the lung system. This type of acne is most common on the forehead and nose area.
Liver Heat Acne
This is the stress-related type of acne. In Oriental medicine, stress is related to stagnant Qi-energy in the Liver system. In conventional medicine stress is also related to changes in hormone profiles as well as inflammatory responses. A natural dermatologist can use acupuncture, and herbal medicine to pacify or soften the stagnant liver, and in so doing reduce the effect of stress on the body and skin. There are also acupuncture points and herbal medicine that can cool an inflamed or fiery liver to bring your stress level back into balance. Acupuncture has been shown to be a very safe and effective modality for stress management and prevention. It is particularly effective for preventing the type of acne where stress is a major factor.
Constipation Acne
This type of acne is commonest on the cheekbone, cheeks, around the mouth, on the jaw and on the throat right under the jaw.
These patients tend to have a long history of constipation. In Oriental medicine, heat and toxins, that are called fire-toxins can build up in the gut, toxins that your body needs to eliminate via the stool. Due to problems with elimination, these fire-toxins cannot exit the body, so the body attempts to eliminate it via the body’s acupuncture energetic channel pathways. The stomach and large intestine pathways perfectly match the cheek and jaw distribution of this pattern of acne condition. For this type of acne, Dr. Poney Chiang will regulate the digestion and elimination to help patient purge these fire-toxins.
Menstrual Acne
Women with the menstrual type of acne tend to notice that breakouts come during the week before their menstruation. Hormonal changes associated with menstruation plays a role in this type of acne. This type of acne is most common on the chin area. They may have blood clots in their menstrual flow. Bad cramping and/or breast tenderness may accompany their period. Women who develop acne in their late thirties and forties is called Adult onset female acne, this is related to changes in hormonal levels as well. It may be associated with history of contraception use, child bearing, which can change a women’s hormonal profile, causing imbalances. Treatment of this type of acne will require regulating the menstrual cycle. An individualized treatment plan will be designed to account for different causes of menstrual imbalances such as blood stasis, blood heat, cold-congealing, blood deficiency and etc.
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