PIMPLES / ACNE
PIMPLES / ACNE
Acne is a skin disease caused by changes in the pilo sebaceous units(the unit consists of the hair shaft, the hair follicle, the sebaceous gland which makes sebum, and the erector pili muscle which causes hair to stand up when it contracts) of a person. It usually strikes during adolescence but rarely continues till adulthood.
Commonly referred to as pimples, blemishes, spots and zits, acne lesions generally occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms. It may range from being mild and moderate to a severe form. While an increase in sex hormones, during puberty, is the leading cause for acne, there are other factors as well that add to its occurrence.
The contraceptive pill can improve acne for some, but worsen for others, depending on the balance of estrogen and progesterone in the brand of the pill.
SYMPTOMS
Blackheads
Cysts
Scars
Nodules
Papules
Whiteheads
Red or yellow spots (pustules)
Deep, inflamed lesions. Pimples on the face and upper torso.
CAUSES
Over-activity of sebaceous glands
Follicle fallout
Bacterial infection
Inflammation
Sluggish liver
Alcohol
Hereditary factors
Taking too much stress
Misuse of drugs
Hormonal imbalances
Glucose intolerance
Smoking
Essential fatty acid deficiency Foods like pizza, chocolate, and fried items
Cosmetics that are pore-clogging Pressure from helmets, chinstraps, collars, suspenders, etc…
Exposure to industrial products, like cutting oils.
Environmental irritants, such as polluted air and high humidity.
Squeezing or picking at blemishes Hard scrubbing of the skin.
Change of hormonal levels in women, mainly before, during and after menses.
Congested colon and constipation Food allergies and food sensitivities, especially to milk.
Medications that contain bromides, iodides or steroids
FOODS TO AVOID
Butter
Cheese
Chips
Coffee
Cookies
Cream
Deep fried food
Pasta
Pork
Processed grains
Red meat
Sausage
Soya sauce
Sugary and carbonated
Ice cream
Liver
Tea
Vinegar
White breads
FOODS TO EAT
Avocado
Cantaloupe melon
Carrots
Cherries
Egg, Flaxseed
Grapefruit
Green tea
Guava
Lean red meat
Mango
Multi-Grain Breads
Oatmeal
Oranges
Plantain
Pomegranate
Salmon
Skim or 1% milk
Walnut
Watermelon