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In terms of TCM, acne is considered a disease primarily
related to the Pathogenic Influence of Heat on the lung, spleen, Zang and Fu
channels. This Heat may be a product of poor diet, overwork, intemperate
sexual activity, or the natural ascendance of Yang energy, which is typical
in adolescence. Heat may affect the Lung or Stomach Meridians, from where it
is transmitted to the skin, causing the condition’s inflammatory response.
Heat may combine with Dampness to form a Damp-Heat complex, affecting the
skin and sebaceous glands. In
more severe cases the eruptions can feel sore or itchy. Teenagers are more
susceptible to acne because during puberty there is an increase in androgens
in both boys and girls. Pre-menstrual women also often experience outbreaks
of acne. TCM classifies acne
into three different types:
1)
Wind-heat effect in the lung channel
 Wind-heat in the lung system can stimulate
the skin and cause acne. Main symptoms: lesions on the forehead and near
nose, slight itching, sensitivity to wind, feel thirsty, red tip of tongue
with thin and yellow coat and slippery rapid pulse.
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2)
Damp-heat in
spleen & stomach system
Main symptoms:
Lesions around the mouth and chest,  should, and back, large appetite and
thirst, dry stools, yellow and greasy fur coating on the tongue and soft and
rapid pulse.
3)
Disharmony of Zang & Fu channels
Main symptoms: This type of
acne changes according to the menstruation cycle. It is usually worse before
menstruation, accompanied by irregular periods or period pain. The tongue is
dark red with yellow coating. Taut and rapid pulse.
Treatment:
Internal treatment: Herbal products are achieved to expel wind and clear away heat in lung channel,
clear away heat and eliminate dampness, or regulate the Zang and Fu. The main
herbal products are: QING RE AN CHUANG PIAN (get rid of heat and dampness),
LIAN QIAO BAI DU PILLS (detoxin).
External treatment: Detoxifying herbs for external wash and herbal
gel for washing greasy skin on the face. Main herbal products: 101E, Herbal
soap, Pian Zai Huang pearl cream.
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