Acne, an inflammatory skin condition that causes pimples, blemishes and comedones -- otherwise called blackheads and whiteheads -- is a result of your body producing excessive amounts of sebum, or oil. When hair follicles become clogged with sebum, inflammation and infection result. According to MayoClinic.com, buildup of bacteria, hormonal changes and genetics can also play roles. Some people turn to homeopathic remedies, such as silicea, to treat their acne. Consult your doctor before taking homeopathic remedies.
Homeopathic Medicine
Homeopathic medicine, founded by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann in the late 18th century, is based on the Law of SImilars, expressed as "like cures like." In an attempt to treat symptoms and trigger the immune system, homeopaths give infinitesimal amounts of a substance that, in larger amounts, would cause the same symptoms in a healthy person. Homeopathic remedies are prepared from plant, animal and mineral substances, then diluted many times until only an infinitesimal amount of the original substance remains. Homeopaths believe that the preparation retains a memory, or "essence," of the original substance.
Silicea Homeopathic Remedy
The silicea remedy, sometimes called silica, was formerly made from quartz or flint. Natural Healing Guide says it is now obtained chemically by mixing silica with sodium carbonate, then diluting it. Homeopaths tend to prescribe this remedy for chronic conditions that progress slowly over time. Silicea is a popular homeopathic remedy for blemishes and scars, including those resulting from acne. Blue Shield Complementary and Alternative Health recommends it particularly for deep-seated acne that is accompanied by a weakened immune system and swollen lymph nodes.
Considerations
Homeopaths take personality traits into account when prescribing remedies. According to Natural Healing Guide, the person most likely to benefit from the silicea remedy is indecisive, lacking in direction, and prone to confusion and exhaustion. Herbs 2000 adds that the silicea personality also tends to suffer from migraines. Homeopaths consider factors that cause symptoms to worsen or improve. If acne improves with warm temperatures, but worsens with cold, damp weather and drafts, this is another indication that silicea might be the correct remedy.
Safety
According to BSCAH, properly prepared homeopathic remedies are not known to cause side effects. Check with your doctor before taking silicea for acne, and use it under the supervision of a trained homeopathic practitioner.
Efficacy
BSCAH states that the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies for treating any specific condition has not been demonstrated by scientific research. Critics of homeopathy say the remedies are too diluted to have any effect; but the website adds that there is some evidence to suggest that homeopathic preparations differ from placebos, and may have helpful effects.
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