How can acne be treated with Chinese herbal medicine?

  Acne vulgaris, also known as youth acne, is a chronic inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands of the hair follicles. There are many variations in its clinical presentation, including whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, and cysts. The age of prevalence is between 12 and 25 years old. It often occurs on the face, forehead, back and other areas where there are many sebaceous glands.  There are three main factors in the formation of acne: 1. hyperkeratosis of sebaceous ducts. 2.  2. Increased sebum secretion.  3. Bacterial action, causing an inflammatory reaction.  According to Chinese medicine, acne in youth is caused by wind, dampness, heat and toxicity, and the stagnation of qi and blood, which is caused by the “hot body” of young people or strong people and the attack of wind and dampness.  Therefore, the treatment should be to remove wind and dampness, clear heat and detoxify the blood, and cool the blood to invigorate it.  The essence of acne disease is hyperactivity of Yang and fire, so the basic treatment is to cool the Blood, clear heat and detoxify the toxins. Because of the congestion of Qi and blood, invigorating the blood to open the menstruation is also essential. If the medication is used delicately and in reasonable combination, the efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine in treating acne is better than other treatments.