And we thought the terrible twos were tricky! When hormones come marching in, they bring a parade of stresses caused by the physical and emotional shifts they trigger.
Puberty can be delayed or premature. When it comes it can confuse and frighten the child whose body is changing. Peer pressures and academic performance create insecurity, uncertainty, fears and low self-esteem. Identity and belonging issues challenge friend and family relations.
Homeopathy offers useful remedies for emotional and physical support. Read on to learn of five top remedies that address a salient teen trouble: acne.
ACNE
Sulphur: Chronic acne condition with hard, rough skin, made worse by washing and heat. Itchy pimples. Especially if patient runs hot and has occasional morning diarrhoea (the rush-out-of-bed kind), this is a good remedy.
Hepar Sulph: Painful pimples large, like boils. Patient is often chilly.
Sepia: Menstruation and pre-menstrual tension makes acne worse. Once the period goes, acne begins to fade.
Kali brom: Itchy pimples, worse on chest, shoulders and face. Restless sleep with bad dreams.
Ant Tart: Pimples are pus-filled, often a blue-red colour. They last a long time.
Pulsatilla: Acne is worse after eating rich, fatty foods. Especially indicated for (weepy) blondes who improve in open air. Usually mild-mannered, patients are often moody and weepy.
Natural solutions to reduce acne include patting the face twice daily with a cotton pad soaked in witch hazel. Wash gently with a mild antiseptic solution. Avoid chocolate, fizzy drinks, oily and processed foods. Increase exposure to the sun. Take Vitamins A and B and zinc.
Book a brief free chat. Tell me what makes symptoms worse or better. We can discuss adolescent conditions such as delayed puberty, body odour and anorexia.