INTRODUCTION
Acne is the disease of the hair follicle of the face, chest and the back that affects males and females. The key factor is genetics. Some of the included factors are follicular epidermal proliferation with subsequent plugging of the follicle, excess sebum production, presence of and the activity of the commensal bacteria Propanium acnes and inflammation.
During puberty, about 80 % of adolescents and young adults, ages 11-30 years develop acne, medically referred to as the “acne vulgaris”, but more common as zits, blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples. It can also result to permanent cutaneous scars. (Porth, 2010)
According to Strelkauskas (2011), acne is the most common infection in humans especially on the teenagers. Psychosocial distress itself can also be a provocative factor in acne flares.
Treatments for acnes come on either systemic or topical. Some of the common prescribed medicines are topical retinoids and antibiotics which include clindamycin or combination with benzoyl peroxide. Furthermore systemic treatments may come in isotretinoin which is an effective systemic antibacterial medicine or some hormonal therapies like the use of oral contraceptives.
On the other hand, traditional treatments for pimples include the moringga oleifera, better known as the horse radish or malunggay in the Philippines. It is said to contain Vitamin C which reduces inflammation, modulates immune and antibacterial function. Moreover, it also contains Vitamin E, which aids in the skin’s glow, fighting from the invasion of free radicals in the individuals’ body system.
Of all the self-esteem busters, it occupies the top of the list. It is not just a teenage problem, as statistics have shown that as many as 75 % of adults are afflicted with the menacing skin problem. (Get Rid Of, 2013)
In United States of America, acne vulgaris is the most common condition treated by doctors. It affects nearly 40-50 million people. Although most of the
References: Anderson, B. (2012). The Netter Collection of Medical Illustrations: Integumentary System. Philadelphia: Saunders Company. Anwar, F. & Latif, S., et al. (2007). Moringa oleifera: A food plant with multiple medicinal uses. Phytother Research. 21. John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Biswas, S. B., Chowdhury, A., et al. (2012). Pharmacological potentials of Moringa Oleifera. International Journal of Pharmaceutal Sciences and Research. 3(2). Black, J Dubey, K.D., Dora, J., et al. (2013). A Multipuropose Tree- Moringa oleifera. International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Chemical Sciences. Laine, C. & Goldmann, D.R. (2009). In The Clinic: Practical Information about Common Health Problems. Philadelphia: ACP Press. Linton, A.D. (2011). Introduction to Medical-Sugical Nursing. Philadelphia: Saunders company. Pal Singh, G., Garg, R., et al. (2012). Anti-inflammatory evaluation of leaf extract of Moringa oleifera. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Scientific Innovation. Palmer, A. (March 2010) Types of Acne: Learn to Identify the Four Grades of Acne. Retrieved on February 5, 2013 from http://acne.about.com/od/diagnosisofacne/a/stages.htm Smeltzer, S Turkington, C. & Dover, J. (2009) The Encyclopedia of Skin and Skin Disorders. New York: Infobase Publishing. Villafuerte L.R &Villafuerte-Abonal, L