Introduction: Experts explain that common acne is associated with androgens, increased sebaceous gland secretion, hyperkeratosis at the follicular ostia, and Propionibacterium acnes infection. After puberty, an increase in androgen production or an imbalance between androgen and estrogen levels can easily lead to acne in adolescents. Diets high in fats, sugars, and cocoa can alter the skin's surface lipid composition or increase sebum production, potentially exacerbating acne.
This type of acne lesions primarily affects the cheeks and forehead,其次是 the chest, back, and shoulders. It includes comedones, pustules, inflammatory papules, nodules, cysts, and scars. The initial lesions are papules, such as whiteheads and blackheads. As the condition worsens, it can progress to inflammatory papules and pustules. Continued development can lead to nodules and cysts. If not treated promptly, abscesses can form, which often develop into sinuses and scars after rupturing. Acne is a chronic condition that can fluctuate in severity, often leaving behind hyperpigmentation and scars.
Based on severity, it can be graded as follows: Grade I is mild, primarily consisting of blackheads and whiteheads, and may be accompanied by scattered inflammatory papules. Grade II is moderate, characterized by superficial facial pustules. Grade III is severe, with deep pustules on the face, neck, chest, and back. Grade IV is severe to conglobate, involving cysts with scar formation.
How to scientifically manage acne?
For mild cases (Grades I and II), topical treatment may be sufficient. Topical medications mainly include retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotic ointments, azelaic acid, and selenium sulfide. For more severe cases (Grades III and IV), systemic therapy is required, including antibiotics, isotretinoin, anti-androgen drugs, and glucocorticoids. Additionally, depending on the lesions and skin characteristics, treatments can be combined with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), phototherapy, comedone extraction, and medicinal masks to achieve therapeutic and cosmetic results. For atrophic scars caused by acne, laser resurfacing can be used. For hypertrophic scars, hormone injections can be administered to achieve scar repair.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, acne is caused by internal heat flaring up and external invasion of wind pathogens. When the lung meridian is affected by wind, or internal heat becomes excessive, it leads to lung heat steaming, which accumulates and obstructs the skin, causing acne. Based on syndrome differentiation and treatment, it is categorized as follows: Lung-Heat Wind-Heat Syndrome, which requires promoting lung function and clearing heat; Damp-Heat Accumulation Syndrome, which requires clearing heat, transforming dampness, and unblocking the bowels; and Blood Stasis and Phlegm Coagulation Syndrome, which requires activating blood circulation to remove stasis and resolving phlegm to dissipate nodules. Patent Chinese medicines can be chosen such as Danshen Ketone, Acne Tablets, and Niuhuang Jiedu Wan.
Prevention: It is best to eat less sweet and spicy food.
Experts state that increased sebaceous gland secretion is a major cause of acne. High-fat foods can increase sebaceous gland secretion, so it is advisable to minimize or avoid consuming high-fat foods like lard, cream, butter, and fatty meat.
"Hair-trigger" foods often cause allergies and worsen acne, leading to chronic inflammation of the sebaceous glands that is difficult to cure. Clinically, it is often observed that after consuming such foods, "pimples" that were about to fade "reappear." Hair-trigger foods include fish, shrimp, crab, and shellfish; also, "heaty" meats like lamb and dog meat are considered trigger foods and should be avoided.
After consuming high-sugar foods, the body's metabolism becomes more vigorous, increasing sebum production and causing acne to "appear endlessly." Therefore, high-sugar foods should be eaten in moderation. Also, try to avoid spicy foods as much as possible and eat more fresh vegetables, fruits, and foods rich in vitamins. Maintain a balance between work and rest, and correct constipation. Choose suitable facial cleansers and cosmetics based on your skin type and your doctor's advice. Pay attention to facial hygiene. If pimples appear, avoid squeezing or scratching them.
Good habits can help you get rid of acne quickly
① Wash your face, hair, and hands frequently to keep your skin clean. Avoid applying any oil to your hair to prevent hair grease from getting on your face.
② Clean the affected area with a neutral soap 3-4 times daily; do not overdo it. Especially before bedtime, clean the affected skin comprehensively and meticulously to ensure the patency of the follicular sebaceous ducts.
③ Women should avoid applying cosmetics to the affected area, as some acne is caused by medications or certain cosmetics.
④ Regulate gastrointestinal function, keep bowel movements regular, and avoid constipation. Constipation can cause toxins to remain in the intestines, which are then absorbed by the body and excreted with sweat and sebum, worsening acne.
⑤ Maintain an optimistic mood. Negative emotions such as tension, anxiety, anger, and depression can worsen acne, so you must let go of worries and relieve mental burdens.
⑥ Maintain a regular routine and ensure adequate sleep time and quality.
⑦ Avoid using facial scrubs and refrain from getting massages or skin exfoliation at beauty salons.
⑧ Do not squeeze acne. Squeezing can break the skin and expand the area of infection; if bacteria from the hands infect the wound, it can worsen the condition.
⑨ Do not drink alcohol and avoid greasy, spicy, acidic, irritating foods, and seafood, which are considered trigger foods.
⑩ To prevent acne from worsening, eat less sugar, chocolate, and foods high in fat.