What is the white substance in acne?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 02, 2024
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The white substance in acne is mostly formed by the normal secretions of sebaceous glands accumulating at the mouth of hair follicles, combined with the fermentation of Propionibacterium acnes or Staphylococcus aureus, resulting in pus. Some of the white substances appear as tofu-dregs-like, which are pus formed after vigorous secretion of the sebaceous glands and then absorbed and dried. These substances can be treated with oral and topical anti-inflammatory medications. During treatment, it is also important to regulate one's diet and lifestyle habits, avoiding spicy and stimulating foods to reduce sebum secretion. It is also helpful to avoid staying up late, anxiety, and stress to alleviate symptoms or prevent recurrence.

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Will acne with pustules leave scars?

Pustular acne is considered a relatively severe type of acne. Without standardized and effective treatment, coupled with poor management such as scratching with hands and other adverse stimuli, it can lead to facial scars or acne pits. Therefore, it is necessary to enhance skin moisturization and sun protection, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and use medical skincare products such as acne clearing and scar diminishing creams, and acne repair serums. Oral medications such as Tanshinone IIA sulfonate capsules, Icariin tablets, and Vitamin A acid capsules, along with topical applications of Fusidic acid cream, Vitamin A acid cream, or Adapalene gel, are used. Additionally, physical treatments like fruit acid peeling and phototherapy with red and blue light are employed to provide anti-inflammatory effects and improve abnormal keratinization. (Note: Medication should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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The difference between rosacea and allergies

Rose acne is mostly a chronic skin inflammation that occurs on the face, with three stages including erythema, papulopustular, and rhinophyma periods. Allergic dermatitis, however, can occur as an acute inflammatory response of the skin on various parts of the body. Firstly, distinguishing between rose acne and allergic dermatitis depends on the location of the onset. Secondly, they are differentiated based on clinical manifestations. Thirdly, they are differentiated based on the condition of the disease. Rose acne is a chronic, recurrent, non-healing inflammatory skin condition, whereas allergic dermatitis is mostly transient and is a skin manifestation caused by allergic reactions. However, if allergic dermatitis occurs on the face, distinguishing it from rose acne can be challenging, and it is advisable to see a specialist in a formal hospital for an accurate diagnosis.

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The difference between acne and folliculitis

Acne and folliculitis, although both are skin diseases, have significant differences. Firstly, acne is caused by bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes, while folliculitis is mainly caused by Staphylococcus aureus infection. Secondly, their treatments differ. Finally, the symptoms of acne and folliculitis are also different. Generally, folliculitis does not occur frequently, whereas acne does. Folliculitis initially presents as red papules that progress to pustules. Acne, on the other hand, displays various forms including papules, pustules, as well as blackheads and whiteheads.

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Can acne scars be removed?

If acne is not treated properly or promptly, it may worsen and develop into cystic acne. Additionally, if individuals frequently scratch, squeeze, or pick at the acne during treatment, infections can form and ultimately result in residual scarring. Once scars have formed, they are not easily fully repairable. If the scar proliferation is not too severe and is relatively flat, fractional laser treatment can be temporarily used for repair. If the scar proliferation is more pronounced and protrudes significantly, it is necessary to seek treatment in a proper hospital with medications and injections for closure therapy. However, these methods can only temporarily soften or shrink the scars, and cannot completely remove them. Therefore, the most fundamental approach is still to manage the treatment effectively to prevent residual scarring. Upon detection, it is crucial to follow standardized treatment protocols and avoid scratching or bursting the acne.

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Does frequently eating sweet foods easily cause acne?

Acne is a condition caused by excessive secretion of one's own sebaceous glands, consuming spicy and stimulating food, or due to frequent staying up late and family heredity. Eating sweets for a long period of time can easily exacerbate this condition because it tends to increase internal damp-heat and can also stimulate the overproduction of androgens, leading to the worsening of the disease. Therefore, after the appearance of acne, it is essential to regulate one's diet and lifestyle habits. Sweet foods, spicy and stimulating foods, and foods with overly strong flavors should be avoided as much as possible. If the symptoms are severe, it is advised to seek formal treatment at a dermatology department in a regular hospital, avoid picking or squeezing the acne to prevent the later formation of pits or scars, follow proper medication protocols, and complement treatment with red and blue light therapy for potentially better results.