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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Can hypertrophic acne scars be treated?

Acne, during its onset and treatment period, due to non-standard treatments or severe cases, coupled with some patients liking to pick or squeeze them, might lead to hypertrophic scarring later. Once hypertrophic scars form, they are not easy to treat, especially if they are very prominent, they generally cannot be completely cured. If the symptoms are mild, fractional laser treatment can be used, but the ultimate repair effectiveness is uncertain. If the prominence is especially noticeable, one can go to a dermatology department in a regular hospital for localized drug blockade treatment, but this only improves the symptoms and cannot eradicate the condition completely. Therefore, it is essential to follow standard treatment protocols during the onset of acne to prevent the formation of hypertrophic scars.

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Written by He Da Wei
Dermatology
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How to reduce redness from rosacea

Rosacea mostly occurs in middle-aged people, more often in women, and can be accompanied by acne or seborrheic dermatitis. The most commonly seen type in clinical settings is erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, primarily appearing in the central parts of the face, especially on the nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin, with symmetrically occurring erythema. Different stimuli, such as environmental changes, temperature fluctuations, consuming hot beverages, alcohol, spicy foods, exercise, and bathing, can all cause persistent blushing and erythema, often accompanied by dry skin, a burning sensation, or a stinging feeling. To reduce erythema, it is first important to protect against the sun to avoid damage to the facial skin barrier by ultraviolet rays. It is also necessary to avoid excessive cleansing, enhance moisturizing and skin-nourishing treatments, and avoid extreme heat or cold, as well as the adverse stimulation of mental stress. Alcohol consumption and spicy or irritating foods should be avoided. Local cold compresses may be appropriate, and for severe and recurrent cases, internal administration of Chinese herbal medicine is recommended to clear heat, cool the blood, and reduce redness.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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How to remove acne marks?

Most acne patients, after undergoing standard treatment, tend to retain some acne marks on their faces. These marks generally do not require special treatment and will gradually fade or disappear over time. Alternatively, patients can opt for red and blue light therapy at hospitals, which can accelerate the fading of pigmentation. They can also visit a standard hospital to have cosmetic laser treatments to remove the marks, but these effects are not particularly fast and require long-term persistence. During the treatment period, it is essential to follow a standard diet and lifestyle practices. It is advisable to avoid spicy and irritating foods, and to prevent staying up late, feeling anxious or tense, or excessive sun exposure, as these factors may worsen the acne marks and increase the difficulty of treatment.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Does acne spread through contagion?

Acne is caused by the infection of Propionibacterium acnes. This condition is related to factors such as excessive sebum secretion of the skin, frequent consumption of spicy, greasy, and sweet foods, as well as regular late nights, anxiety, and stress. The disease is not contagious; it does not spread through contact with others, nor through sharing towels or bath scrubs. Once diagnosed, it is crucial to seek proper treatment to prevent the condition from worsening and potentially leading to scars or pits on the face. Treatment can be sought at a reputable hospital's dermatology department, where oral medication combined with topical treatments, and supplemented by phototherapy with red and blue light, can be effective. After recovery, it is important to regulate one's diet and lifestyle, avoid spicy and irritating foods, minimize staying up late, engage in exercise, bathe more frequently, and sweat more.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can acne be cured?

Acne is caused by an infection of Propionibacterium acnes, and it is somewhat related to the overactive secretion of sebaceous glands. It predominantly occurs during adolescence, but some individuals may continue to experience symptoms into their 30s or even beyond 40 years of age. It is also related to personal diet habits, such as consuming spicy and irritating foods, or frequently staying up late. In some cases, there is a familial genetic link. Once this condition develops, it is crucial to seek proper treatment at the dermatology department of a regular hospital. Treatment can include medication combined with red and blue light therapy. After treatment, it is possible to completely cure the condition; however, acne tends to recur, so it is important to avoid spicy and irritating foods and to minimize staying up late to prevent relapse.