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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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Is acne the same as pimples?

Acne is a medical term, commonly known as pimples or acne. These two are the same disease, caused by the infection of Propionibacterium acnes, and are related to one's own active sebaceous glands, eating spicy and stimulating food, or frequently staying up late. Once diagnosed with this condition, it is important to receive systematic and formal treatment to prevent recurrence. Treatment can include oral and topical medications from a dermatology department in a formal hospital, and combining this with red and blue light therapy may yield better results. Avoid scratching or popping the acne, as this can lead to scarring or pits. After recovery, it is crucial to maintain a proper diet and lifestyle over the long term, avoiding staying up late and consuming spicy and stimulating foods to prevent the condition from recurring.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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Can you apply a facial mask if you have cystic acne?

Pustular acne can be treated with facial masks, but it is important to choose the right type of mask. Avoid masks that contain hormones and opt for natural, non-irritating ones, which can help care for the skin and alleviate the symptoms of pustular acne. Pustular acne primarily occurs due to excessive sebum production, clogged pores, and infection by Propionibacterium acnes, leading to redness, papules, and pustules on the face. For mild cases of acne, during the comedo phase, treatment with glycolic acid can help reduce comedones. If noticeable papules and pustules appear, oral treatments like minocycline hydrochloride capsules should be used under the guidance of a doctor.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can people with acne drink milk?

Patients with acne can drink milk. Milk contains high protein, calcium, iron, and zinc, which have certain therapeutic effects on acne. Drinking milk does not exacerbate or cause a recurrence of acne. Acne is related to vigorous secretion of sebaceous glands or local skin infection by Propionibacterium acnes. Once the disease occurs, it must be treated according to standards. Avoid spicy and irritating foods, do not stay up late, and you can take oral and topical anti-inflammatory drugs. Combining red and blue light treatments can hasten recovery. Try not to use cosmetics indiscriminately, especially those that are greasy and likely to clog pores. During treatment, try not to scratch or pop pimples, as this can lead to pigmentation or scarring. (Specific medication should be conducted under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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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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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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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.