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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How to treat acne scars?

Acne is a disease caused by Propionibacterium acnes infection, with symptoms often more severe on the face. During the treatment of acne, if not handled properly or if the symptoms are severe, scars, pits, or post-acne marks may form after healing. Once these occur, there are no very effective medications available for treatment. It is possible to visit a dermatology department at a reputable hospital and use fractional laser treatment, which has decent effects. However, it may not be resolved in one session and could require many visits, and the costs can be high. Therefore, during the treatment of acne, it is crucial to follow a standard treatment regimen, avoid squeezing or picking at acne to prevent secondary infection, maintain a light diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and refrain from staying up late.

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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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Can acne be squeezed?

Acne mostly occurs on the face, varying from mild to severe. Generally, there are some red, painful papules, and some may have white pustular papules. In such cases, try not to squeeze them. For some people with poor skin, acne scars or pits may form in the later stages, making treatment more troublesome. After the onset of acne, it is crucial to seek proper treatment at a dermatology department of a formal hospital. Oral and topical anti-inflammatory medications along with agents that clear internal heat should be used. Local treatment may involve red and blue light therapy. If there are indeed many pustules, a comedone extractor can be used to clean them appropriately. After recovery, it is important to avoid spicy and irritating foods, avoid staying up late, exercise regularly, and enhance immunity. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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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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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.)