Is there a difference between acne and pimples?

Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
Updated on August 31, 2024
00:00
00:00

The difference between acne and pimples is that actually, they are of the same type. Acne is commonly known as ordinary acne, and can occur at any age stage, but is most prevalent among teenagers, hence the term "acne." It is actually a chronic inflammatory disease of the hair follicle sebaceous gland, and pimples are one type of acne. The various types of lesions in acne are caused by inflammation at different depths of the hair follicles and subsequent reactions. This includes pimples caused by blockage of the hair follicle sebaceous gland duct, as well as superficial pustular inflammation at the hair follicle opening, papules, nodules, cysts, and scars, all of which are categorized as acne. Pimples are the initial form of acne; the lesions are cone-shaped papules consistent with the hair follicles, and are divided into whiteheads and blackheads. Whiteheads are also known as closed comedones, while blackheads are called open comedones. Inside whiteheads, there is a yellow-white tofu dregs-like substance, while blackheads are oxidized whiteheads that have been exposed over time.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Li Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min home-news-image

What are the reasons for scanty menstrual flow during adolescence?

It is generally believed that a menstrual volume less than 30 milliliters, equivalent to menstrual disorders in Western medicine, is also known as scanty menstruation. Scanty menstruation during adolescence is quite common. Some is due to psychological stress, which can cause menstrual irregularities. It is also possible that due to mental setbacks or significant stress and other negative emotions, the menstrual cycle and the amount of menstruation can be affected. Too little menstrual flow may lead to infertility; people with scanty menstruation generally have poorer physical health, which can severely lead to difficulties in becoming pregnant. It is advised to adjust one's mindset in the future. Secondly, it is important to eat foods rich in iron and nourishing properties to ensure sufficient iron intake, to avoid iron deficiency anemia.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
43sec home-news-image

Can moxibustion be used to treat acne?

In the case of acne, it can be treated by moxibustion, as moxibustion can activate blood circulation, remove obstructions in the channels, dispel wind, and dissipate cold. It can effectively help regulate the body. The occurrence of acne is mostly caused by excessive fatigue, habitual staying up late, and consuming stimulating foods. Therefore, first and foremost, while undergoing moxibustion, it is also necessary to improve everyday life aspects, such as maintaining a regular schedule, ensuring adequate sleep, avoiding staying up late, and engaging in more physical exercise to enhance the body's immunity. Diet should mainly consist of light meals.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
55sec home-news-image

Can acne be squeezed?

Acne, commonly known as acne vulgaris, is somewhat related to the vigorous secretion of one's own sebaceous glands. Spicy and irritating foods or staying up late can also cause it. If the acne is in the inflammatory phase and is very red and painful, try not to squeeze it, as this can easily lead to scarring or pits later on. If an individual acne lesion has become purulent and feels soft to the touch, you can prick it with a needle and squeeze out the pus, which can speed up recovery later. However, it is still recommended to use standard medications and combined red and blue light therapy, as this is less likely to cause skin damage and the recovery effects are generally better. It is also advisable to develop good dietary and lifestyle habits. (Doctor's answer is for reference only, administer medication under the guidance of a professional physician, do not blindly medicate.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Chun Yun
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 9sec home-news-image

How to regulate and normalize delayed menstruation during adolescence?

Adolescent girls have not yet established a regular menstrual cycle, and whether it occurs earlier or later, it is considered normal. This is because the regulation of the menstrual cycle is very complex, involving the interdependence and mutual restraint of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and ovaries. Additionally, it is also influenced by the cerebral cortex, external environment, psychological factors, and bodily fluids. During adolescence, girls have not yet adjusted these aspects, so a normal menstrual cycle is not established. Menstrual irregularities at this stage are normal, and as long as there are no organic lesions, it generally does not pose a problem. If family members are concerned, a systematic examination at the hospital can be conducted. They may also visit the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) department at a hospital for pulse diagnosis by a TCM practitioner to see if conditioning is needed, but it is best to follow the doctor's advice specifically.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
59sec home-news-image

Will variant asthma be cured during adolescence?

Cough variant asthma is a very common and specific type of asthma. Patients generally have a high likelihood of experiencing it clinically. For instance, when some young people suffer from cough variant asthma, the frequency of attacks may be relatively lower because their immune function is comparatively better. Therefore, for those whose condition is due to genetic factors, it is best to avoid environmental triggers that could provoke an attack of cough variant asthma. Usually, if adolescents have cough variant asthma, they cannot be completely cured, primarily because the triggering factors are very complex, involving both known and unknown elements. However, if adolescents engage in regular exercise, the frequency of cough variant asthma attacks can be reduced, and the symptoms that do appear may be milder.