What is Acne

  Acne, commonly known as pimples, is a chronic inflammatory disease of the hair follicles that occurs in adolescents, and in recent years the incidence of adults has gradually increased. Treatment is based on a combination of medication, pills and physical therapy.  The causes of acne are complex and may be related to genetics, increased androgen levels, enlarged sebaceous glands and increased secretion of sebaceous glands, and some studies have shown that it is related to the occurrence of Propionibacterium acnes. Depending on the severity of acne, it can be classified into 4 grades. Grade 1 is whiteheads, grade 2 is inflammatory papules, grade 3 is pustules, and grade 4 is nodules. For grade 1, most of them are related to unreasonable use of skin care products and inadequate cleaning, and can be treated with topical 0.1% retinoic acid ointment or adapalene gel. For grade 2, topical sensitive antibiotic ointment, such as fusidic acid ointment, or disinfectant drops like peroxynivalenol gel or compound cypress solution. For grade 3 and 4, a combination of oral medications is needed to ensure efficacy. Commonly used medications include antibiotics, preferably macrolide erythromycin, azithromycin, etc., or tetracyclines. There is also Tylenol (isotretinoin capsules) which is also the first line of medication for acne.  Patients with acne should pay attention to a light diet, limit the intake of sugar and lipids, enhance cleansing if the skin is oily and do not use skin care products indiscriminately.