1.What is acne? What we usually call acne is called “acne vulgaris” in dermatology, which is a chronic inflammation of the sebaceous glands of hair follicles common in adolescence. It is commonly known as “acne”, “acne” and “pimples”. The ancient Chinese medical texts have the name “pulmonary wind acne”. It usually occurs in adolescent men and women, slightly more in men than in women, but the age of onset is often earlier in women than in men. Severe acne is more common in males. About 80-90% of adolescents suffer from acne, and most of them heal naturally after puberty. 2.How is acne formed? Just like the common name “acne”, acne appears along with youthful development. On the one hand, the active substance “dihydrotestosterone” in androgens acts on the face, chest and back, and other sebaceous gland-rich areas to increase sebum secretion; on the other hand, the action of androgens causes hyperkeratosis of the follicles. The two problems lead to poor sebum excretion and accumulation in the hair follicles, which clinically leads to “acne”. The accumulation of sebum provides conditions for the reproduction of hair follicle microorganisms, mainly Propionibacterium acnes, which increase their reproduction, decompose sebum and produce acidic metabolites, stimulating the hair follicle wall and surrounding tissues to cause inflammation, resulting in clinical inflammatory papules and pustules (“acne”). 3.What are the other factors affecting the development of acne? Why are there recurrent attacks? Based on the basic pathogenesis mentioned above, the occurrence of acne is also related to a variety of factors, the main ones being dietary factors, mental and emotional factors, and lifestyle habits. For example, a sweet, fried, spicy and stimulating diet can trigger or aggravate acne; constipation, menstrual disorders, mental stress, and late nights are also important factors affecting acne. Due to the continuous and cyclical nature of hormonal effects and the multiplicity and complexity of the influencing factors, acne can be mild or severe and recurring. 4. How can the severity of acne be differentiated? The severity of acne varies greatly from patient to patient, so grading the severity of acne can help you choose the right treatment plan. Currently, the following grading is commonly used according to the International Modified Method
Mild (Grade I): predominantly acne with a few scattered inflammatory papules; moderate (Grade II): moderate number of inflammatory papules and pustules, confined to the face; severe (Grade III): large number of papules and deep-seated pustules, distributed on the neck and chest and back in addition to the face; severe or aggregated (Grade IV): accompanied by nodules, cysts, scarring, etc. 5.How does Chinese medicine recognize and treat acne? According to Chinese medicine, acne is the result of dysfunction of the internal organs, and is particularly closely related to the lungs and gastrointestinal tract; in some women, it is also related to the dysfunction of the flush. The face is a part of the lung, and most patients suffer from wind-heat in the lung meridian, which is steamed on the face; or damp-heat in the intestines and stomach, impassable internal Qi, or heat toxicity. Treatment is mostly based on clearing the wind and lung, clearing heat from the internal organs. Through evidence-based treatment, it can eliminate inflammation, reduce sebum secretion and avoid scar formation. 6.What are the local medication and treatment methods for acne? Topical medication and treatment is an important treatment for acne, and is especially effective for mild to moderate acne. Topical medications are mainly used to eliminate inflammation, inhibit sebum secretion, and reduce follicle keratinization. Commonly used topical medications include retinoic acid products (such as Dewey cream, Adapalene gel, etc.), antibiotics (such as benzoyl peroxide, fusidic acid, lincomycin, etc.), and herbal preparations, etc. Generally, medications should be used under medical supervision. Facial plaster inversions are also very effective and are done once a week. There are other physical therapy methods, such as red and blue light irradiation, microwave physical therapy, etc. 7.How should I choose a treatment method after having acne? Consider this: If it is an occasional small amount of acne or pimples, it is not necessary to use medication, usually pay attention to facial cleanliness, reduce the factors that block the hair follicles (such as oily cosmetics and foundation), eat less sweets and fried foods, regulate emotions, and stay up less, etc., which can be relieved on their own; for patients with recurrent and heavy symptoms, such as more red papules and pustules, one reason is that it affects the appearance and brings psychological pressure, but the condition will further Severe aggregated acne, with a large number of pustules, cysts, nodules, etc., should be actively treated, with Chinese and Western medicines mainly for internal use. 8.What are the precautions for acne? First of all, adjust your emotions and relieve mental stress; secondly, eat less spicy and greasy foods and sweets, which will stimulate sebum secretion and aggravate the condition. It is advisable to eat more vegetables and fruits and keep your bowels open. Facial care is also important. When the face is greasy, you can wash your face with warm water, choose a cleanser suitable for oily skin, do not use alkaline soap, soap, etc. (will stimulate the skin). Washing your face should not be too diligent. Excessive removal of oil will also encourage the sebaceous glands to secrete excessively. Acne skin is generally oily, but it also has problems such as dehydration and imbalance of water and oil balance, and the skin barrier function is easily damaged, so use some lotion-based skin care products to adjust the water-oil balance according to the situation.