ACNE

Acne is a common skin condition that affects most people at some point.

The occurrence of acne is closely related to factors such as excessive sebum secretion, clogged hair follicle sebaceous ducts, bacterial infections, and inflammatory reactions. After entering puberty, the level of androgens, especially testosterone, in the human body rises rapidly, promoting the development of sebaceous glands and producing a large amount of sebum. At the same time, the abnormal keratinization of the hair follicle sebaceous ducts causes the ducts to be blocked, the sebum discharge is obstructed, and the keratinous plugs or micro-acne are formed. A variety of microorganisms in hair follicles, especially Propionibacterium acnes, multiply. Lipase produced by Propionibacterium acnes decomposes sebum to generate free fatty acids. At the same time, it chemoattracts inflammatory cells and mediators, and finally induces and aggravates the inflammatory response.

Skin lesions are more likely to occur on the face, upper chest, and back. The non-inflammatory skin lesions of acne are manifested as open and closed acne. The typical skin lesions of closed comedones (also known as whiteheads) are skin-coloured papules about 1 mm in size without obvious hair follicle openings. Open comedones (also known as blackheads) appear as dome-shaped papules with significantly dilated hair follicle openings. The further development of acne will evolve into various inflammatory skin lesions, manifested as inflammatory papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. The inflammatory bumps are red, ranging from 1 to 5 mm in diameter; the pustules are of the same size and are filled with white pus; the nodules are more significant than 5 mm in diameter and have induration and pain to the touch; the cysts are deeper and filled with pus And blood mixture. These skin lesions can also fuse to form large inflammatory plaques and sinuses. After the inflammatory skin lesions subsided, pigmentation, persistent erythema, and depressed or hypertrophic scars are often left behind. According to the nature and severity of acne skin lesions, acne is divided into grades 3 and 4: grade 1 (mild): only acne; grade 2 (moderate): in addition to acne, there are some inflammatory papules; 3 Grade (moderate): In addition to acne, there are more inflammatory papules or pustules; Grade 4 (severe): In addition to acne, inflammatory papules and pustules, there are nodules, cysts or scars.

Treatment：
Traditional Chinese herbal medicine can be used for the internal treatment of this symptom. External treatments include acupuncture and massage.

Acne alternative treatment such as acupuncture works externally to reduce inflammation, and redness, and to promote supple skin. Apart from reducing acne, acupuncture promotes clearer and even tone skin. Acupuncture gets rid of heat in your body. This helps to regulate your hormones and get rid of toxins and bacteria.

References:

NHS Website

Jin Peiying. Classification and treatment of acne. "People's Medical Publishing House", 2002

Xiang Leihong.Chinese Acne Treatment Guidelines (2014 Revised Edition). "Journal of Clinical Dermatology", 2015 

Tu Ping. New advances in acne treatment-Chinese acne treatment consensus will recommend treatment options. "Chinese Journal of Dermatology", 2003 

Liu Zhaorui, Huang Yueqin, Zhang Huaming, etc. Investigation on the current situation of acne knowledge, attitude, and behaviour among high school students in Beijing. "Chinese Journal of Dermatology", 2003

Xu Aiqin. Xu Yihou's experience in the diagnosis and treatment of acne. "Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine", 1998

痤疮 痤瘡

痤疮是毛囊皮脂腺单位的一种慢性炎症性皮肤病，主要好发于青少年，对青少年的心理和社交影响很大，但青春期后往往能自然减轻或痊愈。临床表现以好发于面部的粉刺、丘疹、脓疱、结节等多形性皮损为特点。