What are the symptoms of acne?
Sep 29, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In general, the main symptoms of acne include comedones, papules, scars, pustules, nodules, and cysts. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention at a hospital and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a physician. Acne patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as doxycycline hydrochloride enteric-coated capsules, amoxicillin capsules, and levofloxacin tablets. In daily life, it is important to maintain a light and balanced diet.
Under normal circumstances, the main symptoms of acne include comedones, papules, scars, pustules, nodules, and cysts. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention at a hospital and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a physician. Specific details are as follows:
1. Comedones
Comedones are a typical manifestation of acne and are divided into whiteheads and blackheads. Whiteheads are usually caused by the accumulation and blockage of keratinized cells at the opening of hair follicles, appearing white in color. Blackheads may form when sebum clogging the pores is exposed to air and oxidizes.
2. Papules
Papules primarily develop due to blockage of the hair follicle-sebaceous gland duct, creating an anaerobic environment that promotes excessive proliferation of Propionibacterium acnes (an anaerobic bacterium). This leads to sebum breakdown and triggers inflammatory responses.
3. Scars
Severe acne may leave scars after healing, especially deep nodular and cystic acne. Scar formation results from excessive collagen deposition during the skin's repair process and can be classified into types such as atrophic scars, hypertrophic scars, and keloids.
4. Pustules
On the basis of papules, worsening bacterial infection—such as by Propionibacterium acnes—may lead to pus accumulation beneath the skin, forming pustules. This is likely the result of bacterial infection and immune system response.
5. Nodules and Cysts
Nodules and cysts represent more severe forms of acne. They form when large amounts of keratinous material, sebum, and pus cells accumulate within the hair follicle-sebaceous gland unit, causing structural damage and ultimately leading to the development of nodules and cysts.
Patients with acne may take medications such as doxycycline hydrochloride enteric-coated capsules, amoxicillin capsules, or levofloxacin tablets according to medical advice. In daily life, maintaining a light diet and avoiding spicy or irritating foods—such as Sichuan pepper and chili peppers—is recommended to support overall health.
