What causes pustule-type acne in the triangular area?
Oct 08, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
The causes of pustular acne in the facial T-zone may include hormonal changes during puberty, stress and emotional fluctuations, Propionibacterium acnes infection, endocrine disorders, and seborrheic dermatitis. It is important to maintain a regular sleep schedule, avoid staying up late, regulate emotions, reduce stress, keep the face clean, and avoid excessive cleansing or friction to prevent the occurrence of pustular acne in the facial T-zone.
Generally speaking, the "triangle area" refers to the facial triangle area, and "pimples" refer to acne. The occurrence of pustular acne in the facial triangle area may be caused by hormonal changes during puberty, stress and emotional fluctuations, *Propionibacterium acnes* infection, endocrine disorders, seborrheic dermatitis, and other factors. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Hormonal Changes During Puberty
During puberty, elevated levels of androgens in the body stimulate sebaceous glands to produce more oil, which can easily clog pores and lead to acne formation in the facial triangle area. It is important to maintain facial cleanliness using gentle facial cleansers and avoid over-cleansing or excessive friction.
2. Stress and Emotional Fluctuations
When under prolonged stress or experiencing significant emotional fluctuations, the body's stress response increases secretion of adrenal corticosteroids, which may indirectly affect sebaceous gland function, leading to abnormal sebum production and triggering the aforementioned symptoms. Effective stress-relief methods such as exercise, meditation, and deep breathing techniques should be adopted to promote relaxation.
3. *Propionibacterium acnes* Infection
When hair follicles become blocked by excess sebum and keratinized skin cells, *Propionibacterium acnes* can proliferate rapidly in the oxygen-deprived environment, releasing inflammatory mediators that trigger localized immune responses, resulting in red, painful pustular acne. Common symptoms include pus-filled heads, redness, swelling, and tenderness. Under a doctor’s guidance, patients may use medications such as clindamycin gel, erythromycin ointment, or doxycycline hydrochloride tablets for treatment.
4. Endocrine Disorders
Poor lifestyle habits such as chronic late-night sleeping and irregular作息 (daily routines) can lead to endocrine imbalances, causing hormonal disturbances that stimulate excessive sebum production, clogged pores, and the appearance of the above symptoms. Additional symptoms may include irritability, insomnia, etc. Under medical supervision, patients may be prescribed medications such as hydrocortisone tablets, fludrocortisone acetate tablets, or levothyroxine sodium tablets.
5. Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis may be triggered by genetic predisposition, excessive sebum production, or immune system abnormalities. These factors induce inflammatory reactions in the skin, typically presenting with red patches, scaling, and itching. In some cases, pustular acne may also develop in the facial triangle area. Under a doctor’s advice, patients may use antifungal or anti-inflammatory agents such as ketoconazole shampoo, roxithromycin granules, or selenium sulfide shampoo for treatment.
In daily life, it is important to maintain regular sleep patterns, avoid staying up late, manage emotions, reduce stress, keep the face clean, and avoid over-cleansing or friction to help prevent the development of pustular acne in the facial triangle area.
