Some people think that pimples appear randomly, hating to show up on certain areas of the face, but in Western medicine, it is explained that acne does not "randomly pop up." The growth pattern of acne and its location on the body can often predict our physical condition.
Many believe that acne on the face indicates excessive dampness in the body. While this is true, some also feel that acne "does not give face," appearing wherever it pleases, especially in more noticeable areas. In Western medicine, it is explained that acne does not "randomly pop up." The growth pattern of acne and its location on the body can often predict our physical condition.
Acne (commonly known as pimples) is a chronic skin disease originating from the sebaceous glands. It is commonly seen in dermatology and often affects teenagers. According to statistics, 95% of males and 85% of females experience varying degrees of acne during adolescence. Therefore, it is appropriately called "youth pimples." Acne primarily appears on the forehead, neck, chest, and back where sebaceous glands are abundant.
The main clinical manifestations of acne include whiteheads, blackheads, inflammatory papules, pustules, nodules, cysts, pigmentation, enlarged pores, and even scarring. These can affect one's appearance and severe cases may lead to disfigurement, causing significant psychological stress and mental suffering for young individuals. Early detection and treatment are crucial. Timely and standardized treatment can prevent or reduce skin damage.
In traditional Chinese medicine, acne is also known as "alcoholic pimples" or "lung wind acne." This condition is described in the book "Internal Medicine Summary." The cause is often due to heat in the lungs and stomach rising to the face, leading to blood stasis and blockage. It is also related to consuming rich and spicy foods. Symptoms include small red bumps, sometimes with blackheads, which can develop into inflamed and painful lesions, eventually forming boils or sebaceous cysts. Treatment involves clearing heat and promoting lung function.
The causes of acne are well understood and involve infection by anaerobic Propionibacterium acnes, though it is a multifactorial disease. In Western medicine, the face, nose, and back are associated with the lungs, and the condition is often caused by wind-heat in the lung meridian affecting the skin. Overconsumption of fatty, sweet, and spicy foods can lead to damp-heat in the spleen and stomach, which rises to the face. During adolescence, hormonal changes can increase sebum production, clogging hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Bacterial proliferation then leads to inflammation and the formation of acne lesions. Severe cases can result in nodules, cysts, and sebaceous cysts, potentially leading to scarring.
Acne outbreaks are more common in hot and humid climates due to increased sebum production. This explains why acne tends to worsen in summer and improve in winter. However, factors such as an acidic constitution, zinc deficiency, damp-heat in the spleen and stomach, and heat in the intestines can also trigger acne.
In spring and summer, those prone to acne may be experiencing heat-toxins from the spleen and stomach. In these seasons, there is a tradition in some regions of consuming rich foods and tonics, which can exacerbate internal dampness and heat, leading to acne outbreaks. To balance this, it is advisable to consume moistening and nourishing foods like sesame seeds, honey, silver ear fungus, and loquat.
For effective prevention and treatment of acne, both internal medication and external care are necessary. Herbal formulas can help clear blood toxins, improve circulation, and enhance oxygen-carrying capacity. External treatments like masks can cleanse the skin, regulate oil secretion, and have anti-inflammatory properties, effectively preventing and treating acne.
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- How to Clear Annoying Blackheads on the Nose
- Acne and Pimple Removal
- Natural Ways to Eliminate Acne