Whether you're an adolescent or an adult in the workplace, it's common to have occasional pimples (medically known as "acne") on your face, which can cause a lot of trouble.
There are a variety of products on the market that claim to eliminate acne quickly, and acne patches are favored by many people because they are convenient and seemingly effective. However, can acne patches really get rid of acne?
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Acne patches are useful, but not much
Acne patches are a product and are not a drug. In the medical field, it is not a mainstream choice and is not widely accepted by doctors. However, it's fair to say that acne patches aren't worthless, and they do have a certain amount of utility.
This conclusion is based on scientific studies conducted by some scholars on acne patches. These studies confirm that acne patches do have some effect on acne. For example, scholars in Taiwan have compared acne patches (a type of application containing hydrocolloids) with ordinary patches to explore the difference in efficacy. In the study, it was found that ordinary patches did not contain hydrocolloids, a key ingredient.
They selected 20 patients with mild to moderate acne and asked them to use a patch (or regular patch) every two days for no more than a week. The results of the study showed that individuals who used the patch showed significant improvement in acne severity and inflammation, especially those who used it for 3 to 7 days, and the improvement was significantly better than that of those who used the regular patch.
In addition, studies have also found that acne patches are also effective in reducing redness, controlling oil production, and improving pigmentation. In terms of safety, the researchers also made careful observations and did not find any significant adverse reactions. Therefore, it can be said that in terms of acne, acne patches do show a certain strength.
However, don't rejoice too soon, and you may need to pour a basin of cold water on it – while acne patches do work, they are limited. This conclusion is based on several reasons: first, the limited number of studies on acne patches has led to an under-solid evidence base; Secondly, acne patches lack a pharmaceutical component, and their effectiveness is likely not comparable to standard drug treatment; In addition, there are many mainstream anti-acne regimens that have been extensively researched and clinically proven in the medical community.
Doctors' attitude towards acne patches is that they may be effective, but they should not be overstated.
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Be vigilant about the risk of acne patches
It's important to note that occasional use of acne patches comes with risks. A common problem is that some patches do not breathe well, and prolonged use may cause the acne to be covered with pus, which in turn promotes the growth of bacteria and worsens the acne problem. The root cause of this phenomenon is that the acne-causing P. acnes bacteria prefer an oxygen-deficient environment, and when oxygen levels are low, they multiply more rapidly and become more infected.
In addition, the purchase of acne patches of unknown or unreliable quality may cause irritation to the skin and trigger allergic reactions, including redness, peeling, stinging and itching at the area of application. If you feel that the acne condition worsens after using the patch, you should stop using it immediately and seek professional medical advice.
In fact, when faced with a serious acne problem, the best course of action is to consult a dermatologist first. Doctors will develop a treatment plan that is appropriate for each individual, which often leads to more effective treatment of the problem.
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To get rid of acne, the doctor's method is ......
Look at age
In children or adolescents, more caution is exercised with oral medications, such as doxycycline, minocycline, and isotretinoin, and topical treatments such as benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin are usually preferred.
In women, the addition of combined oral contraceptives as adjunctive therapy is sometimes considered in more severe cases to achieve acne treatment.
In addition, retinoids, including isotretinoin and adapalene, should be avoided in special circumstances, such as during pregnancy or lactation.
Look at the severity
Acne varies in severity, but in general, mild acne (eg, a small number of nonpurulent acne that appears as scattered closed comedones) is more appropriate for topical treatment. For severe acne, a combination of oral and topical medications is usually required.
If the acne has subsided and there are sequelae such as red or black acne scars, acne pits, etc., it may be necessary to further use other treatments or even introduce non-pharmacological treatments such as professional acid brushing or photorejuvenation.
See if it's easy to relapse
If acne flare-ups recur, it is important to plan a strategy to reduce or even prevent recurrence. A well-used regimen is to start with a combination of treatments until the acne has completely resolved, then tapering and discontinuing oral medications, followed by a period of maintenance therapy with topical agents to ensure a stable response.
Enhance care
In addition to medical treatment, precautions in daily life are also crucial. Some proven skincare tips include: keep your skin clean and use a cleanser when appropriate; Wear your makeup in moderation and make sure you remove it thoroughly on the same day; Avoid squeezing your hands frequently to prevent them from getting worse.
Regarding the use of acne patches, their effects often vary from person to person, and there is no unified or standardized guide to the use of acne patches. Acne patches can be used alone or in combination with medications, which may further enhance the effectiveness of acne treatment.
In summary, acne patches, as a common non-medicinal product, have been shown to be effective in reducing the severity and inflammation of acne. In addition, it may have multiple benefits to absorb excess sebum, keep skin breathable and waterproof, reduce UV damage, and prevent direct contact with breakouts. While acne patches have shown some effectiveness in fighting acne, it's important to make it clear that it's not a panacea for all acne problems. There are limitations to its utility and current scientific research is not sufficiently supported, so we should avoid overstating its utility.
At the same time, improper use of acne patches may also have hidden dangers, such as their poor breathability may promote the growth of bacteria, which in turn can exacerbate the problem of acne. In the case of severe or frequent recurrence of acne, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist for professional treatment. The doctor will tailor the treatment plan based on factors such as the patient's age, the severity of the acne and the tendency to recur. These regimens typically cover topical medications, oral medications, and aesthetic procedures. Finally, skin care routines such as keeping your face clean, using makeup in moderation, and avoiding self-squeezing breakouts are also essential for maintaining healthy skin.
Editor: Li Ling
Source: Popular Science China
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