Sebum production, Dermatology FAQ

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Understanding Skin Bumps on Chest and Abdomen: Causes and Solutions

Granules on the chest and abdomen? Hello Dr. Wu, I have been struggling with a persistent skin issue for a long time. I have small, bump-like lesions on my body that resemble sebaceous cysts or comedones, primarily located on my abdomen, chest, and extending to my back (as shown ...


Dr. Wu Yuxin Reply:
It is recommended that you see a dermatologist in person for an examination. Skin tumors need to be assessed visually, and psoriasis is a condition that requires management rather than eradication. However, treatment options have significantly advanced, and you can discuss them f...

[Read More] Understanding Skin Bumps on Chest and Abdomen: Causes and Solutions


Managing Oily Skin: Is Oral Isotretinoin the Right Solution?

The oiliness of the face and scalp is becoming increasingly severe? I have had oily skin since high school, but it wasn't very severe at that time, and regular facial cleansers were sufficient to keep it clean. However, it worsened after I entered college, and recently, I ca...


Dr. Wu Yuxin Reply:
It can be considered, but it still requires evaluation by a physician.

[Read More] Managing Oily Skin: Is Oral Isotretinoin the Right Solution?


Managing Excess Oil: Tips for Oily Skin Care

Oily skin Hello Doctor: My face, including the area behind my ears, forehead, neck, and eyelids, tends to get oily. Everyone says that after washing my face with a cleanser, I should be able to stay fresh for a long time, but I find that I become oily again shortly after. I under...


Dr. Wu Yuxin Reply:
Oil-controlling toner, oil-controlling facial cleanser, fractional laser treatment, and oral vitamin A acid can all achieve varying degrees of reduction in sebum production.

[Read More] Managing Excess Oil: Tips for Oily Skin Care


Understanding Scalp Acne: Causes and Remedies for Breakouts

Acne on the scalp? Hello, doctor… Recently, I have developed two small bumps on my scalp that resemble acne. After applying Mentholatum, they have reduced a bit. Could you please tell me what might be causing this? I have been staying up late studying, going to bed around 3 AM.


Dr. Li Yufen Reply:
Hello: The bumps on the scalp that resemble acne are most commonly due to folliculitis, which may be caused by excessive sebum production, blockage of hair follicle openings, or a decrease in local immunity leading to bacterial growth. It is recommended to maintain a regular slee...

[Read More] Understanding Scalp Acne: Causes and Remedies for Breakouts


Understanding Acne: Causes, Treatments, and Scar Management

Acne issues Hello Doctor: I would like to ask 1. Is there a genetic component to the formation of acne? How can it be prevented? 2. Can acne be treated solely with medication and topical applications? Are there other methods available? 3. My face has excessive oil secretion, and ...


Dr. Guo Fengsheng Reply:
1. There is indeed a connection to genetics, but it is not absolute. Currently, there is no genetic therapy for acne. 2. If the severity is not significant, oral and topical medications can generally control it. If there are other concurrent issues, treatment will depend on the...

[Read More] Understanding Acne: Causes, Treatments, and Scar Management


Can Hair Dye Cause Scalp Breakouts in Sensitive Skin?

The issue of hair dye and scalp rashes? Hello, I dyed my hair about three weeks ago. Could my hair dye be causing my boyfriend to develop acne near his hairline? He has sensitive skin, and we share the same pillow. Could my hair touching his skin lead to acne or trigger an allerg...


Dr. Mao Mingya Reply:
Hello: The causes of acne include clogged pores, excessive sebum production, proliferation of Propionibacterium acnes, and hormonal changes. The factor most related to hair is clogged pores. Some individuals who prefer bangs may experience continuous irritation of the forehead sk...

[Read More] Can Hair Dye Cause Scalp Breakouts in Sensitive Skin?


Understanding Tetracycline vs. Doxycycline for Acne Treatment

The issue of medications and acne? Due to being away from home, I am unable to visit my long-term dermatology clinic for treatment, and I have run out of my previous medication. Therefore, I went to a nearby clinic to ask the doctor to prescribe me tetracycline. However, the long...


Dr. Zhang Zhibo Reply:
Hello: To answer your question, we first need to understand the causes of acne, which can be categorized into four main factors: 1. Hormonal changes and stress lead to increased sebum production. The sebaceous glands are stimulated by male hormones, producing more sebum, which ...

[Read More] Understanding Tetracycline vs. Doxycycline for Acne Treatment


Understanding Hair Loss and Regrowth: Expert Answers to Common Concerns

Hair loss and hair growth issues..? Hello, doctor. I have a few questions: 1. I have oily hair, and if I don’t wash it for more than two days, it looks greasy but not shiny. Therefore, for the past five or six years, I have maintained a habit of washing my hair daily. However, ...


Dr. Cai Changlin Reply:
Hello, In response to your inquiry, regarding scalp cleansing products, there is no specific formulation that is required; as long as the cleansing power is appropriate and can effectively remove oil and dirt from the scalp without causing harm, it is considered suitable for in...

[Read More] Understanding Hair Loss and Regrowth: Expert Answers to Common Concerns


Effective Solutions for Acne on Back and Arms: A Dermatologist's Guide

Acne This year, I am in the ninth grade and I really like to keep clean, but I have acne, and it's also on my back and arms. What should I do, doctor?


Dr. Jiang Yujiao Reply:
Dear Xiao Jie: Acne occurs in areas where sebaceous glands are blocked. Excessive sebum production and an accumulation of keratin can easily lead to blockages. Use oil-free soap or acne-specific soap for frequent cleansing. If necessary, seek medical attention for topical treatme...

[Read More] Effective Solutions for Acne on Back and Arms: A Dermatologist's Guide


Understanding Acne: Causes, Care, and Minimizing Pore Size

Acne..? I am currently in high school. Why did my acne start in the first and second years of middle school and still continue to appear now? Is it because I don't wash my face often? Is it related to my pillow or towel? Also, when I look closely in the mirror, I notice that...


Dr. Zhang Zhibo Reply:
Hello, netizen: During normal puberty, the activity of sebaceous glands increases, leading to an increase in sebum production. Factors such as excessive keratinization of the pores and bacterial infections contribute to the development of acne. Washing your face can reduce sebum ...

[Read More] Understanding Acne: Causes, Care, and Minimizing Pore Size


Understanding Skin Reactions to Sun Exposure and Soap: What You Need to Know

Inquiry A year ago, I went hiking and was exposed to the sun, but I was afraid of getting tanned. When I got home, I washed my face with a ready-made cow's milk soap and experienced a peculiar reaction: my forehead started to glow. At that time, everyone was drawn to me (lik...


Dr. Cai Changlin Reply:
Dear public, Regarding your concerns, I would like to respond in two parts: (1) Concerning the skin phenomenon you mentioned: Dermatology places significant emphasis on "visual observation of lesions." Based on your description, it is quite challenging to make an ac...

[Read More] Understanding Skin Reactions to Sun Exposure and Soap: What You Need to Know


Managing Seborrheic Dermatitis: Effective Treatments and Tips

Seborrheic dermatitis Hello, doctor. I have seborrheic dermatitis (mainly on my face) that has persisted for several years, and I have "almost" never had completely normal skin (except for one time when my doctor prescribed piprinhydrinate, tranexamic acid, and oral pre...


Dr. Jiang Yujiao Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, seborrheic dermatitis is related to the amount of sebum secretion and is generally associated with irregular lifestyle habits, greasy diets, and high emotional stress. When there is excessive sebum, it can irritate the skin and cause inflammat...

[Read More] Managing Seborrheic Dermatitis: Effective Treatments and Tips


Understanding Sebum Production: What’s Normal for Oily Skin?

Sebum secretion What is the role of sebum secretion in the skin? Oily skin tends to produce excess oil... so how do we define normal oil production? Is it possible for skin without acne issues to remain dry and fresh all day?


Dr. Hong Zhengsheng Reply:
Hello GFH: What is the role of sebum secretion in the skin? → It helps prevent excessive evaporation of moisture from the skin's surface. As long as the oil produced by sebum secretion can effectively prevent excessive moisture loss from the skin, it is considered normal. 【W...

[Read More] Understanding Sebum Production: What’s Normal for Oily Skin?


Understanding the Link Between Hormones and Oily Scalp in Women

The relationship between oily scalp in women and hormones? Hello Dr. Jiang, I seem to have had slightly red, swollen, and itchy scalp since middle school, but I didn't pay much attention to it. As a result, there weren't any serious issues at first, but gradually, I no...


Dr. Jiang Yujiao Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, your condition may be seborrheic dermatitis or female pattern hair loss. A definitive diagnosis requires a visual examination. 1. The treatment for seborrheic dermatitis primarily involves shampoos and topical medications. The types of shampoos...

[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Hormones and Oily Scalp in Women


Why Is My Face Oily? Tips for Managing Excess Oil Naturally

Oily skin Why does my nose and face tend to get oily easily (for example, it becomes oily again within five minutes after washing my face)? If I don't want to use commercial skincare products, what are some ways to improve this condition?


Dr. Chen Yiying Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, sebaceous gland secretion is related to individual genetic factors and hormone levels. As one ages, the secretion tends to decrease. Oil control skincare products available on the market can improve the appearance of excess oil by absorbing se...

[Read More] Why Is My Face Oily? Tips for Managing Excess Oil Naturally


Understanding Acne: Causes, Treatments, and Effective Management Strategies

Acne issues! Hello: I started developing acne in the sixth grade, and I am still experiencing it now. I think genetic factors might be the main reason because my mother also had a face full of acne when she was young, and I probably inherited her "excellent" genes, resu...


Dr. Liao Wenyu Reply:
Hello: (1) The doctor told me that once I have completed all three stages of treatment, if I want to maintain the results, I need to regularly use a product like Acne Control or a fruit acid product with a concentration of 15% or higher. What do you think? I agree and also reco...

[Read More] Understanding Acne: Causes, Treatments, and Effective Management Strategies


Managing Dry Skin in Diabetic Patients: Tips and Recommendations

Dry skin Hello Dr. Cheng, my grandfather has very dry skin that appears white on the surface. Could you please tell me how high the incidence of skin dryness and itching caused by diabetes is? How should we manage his skin care on a daily basis, or should we consult a dermatologi...


Dr. Zheng Lizhen Reply:
Skin issues caused by diabetes are usually localized, particularly around the perianal and genital areas, and are often associated with mucosal skin candidiasis commonly found in diabetic patients. Statistics indicate that at least half of individuals over the age of 70 experienc...

[Read More] Managing Dry Skin in Diabetic Patients: Tips and Recommendations


Understanding Acne: Tips for Teens and Skincare Recommendations

Acne issues? I am only 15 years old, but I have a face full of acne. My mom says it will get better as I grow up and that it's just puberty. Is that really the case? Also, I have been using some Shiseido cosmetics, but their acne lotion makes my face feel oily after applying...


Dr. Zheng Lizhen Reply:
During puberty, increased hormone levels lead to heightened sebum production, making it easier to develop acne. However, this does not mean you have to endure a face full of "acne" throughout your teenage years, leaving marks that could last a lifetime. Taking proactive...

[Read More] Understanding Acne: Tips for Teens and Skincare Recommendations


Struggling with Acne: Effective Solutions Beyond Skincare Products

Acne issues? I have been struggling with acne for a long time and have tried many skincare products, such as creams, facial cleansers, and alpha hydroxy acids, but none have been effective. I still keep getting breakouts. Every time I go out, I encounter beauty therapists who tel...


Dr. Zheng Lizhen Reply:
To address the issue of acne, in addition to maintaining a regular sleep schedule and a balanced diet, hormonal balance also plays a significant role; otherwise, it wouldn't be referred to as "teenage acne." The hormonal changes during puberty lead to an increased ...

[Read More] Struggling with Acne: Effective Solutions Beyond Skincare Products