Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people around the world. While it is generally considered benign, many people wonder whether it can have more serious consequences or even be fatal.
First of all, it is important to clarify that the condition itself is not a disease that can directly lead to death. However, in rare and extreme cases, severe and persistent acne can cause complications that require appropriate medical treatment.
Severe cases of acne are attracting attention again
Recently, two serious cases of acne have gained attention due to their consequences. In one of them, a 20-year-old American man began taking anabolic steroids in an attempt to accelerate his muscle hypertrophy.
The effects of the hormones on her body caused a severe reaction, resulting in inflamed acne, mainly located on her back.
“It caused the most intense pain I have ever experienced. If I lie down wrong, if I rest my back on an inappropriate chair, or if I am in the shower and a stream of water hits my back, then I have such intense pain that my eyes become blurry and my ears start ringing,” the young man said in a video posted on TikTok.
Image: O Globo/Reproduction
In early June, 18-year-old university student Dâmilly Beatriz, from Santa Catarina, died as a result of a superbug call Staphylococcus aureus. According to the young woman’s mother, the bacteria was acquired through acne on Dâmilly’s face.
This bacteria can cause a variety of problems, from simple skin infections, such as boils and impetigo, to more serious infections, such as urinary tract infections, blood infections and even pneumonia.
Dâmilly’s mother published a note about the young woman’s case and revealed that “a generalized infection caused multiple organ failure.” The acne on the university student’s face was the gateway for the bacteria.
How to prevent and treat acne?
Acne can be prevented and treated with a few basic measures. To prevent acne, it is important to maintain good facial hygiene by washing your face regularly with a gentle cleanser.
Avoiding touching your face with dirty hands is also essential. Additionally, using non-comedogenic skin care products and eating a healthy diet can also help prevent the problem.
To treat acne, you need to consult a dermatologist to receive advice on the ideal treatment for your type of acne, which may include the use of oral medications or complementary therapies. It is important avoid squeezing or poking pimples, as this can aggravate inflammation and leave scars.
Doctor Renato Soriani, from the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD) and the Brazilian Society of Dermatological Surgery (SBCD), spoke about essential skin care to prevent acne:
“The skin reflects everything we do. That’s why hydration and dietary care are important. There are studies that show that a diet rich in carbohydrates increases the risk of acne, as does the intake of a high amount of protein derived from milk,” he highlighted.
