Acne

This article is based on Mayo Clinic’s content.

¿What is acne?

Acne is an inflammatory skin disease caused by a bacterial infection that affects the sebaceous glands that are associated with hair follicles.

Acne commonly occurs in adolescents in both sexes, usually related to hormonal changes at puberty. Diet, stress and some medications (especially contraceptive compounds) can also be influencing factors.

Although common acne is an inflammatory disease, in most cases it is not necessary to treat it, as it improves in response to changes in lifestyle or the natural balancing of hormones. However, in some cases it becomes an acute, annoying and even painful condition that must be treated to alleviate symptoms and avoid the formation of longer term scar tissue.

Do you want to know more about acne?

We recommend that you read the Disease and Conditions page of the Mayo Clinic for public information.

¿What mushrooms have useful properties in acne??

Shiitake

Anti-bacterial: This alkalising mushroom contains a specific molecule ‘ lentinan’ that has shown beneficial effect in combating bacterial infections. Shiitake is also rich in zinc, supporting a healthy testosterone metabolism and balancing hormones.

External care

Topically, extracts of Reishi and Cordyceps sinensis mushrooms have shown to minimize skin damage. Topically a hydrating cream

References

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2. Lee HH, Lee JS, Cho JY, Kim YE, Hong EK. Study on immunostimulating activity of macrophage treated with purified polysaccharides from liquid culture and fruiting body of Lentinus edodes. J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2009 Jun;19(6):566-72.
3. Guo FC, Kwakkel RP, Williams BA, Li WK, Li HS, Luo JY, Li XP, Wei YX, Yan ZT, Verstegen MW. Effects of mushroom and herb polysaccharides, as alternatives for an antibiotic, on growth performance of broilers. Br Poult Sci. 2004 Oct;45(5):684-94.
4. Hatvani N. Antibacterial effect of the culture fluid of Lentinus edodes mycelium grown in submerged liquid culture. Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2001 Jan;17(1):71-4. PubMed PMID: 11137653.