Andy Montoya
Acne, or pimples, are caused by the clogging of the gland that produces sebum, which is the oil that keeps our skin moist. When this happens, bacteria colonize the backed-up sebum, causing it to rot and emit a foul odour. This is the same reason why cheese smells the way it does—it is also a result of bacterial activity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for the cheesy smell | The presence of bacteria |
| Type of acne | Pimples, blackheads, zits |
| Composition of acne | Dead skin cells, hair, sebum (oil), bacteria, pus (dead white blood cells, dead bacteria, toxins) |
| Type of cyst | Epidermoid cysts |
| Composition of cyst | Keratin, a soft, cheese-like substance |
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What You'll Learn
Acne is caused by bacteria
The white stuff that comes out when you pop a pimple is pus, which is made up of dead white blood cells, dead bacteria, and toxins. This pus is basically bacteria, and it's why pimples smell bad. It's also toxic, and your body recognizes this, interpreting the smell as bad or repellent so that you don't go eating it.
Some people have suggested that the smell of acne is similar to that of cheese. This is not surprising, as cheese also smells the way it does because of bacteria. In fact, epidermoid cysts, which are harmless growths that occur due to blocked hair follicles, contain a soft, cheese-like substance called keratin.
While it may be tempting to pop pimples, it is important to note that doing so can cause further damage and inflammation. It is always best to seek professional advice and treatment for acne and cysts.
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Bacteria causes cheese to smell
The smell of acne is often attributed to the presence of bacteria. When a pimple forms, the gland that produces sebum, the oil that keeps our skin moist, gets clogged with dead skin cells, bacteria, fluids, and excretions. This buildup creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, leading to inflammation and the distinctive odor associated with acne.
Similarly, bacteria play a crucial role in the development of cheese's characteristic smell. During the cheese-making process, bacteria interact with other microorganisms, such as fungi, to create a diverse microbiome. This microbiome is responsible for producing the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that give cheese its distinct aroma and contribute to its flavor.
Research has shown that certain bacteria species in cheese, such as Vibrio casei, respond positively to VOCs emitted by fungi, leading to rapid growth. On the other hand, some bacteria, like Psychrobacter, are more selective and only thrive in the presence of specific fungal species. This complex interplay between bacteria and fungi significantly influences the sensory experience of cheese, determining its quality and variety of flavors.
Additionally, it is intriguing to note that human bacteria are closely related to cheese-making bacteria. In an experiment conducted by researcher Christina Agapakis, she produced cheese using human bacteria from various body parts, such as belly buttons and tongues. This exploration highlights the intricate biological connections between our bodies and the microbial world, challenging societal perceptions of human bacteria.
In summary, the presence of bacteria is the key factor in the development of the distinctive smells associated with both acne and cheese. While acne results from the buildup of bacteria and other substances, the art of cheesemaking involves harnessing the power of bacteria and other microorganisms to create unique aromas and flavors.
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Acne contains sebum, which is skin oil
Sebum is a natural oil produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin. Its function is to lubricate and protect the skin and hair. However, when sebum becomes trapped within a pore or hair follicle, it can contribute to the formation of acne. The trapped sebum provides an ideal environment for bacterial growth, as bacteria thrive in areas with limited oxygen and sebum offers a rich source of nutrients for them.
The bacteria commonly found on the skin, such as Propionibacterium acnes, can proliferate rapidly in this environment, leading to an infection. This bacterial overgrowth results in the production of inflammatory molecules and waste products, further contributing to the inflammation and odour associated with acne.
While the connection between acne and cheese may seem unusual, it is important to understand that the smell is a result of bacterial activity and not the sebum itself. The bacteria break down the sebum and its by-products, leading to the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to the distinct odour.
Additionally, the type of bacteria and the specific compounds they produce can vary, resulting in different odour profiles. This may explain why some individuals describe their acne as smelling like cheese, while others may detect different scents. It is worth noting that the presence of an odour could also indicate a more severe form of acne or a secondary infection, and seeking medical advice is recommended in such cases.
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Pus in acne contains dead white blood cells
The smell of cheese is caused by bacteria, and the same goes for acne. When a pimple forms, the gland that produces sebum gets clogged with dead skin cells or a hair, and the sebum gets backed up. Then bacteria colonize it and it starts to rot, which is why it smells bad and also why it gets inflamed. The pus in acne contains dead white blood cells, along with dead bacteria and toxins. This is why the pus in acne smells like cheese.
The white stuff that comes out of a pimple is called pus, and it is made up of dead white blood cells, dead bacteria, and toxins. This combination of substances is what gives pus its characteristic color and odor. The smell of pus is often described as unpleasant and repulsive, and it is thought to be a signal to the body that something is wrong.
Pus is a product of the body's immune response to infection. When bacteria invade the body, white blood cells rush to the site of infection and work to destroy the bacteria. In the process, some of the white blood cells die and release their contents, including enzymes and proteins, which contribute to the formation of pus.
While it is not uncommon for people to be curious about the smell of their own bodily functions, it is important to remember that popping pimples or cysts at home can be dangerous and cause further damage. It is always recommended to seek professional medical advice and treatment for acne and other skin conditions.
Additionally, it is worth noting that not everyone finds the smell of pus repulsive. Some people have reported enjoying the smell of their own pimple pus, and even going as far as to rub it on their nose to prolong the scent. However, this practice is not recommended as it can potentially spread bacteria and cause further skin issues.
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Epidermoid cysts are harmless growths
Pimples and zits are caused by a buildup of sebum, an oil that keeps our skin moist. When the gland that produces sebum gets clogged with dead skin cells or hair, bacteria can colonize it, causing it to rot and emit a foul odour.
Now, epidermoid cysts, also known as sebaceous cysts, are harmless, slow-growing bumps under the skin. They are benign encapsulated subepidermal nodules filled with keratin material. They are often found around hair follicles and commonly appear on areas with more hair, such as the scalp, face, neck, trunk, upper back, or groin area. They can, however, occur anywhere on the body.
These cysts are typically harmless and asymptomatic. They can remain stable, or they may grow slowly over time. Sometimes, they may become inflamed, red, painful, or rupture spontaneously. In most cases, epidermoid cysts do not require treatment and often go away without intervention. However, if they cause concern or become inflamed or infected, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
While epidermoid cysts are generally benign, rare cases of malignancy have been reported. Therefore, it is important to monitor these growths and consult a healthcare provider if there are any concerns. A healthcare provider can diagnose an epidermoid cyst through physical examination and, if necessary, by examining a tissue sample under a microscope. Treatment options include simple surgical excision, steroid injections, or drainage procedures, depending on the specific case.
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Frequently asked questions
The smell is caused by bacteria. When a pimple forms, the gland that produces sebum gets clogged with dead skin cells or hair, and the sebum gets backed up. Then bacteria colonize it and it starts to rot, which is why it smells bad.
The fluid that comes out of acne is sebum, the oil that keeps your skin moist.
Pus is a bunch of leukocytes mixed with bacteria. Its white colour comes from the number of leukocytes present.
The smell of pus comes from the bacteria. It is basically toxic, and your body recognizes this and interprets it as a bad or repellent smell so you don't go eating it or something.
