Everything You Want to Know About Pimples

Types of Pimples

Blackheads: Open bumps on the skin that load up with excess oil and dead cells. They look like dirt has accumulated in the bump, but perhaps the deficient in essentials is caused by an abnormal light that is reflected from the clogged follicle.

Whiteheads: Bumps that remain closed by oil and dead skin.

Papules: Small red or pink bumps that become inflamed.

Pustules are pimples that contain pus. They look like whiteheads and are surrounded by red rings. If they are scratched, they can cause severe reactions.

Fungal Acne: It occurs when an excess of yeast develops in the hair follicles. It can become itchy and inflamed.

Nodules: It's a solid pimple that is present deep inside the skin. They are large and very painful.

Cysts: Pus-filled pimples will cause scars on your skin.

How Excess Oil and Bacteria Cause Pimples

Human skin contains pores that connect to sebaceous glands located beneath the surface. Follicles, which are small sacs, link these glands to the pores. These follicles produce and secrete sebum, an oily substance. Sebum, along with dead skin cells, travels through the follicles to the skin's surface. A small hair also emerges from each follicle.

Pimples form when these follicles become clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells. This blockage creates a plug that can become infected with bacteria. The bacteria Propionibacterium acnes is commonly associated with acne. The infection leads to inflammation and swelling, causing a pimple to develop as the plug breaks down. 

Research indicates that the severity and frequency of acne can vary depending on the bacterial strain involved. Not all strains of acne bacteria are harmful; some may actually help keep the skin clear of pimples.

Causes of Pimples

Oily Skin

Oily skin can lead to pimples because excess oil, or sebum, can clog pores. When the sebaceous glands produce too much sebum, it combines with dead skin cells and gets trapped in the follicles. This creates a plug that can become infected with bacteria, leading to inflammation and the formation of pimples.

Hormonal Factors

• A series of factors trigger Acne, but the leading cause is thought to be an increase in androgen levels.
• Androgen is a type of hormone that increases in levels during early adolescence. In women, it turns into estrogen.
• The increase in androgen levels causes the growth of the sebaceous glands under the skin. The enlarged gland produces more sebum. Too much sebum can break down the cell walls of the pores, causing bacteria to grow.

Other Possible Triggers

Some studies suggest that genetic factors can increase the risk. Other causes include:

• Certain medications containing androgens and lithium
• Oily cosmetics
• Hormonal changes
• Emotional stress
• Menstruation

Risk Factors of Pimples

• Age: Acne can occur in people irrespective of their age group.
• Hormonal changes: It is common in women, children, and girls caused by puberty or pregnancy.
• Hereditary: Family History plays a vital role in Acne. If both parents have Acne, they have a high chance of developing it.
• Greasy or oily substances: The skin is highly likely to develop Acne if it comes into contact with oily lotions and creams.
• Friction or pressure on the skin: Pressure or friction to acne-prone skin causes infection, Eg, contact with phones, helmets, tight collars, etc.
• Stress: Stress may not cause Acne, but if a person is already suffering from Acne, it may get worse.

Diagnosis of Pimples

If you have signs of Acne, your dermatologist can diagnose you by examining your skin. Your dermatologist will identify the lesions and their severity to determine the best treatment.

Treatment of Pimples

• It's critical to comprehend the origins and severity of acne in order to choose the most effective acne therapy. For mild acne and occasional breakouts, self-diagnosis and appropriate products like acne cream, face wash, gel, and home remedies can be effective.
• If you have used over-the-counter acne products for several weeks and they haven't helped and made your Acne worse, consult a dermatologist to avoid acne scars or damage to your skin and to make acne scars less visible.
• During a skin consultation, a dermatologist will examine your Acne closely and inquire about your medical history, past breakouts, and, for women, menstrual cycles to assess hormonal impact. Treatment will vary based on age, type, and severity of Acne.
• The test may reveal underlying health issues needing different treatment plans. A doctor or dermatologist might conduct tests to identify the root cause of the skin infection. Pregnant women should avoid oral prescription medications for Acne.

Acne Medications

These are the most commonly prescribed medications for Acne:

Retinoids and Retinoid-like drugs

It mostly comes as acne creams, gels, and lotions. It can be applied in the evening, beginning three times a week, then daily as the skin becomes used to it. It prevents by plugging the hair follicles.

Antibiotics

For severe to moderate acne treatment, it works by killing bacteria and reducing redness. For the first few months, use an antibiotic in the morning and a retinoid in the evening. The antibiotics are mostly combined with benzoyl peroxide to prevent the likelihood of developing antibiotic resistance.

Examples are Clindamycin with Benzoyl peroxide (Benzaclin, Duac, Acanya) and Erythromycin with Benzoyl peroxide (Benzamycin). Topical antibiotics alone are not recommended.

Salicylic acid and Azelaic acid

Its antibacterial properties make it the most effective treatment for Acne without damaging the skin. It also reduces redness and calms skin inflammation as pores open up and clear out. Salicylic acid helps to prevent clogged hair follicles and is available as both wash-off and leave-on products. It can be used twice a day for at least four weeks.

Dapsone

Dapsone (Aczone) 5% gel twice daily is recommended for acne infection, especially in adult females with Acne. Side effects may include redness and dryness.

Benzoyl Peroxide

For mild Acne, the doctor may recommend a nonprescription drug containing benzoyl peroxide. It is believed that it kills bacteria associated with Acne. Treating acne usually takes at least four weeks and should be used continuously.

Acne Therapies

These therapies might be suitable, as suggested in a few selected cases, either alone or in combination with medications.

Lasers and photodynamic therapy

This light-based therapy has been tried with some success. However, further study is needed to find the ideal method, light source, and dose.

Chemical peel

This procedure includes repeated applications of a chemical solution, such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or retinoic acid. However, improvement in Acne is not long-lasting and may appear again, which leads to repeated treatment.

Extraction of whiteheads and blackheads

The doctor might use special tools to gently remove whiteheads and blackheads that haven't cleared up with topical medications. This technique may lead to a scar.

Steroid injection

Nodular and cystic lesions are treated by injecting a steroid drug directly into them. This therapy resulted in rapid improvement and less pain. Side effects may include thinning in the treated area.

When to See a Doctor?

Call your provider or a dermatologist if:

• Self-care steps and over-the-counter medications don't help after several months
• Your Acne is terrible
• Your Acne is getting worse
• You develop scars as your Acne goes away
• Acne causes emotional stress

Prevention of Pimples

Acne prevention plays a crucial role in reducing Acne by following good essential skincare and other self-care techniques to get clear and healthy skin:

• Use a mild cleanser twice a day to get rid of excess oil, dirt, and dead cells.
• Try over-the-counter acne products containing (benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or alpha hydroxy acids) to get rid of excess oil and promote peeling.
• Avoid oily or greasy cosmetics, sunscreen, and concealer, etc.
• Protect your skin from the sun.
• Avoid pressure or friction on acne-prone skin, such as contact with phones, helmets, tight collars, etc.
• Refrain from touching the acne-prone area as it can lead to more infection.
• Avoid picking, squeezing, or popping pimples. It can lead to scarring and skin infection.
• Remove makeup before sleeping.
• Drink more water.
• Avoid Oily Food.
• Keep your hair as oil-free and clean as possible, and never sleep with oil on your hair.

Home Remedies of Pimples

• Apple cider vinegar can be applied to affected skin as it fights many types of bacteria and Acne.
• Tea tree oil has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the redness of pimples and kill the bacteria that cause Acne.
• Jojoba oil's sticky substances help to repair damaged skin and speed up the healing of wounds, including Acne.
• Aloe vera has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the appearance of Acne and prevent acne breakouts.
• Honey is used to treat skin infections such as Acne as it comprises many antioxidants that help to clear dirt and debris from clogged pores.
• Green tea has the antioxidant property of breaking down chemicals and waste products that can damage healthy cells and clear dirt and debris that have built up on acne sores.

Coconut oil is an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compound that destroys acne-causing antibacterial compounds.