A pimple starts to develop when the plug begins to break down. Propionibacterium acnes P. Research suggests that the severity and frequency of acne depend on the strain of bacteria. Not all acne bacteria trigger pimples. One strain helps to keep the skin pimple-free. Androgen is a type of hormone, the levels of which rise when adolescence begins. In women, it gets converted into estrogen. Rising androgen levels cause the oil glands under the skin to grow. The enlarged gland produces more sebum.
Excessive sebum can break down cellular walls in the pores, causing bacteria to grow. Some studies suggest that genetic factors may increase the risk. Other causes include :. Mild acne can be treated with over-the-counter OTC medications, such as gels, soaps, pads, creams, and lotions, that are applied to the skin. Creams and lotions are best for sensitive skin.
Alcohol-based gels dry the skin and are better for oily skin. OTC acne remedies may contain the following active ingredients:. It is advisable to start with the lowest strengths, as some preparations can cause skin irritation, redness, or burning on first use. They may prescribe a gel or cream similar to OTC medications but stronger, or an oral or topical antibiotic.
If an acne cyst becomes severely inflamed, it may rupture. This can lead to scarring. This can help prevent scarring, reduce inflammation, and speed up healing. The cyst will break down within a few days. Oral antibiotics may be prescribed for up to 6 months for patients with moderate to severe acne. These aim to lower the population of P. The dosage will start high and reduce as the acne clears. Acne is more likely to become resistant to topical rather than oral antibiotics.
Oral contraceptives can help control acne in women by suppressing the overactive gland. They are commonly used as long-term acne treatments. It is important to check with a gynecologist first.
Topical antimicrobials also aim to reduce P. Examples are clindamycin and sodium sulfacetamide. Topical retinoids are a derivative of vitamin A. This can cause the sebaceous glands, located at the base of hair follicles, to become overactive.
As a result, pimples are most likely to occur during the teenage years and around menstruation, for women. Pimples most often affect the face, back, chest, and shoulders. This is because there are many sebaceous glands in these areas of skin. Acne vulgaris, the main cause of pimples, affects over 80 percent of teenagers. After the age of 25 years, it affects 3 percent of men and 12 percent of women. Whiteheads : Also known as a closed comedo, these are small pimples that remain under the skin.
They appear as a small, flesh-colored papule. Blackheads : Also known as an open comedo, these are clearly visible on the surface of the skin. Some people mistakenly believe they are caused by dirt, because of their color, and scrub their faces vigorously. Scrubbing does not help. It may irritate the skin and cause other problems. Papules : These are small, solid, rounded bumps that rise from the skin.
They are often pink. Pustules : These are pimples full of pus. They are clearly visible on the surface of the skin. The base is red and the pus is on the top. Nodules : These have a similar structure to papules, but they are larger. They can be painful and are embedded deep in the skin. Cysts : These are clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are filled with pus and are usually painful. Cysts commonly cause scars. Pimples happen when pores become clogged with sebum and dead skin.
Sometimes this leads to infection and inflammation. Why they affect some people more than others is largely unknown. The sebaceous glands are tiny skin glands that secrete sebum, a waxy or oily substance that lubricates the skin and hair. Sebaceous glands are found inside the pores of our skin, all over the body, except the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. There are more sebaceous glands on the face and scalp than elsewhere.
As the glands produce sebum inside the pores, new skin cells are constantly growing, and the outer layers of skin are being shed. Sometimes, dead skin cells are not shed. They remain in the pores and get stuck together by the sticky sebum, causing a blockage in the pore. Pore blockage is more likely to occur during puberty, as the sebaceous glands produce more sebum at this time. Where sebum and dead skin cells accumulate and block a pore, this encourages the growth of undesirable bacteria, including Propionibacterium acnes P.
Propionibacterium acnes exists harmlessly on our skin, but when the conditions are right, it can reproduce more rapidly and become a problem. The slow-growing bacterium feeds off the sebum and produces a substance that causes an immune response. This leads to skin inflammation and spots. Both blackheads and whiteheads are known as comedones.
Blackheads open at the surface of your skin, giving them a black appearance because of oxygen in the air. Whiteheads are closed just under the surface of your skin, giving them a white appearance. While whiteheads and blackheads are the most common lesions seen in acne, other types can also occur. Inflammatory lesions are more likely to cause scarring of your skin.
These include:. Each pore of your skin is the opening to a follicle. The follicle is made up of a hair and a sebaceous oil gland. The oil gland releases sebum oil , which travels up the hair, out of the pore, and onto your skin. The sebum keeps your skin lubricated and soft. These problems contribute to the development of pimples. A pimple appears when bacteria grows in a clogged pore and the oil is unable to escape.
Myths about what contributes to acne are quite common. Many people believe that foods such as chocolate or French fries will contribute to acne. People are most at risk for developing acne during puberty. During this time, your body undergoes hormonal changes. These changes can trigger oil production, leading to an increased risk of acne.
Hormonal acne related to puberty usually subsides, or at least improves when you reach adulthood. If you have symptoms of acne, your doctor can make a diagnosis by examining your skin.
Your doctor will identify the types of lesions and their severity to determine the best treatment. There are a few self-care activities you can try at home to prevent pimples and clear up your acne. Home remedies for acne include:. Most of these medications contain ingredients that can help kill bacteria or reduce oil on your skin.
Sometimes, you may continue to experience symptoms. If this happens, you may want to seek medical advice. Your doctor can prescribe medications that may help reduce your symptoms and prevent scarring.
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