Human skin is covered in tiny hair that emerges from shafts or openings in the skin called hair follicles. If these hair follicles become clogged or blocked with either oil or dead skin cells, this causes acne. Acne is a skin condition that occurs due to this blockage. Whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples.
Acne can make your skin look rough. Get to know about its remedies and enhance your beauty.
Occurrence
Acne is common amongst all age groups but is most likely to occur in teenagers when they confront puberty. People between the ages of 11-30 are more prone to acne although those in their 40’s and 50’s also ended up being victims of it. Androgens, hormones increase in both males and females when they enter puberty. This causes the glands (more specifically the sebaceous) glands to produce more oil, creating more chances of follicle blockage, and ultimately, acne.
What is a Pimple?
People generally tend to have pimples, especially when it comes to teenagers. A pimple looks like a tiny bulge in the skin, a slightly raised bump. Pimples usually occur when children undergo puberty but aren’t limited to it. They may develop at any time in a person’s life. This bump, also known as a pustule or papule, usually develops when the oil glands within a person’s skin get blocked or clogged, which might sometimes develop into an infection.
Due to this blocking, the skin enlarges and causes the formation of a bump. If the skin keeps enlarging, it becomes damaged and ruptured allowing skin bacteria and irritating substances to enter. Which may ultimately cause inflammation and the formation of papules (Pimple). If not handled carefully this may turn into a cyst.
Common Types of Pimples
Pimples that occur can be of multiple kinds. Some are sealed over the top, while others have a black opening. Some are tender bumps, while others include pus which can become inflammatory.
1. Black and White Heads
Whiteheads as known as closed comedones are pimples that are sealed over the top and host a white top with pus inside while Blackheads, closed comedones, are opened from the top and appear black. These, as most people assume, aren’t caused by dirt. Rather it is a process of oil oxidation when the oil (sebum) becomes exposed to air.
You can treat blackheads to prevent pimples and acne.
2. Papules and Pustules
Papules are tender and soft, pink-colored bumps. Its diameter is less than 5 millimeters in length. They do not hold a yellow center or white-colored pus. When the papules start accumulating pus it changes into a pustule. Most of the papules are likely to turn into pustules. If these pustules are popped, they may spread bacteria and can cause more infection. Popping Pustules can also lead to scars.
3. Nodules (Hosted Deep inside the skin)
This kind of pimple is hosted deep inside the skin. They tend to be hard, painful, and large. This type of acne is caused by a bacteria that goes by the name of “p.acne”. Although this is commonly found within human skin it can cause problems when accumulated with sebum and blocked inside the skin. This blockage of substances can cause infection which can sink deep into the skin and negatively influence the health of the affected pores. These may hence become red and swollen. Nodules usually do not have ahead.
4. Cysts
This is the most severe and uncommon kind of acne. It involves the pimple being filled with pus. They are deep and painful and can cause the formation of scars.
Causes of Pimples
Pimple formation can have varying causes behind it.
- Some studies indicate that a diet based on high carbohydrate intake, chocolate, and milk can cause pimples but are justified and studied properly.
- Picking on the pimples can make them worse. Pressure from wearing headgear like the helmet can aggravate aches.
- One main cause of ache can be the introduction of certain kinds of drugs into your body. Mainly those which contain oral or injected steroids, iodides, or bromides. Other than these Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid) can also be a cause of acne. (Including pimples).
- Exposure to industrial products such as cutting oils may cause acne.
- When it comes to cosmetics, certain products clog pores and block them, causing acne. Choosing those which are water-based, can be a good solution for those who suffer from acne, as not to aggravate it.
- Changes in hormones, during puberty or during pregnancy. Birth control pills when started or stopped, can cause acne. Pollution and humidity can also cause acne to worsen.
Parts of Body Prone to Acne
Since acne is caused by blockage of sebaceous glands, therefore acne is more likely to affect those parts of the body which host them. These glands are present in the face, chest, upper back, shoulders, and neck. Hence, these parts of the body are more vulnerable to acne.
Treatment
There are different kinds of treatment available for acne. Ranging from medicines, antibiotics to creams that are applied on the skin. Laser treatments to cure acne scars and many more. These treatments have been categorized and discussed below.
How to Get Rid of a Pimple Under the Skin?
If you feel the pimple is in your skin rather is rooted somewhere deep inside your skin. It might be a cyst or an acne nodule. Nodules start deeper inside the skin and take more time to heal as compared to other pimples. Since this Is a severe form of acne it cannot only be treated with OTC (Over counter) products alone.
Difference
Cysts and Nodules both occur deep under the skin and are generally very painful. However, a way to distinguish them is to keep the following differences in mind.
Cysts are softer than nodules and look like large red boils. These pimples burst open causing an infection. The contents of the black or whiteheads (formed before the formation of the cyst) burst open resulting in the formation of pus, by the immune system.
Nodules on the other hand remain intact and may even persist under the skin for months which might then turn into a cyst.
Treatment of Acne Nodules
OTCs generally don’t work so well. They help in removing the excess sebum and dead skin cells but can only do so for those that are visible above the skin. Since Nodules and Cysts are deep-rooted other treatments are also needed to get rid of the root cause.
Initial Treatment: Topicals
In the initial stages, topicals may be applied directly over the acne, especially when the cases are isolated (The treatment is limited to only one or two nodules).
The HealthCare professional may advise you, certain antibiotics to help you get rid of the trapped bacteria in your pores. Or give you the prescription of benzoyl peroxide which is more concentrated than other drugs. Salicylic acid dries out dead skin and the oil that has been trapped inside the nodule. Lastly, he might introduce you to retinoids which help in unclogging hair follicles.
Medicines: Antibiotics
If your body has become host to a great amount of p.acne bacteria, your nodules may become widespread, across your body. They might even come back after you got your treatment done. In such cases where the bacteria needs to be put down, your health care professional may introduce you to some anti-biotics. The anti-biotics also help reduce the pain the comes along with this kind of acne.
Other Medical Treatment
Since Anti-Biotics cannot be used for long as your body becomes immune to it. The health care professionals sometimes also give you isotretinoin which is also made from vitamin A. This can be used for the treatment of Nodules and other kinds of acne.
Acne Drainage, Chemical Peels, Blue Light Therapy, and injections can also be used alongside medicines for the treatment of Nodules.
Treatment of Cyst Acne
Cyst acne, which is more severe than nodules, also requires proper treatment. However, some treatments can cause adverse effects, and hence getting professional advice is very important before the selection of a method for treatment of cyst acne.
Benzoyl Peroxide
This can be used for all forms of acne and is also used for people who await treatment. These are available as water-based solutions and must be chosen by the doctor wisely to suit the skin type. This is more suitable for people with oily skin as this can cause dryness.
Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin is highly effective as a treatment of cyst acne but it mustn’t be taken by pregnant women as this may be risky for an unborn child. In general, it holds many side effects such as eye and genital dryness, chapped lips, pain in joints, liver damage, and even depression.
Steroid Injections
This involves the injection of a corticosteroid medication called triamcinolone directly into a cyst. It helps in the reduction of inflammation and also helps in preventing scars. It may have certain side effects, but they generally tend to last for a short amount of time.
Incision
Dermatologists can also offer incision for drainage and removal of large cysts. It is highly recommended to get this done by a professional and not by oneself as that can worsen the problem causing a deeper infection.
You may find these ways effective for the treatment of your ingrown pimples. Consider the treatment that suits you the best and get to see your smooth skin without any pimples.
It requires time to get rid of acne. You can’t just get clear skin instantly. For instance, you may cover your acne with makeup.
A fervent champion for holistic well-being, graces this community with her expertise in health and fitness. With a solid educational foundation in physical fitness and a commitment to empowering others, Sara distills her extensive knowledge and experience into actionable insights. Her writing, firmly grounded in evidence-based practices, aims to demystify health complexities and inspire readers to cultivate sustainable habits for a balanced life. As a certified fitness trainer, Sara offers a well-rounded perspective on wellness. Join Sara on this transformative journey towards a happier, healthier, and more vibrant you.
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