How Can I Prevent Pimples from Forming?
By Derma
2018
Types of acne | Causes | Tips for treatment | Takeaway
Pimples can develop at any age, but
they are more common during the teenage years. They also are more likely to
occur during times of hormone level increases, such as pregnancy and
menstruation. Pimples most commonly form on the face, neck, back, shoulders,
and chest.
Acne is the skin condition
responsible for pimples. It has no known cause, but hormonal changes and
conditions on and just under the skin’s surface play a role in the formation of
pimples. Most commonly, pimples are associated with whiteheads and blackheads.
Foods like chocolate, pizza, and soda
have been blamed for causing pimples. Despite popular urban legends, these
foods and drinks don’t have any effect on acne. Caring for your skin is a much
better way to prevent and treat acne.
What are the
different types?
The most common type of acne is called acne
vulgaris. This very common skin condition affects 70 to 87
percent of teenagers and up to 50 million Americans.
It can cause acne your entire life.
Acne vulgaris manifests as various
types of skin blemishes, including whiteheads, blackheads, papules, and
pustules.
Whitehead
A whitehead is a type of acne that
isn’t inflamed. Whiteheads occur when skin cells, oil, and bacteria combine to
create a white tip of oil-skin mixture. A whitehead looks like a small pimple,
but the area around it will not be inflamed and red.
Blackhead
Blackheads are also not inflamed.
They form when the plug that clogs the pore sits at the top surface of the
skin. This “plug” isn’t necessarily black, but it appears that way, which is
why they are called blackheads. Blackheads are not dirt stuck in your pores.
A pimple is a clogged pore that has
become infected. The infection makes a white pus-filled tip on top of the
affected pore. The area around the infected pore can become inflamed, red, and
sensitive.
Your skin is covered in millions of
tiny little wells, or pores, that sit at your hair follicles. Pores connect the
surface of your skin to an underlying gland called the sebaceous gland. This
gland produces an oily substance called sebum. Sebum is released continually,
in small amounts, into the hair follicles and skin. Dead skin cells are also
carried up with the sebum so they can be washed away.
Occasionally, the sebaceous gland
produces too much sebum. The overflow of oil can clog the pore. The excess oil
and dead skin cells form a plug in the gland. This pore becomes clogged with
sebum, oil, and possibly bacteria. The bacteria can multiply. These bacteria
can lead to an infection, swelling, and inflammation around the clogged pore. A
white tip of pus will sometimes form at the top of the clogged pore. This
creates a pimple.
Pustules and
papules
Sometimes clogged pores become so
inflamed and infected that they burst through their walls. This causes the
infection to spread, which leads to a bigger pimple. These pimples are called
pustules and papules.
Papules are hard to the touch. They
make the skin feel very rough and ragged. Pustules are filled with a
yellow-tinted pus. Pustules look more like blisters on the skin than typical
whiteheads.
Nodules and cysts
Blocked pores can lead to an even
bigger infection called a nodule. Nodules sit deep in your skin. They are often
very painful and sore. Cysts are large like nodules, but they are softer
because they are filled with pus.
What should I do if
I have a pimple?
First things first: Don’t pop the
pimple. This will allow more bacteria, dirt, and oil into the pore, which may
end up making the pimple worse.
Instead, use good skin care
techniques. Wash your skin twice a day with a mild soap. Don’t use a brush or
washcloth — use your fingers instead. Over-the-counter skin cleansers that
contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can be applied to affected areas to
help the pimples clear.
If your pimples have developed into
papules or pustules, you may want to see a dermatologist. This type of acne is
difficult to treat on your own. You will get a more effective treatment more
quickly if you see a professional.
What if my acne is
nodular or cystic?
These types of acne are more
difficult to treat. It’s best for you to make an appointment to see a
dermatologist. A dermatologist is a type of doctor that specializes in treating
skin conditions like acne.
What if I have a
whitehead?
Don’t pop whiteheads. You might cause
a bigger breakout if you do. Treat whiteheads the way you do other kinds of
pimples. Wash your face twice a day with a mild soap, and look for
over-the-counter products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
These products help whiteheads clear
up, and they can also prevent future breakouts. In particular, products with
benzoyl peroxide help get rid of bacteria, which can lower your chances of
whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples altogether.
What if I have a
blackhead?
You shouldn’t pop or scrape
blackheads, either. Your skin needs time to heal naturally. Washing your face
daily is important to prevent blackheads. Treating blackheads, however, may
require a bit more work.
Look for over-the-counter products
that contain benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, and salicylic acid. These three
ingredients work to reduce oil production, kill bacteria, dry excess oil, and
speed up skin cell turnover.
If these treatments aren’t
successful, see a dermatologist about additional treatment options.
Prescription medications as well as in-office treatments like microdermabrasion
and chemical peels may be an option for some people.
Although it’s important to eat
healthfully, occasional snacking isn’t going to cause your skin to break out.
If you do break out, you shouldn’t pick, scrape, or pop the blemish. This can
amplify any irritation and inflammation.
If you have a pimple that just won’t
heal or are experiencing regular breakouts, you may want to speak with your
doctor or dermatologist. They can help you determine the best treatment plan
for you. If over-the-counter options have been unsuccessful, they may recommend
an in-office treatment or prescription medication to help clear your acne.
Share your thoughts and views about Skin
and Skin Problems: click
here
No comments:
Post a Comment