PIMPLES
WHAT ARE PIMPLES ?
A pimple is a small pustule or papule.
They are also known as zits, they are
a part of acne.
Pimple most often affects the face,
back, chest and shoulders.
This is because there are many
sebaceous glands in these areas of the
skin.
They are most likely to occur around
puberty, but they can be visible at any
age.
Pimples range in severity, from black
heads to cysts.
WHAT CAUSES PIMPLE ?
Pimples develop when sebaceous
glands , or oil glands become clogged
and infected , leading to swollen , red
lesions filled with pus.
Clogged hair follicles or pores also cause acne. Your
hair follicles are small tubes that hold a strand of
hair. When too much material is inside your hair
follicle, a clog occurs. Your pores can clog with:
Sebum: An oily substance that provides a protective
barrier for your skin.
Bacteria: Small amount of bacteria naturally live on
your skin. If you have too much bacteria, it can clog
your pores.
Dead skin cells: Your skin cells shed often to make
room for more cells to grow .When your skin releases
dead skin cells; they can get stuck in your hair follicles.
Triggers of pimples
Certain things in your environment
contribute to acne or they can make
an acne breakout worse, including:
Wearing tight-fitting cloths and headgear
like hats and sports helmets.
Air pollution and certain weather
conditions, especially high humidity.
Using oily or greasy personal care products,
like heavy lotions and creams, or working in
an area where you routinely come in
contact with grease , such as working at a
restaurant with frying oil.
Stress, which increases the hormone
cortisol.
A side effect of a medication.
Food that cause pimple
Some studies link particular foods and diets to
pimple like:
Refined grains and sugar
People with pimples tend to consume more
refined carbohydrates than people with little or
no pimple.
Food rich in refined carbohydrates include:
a)Bread, cereal or desserts made with white flour.
b) Pasta made with white flour.
c)Sodas and other sugar sweetened beverages.
Refined carbohydrates are absorbed quickly
into the blood stream, which rapidly raises
blood sugar levels. And hence leading to the
rise of insulin levels.
Dairy products
Two studies also found that young adults who
regularly consumed milk or ice cream were
four times more likely to have acne.
Whey protein powder
It is a rich source of amino acid leucine and
glutamine , these amino acid make skin cell
grow and divide more quickly, which may
contribute to the formation of acne.
Fast food
Acne is strongly associated with eating a
western style diet rich in calories,fat and
refined carbohydrate .
Types of pimples
Acne vulgaris
Acne vulgaris is the medical name for acne.
The presence of blackhead and other types of
pimples on the skin,the most common spots
for breakouts are the face, chest, shoulders
and back.
Comedones
A comedo, or basic acne lesion, is a hair follicle that
has become clogged with oil and dead skin cells.
Comedons are of two type i.e, whiteheads and
blackheads.
Blackheads
Blackheads are comedones that are open at surface
of the skin. They are filled with excess oil and dead
skin cells. The black hue results from the irregular
reflection of light coming from clogged hair follicle.
Whiteheads
Comedones that stay closed at the surface of the
skin are called whiteheads. This happens when oil
and skin cells prevent a clogged hair follicle from
opening.
Papules
Papules are comedones that become inflamed,
forming small red or pink bumps on the skin. This
type of pimple may be sensitive to the touch.
Pustule
They resemble a whitehead with a red ring around
the bump. The bump is typically filled with white or
yellow pus.
Cysts
Cysts are large pus filed lesions that look similar to
boils. They can scar and are painful. They should be
treated by a dermatologist.
Severe Nodulocystic Acne
People with severe nodulocystic acne have multiple
inflamed cysts and nodules. The acne may turn
deep red or purple. It often leaves scars. In some
cases, a doctor may inject corticosteroids directly
into nodules and cysts to reduce the size.
How to get rid of pimple ?
Nonprescription medications can get rid of
milder case of pimples. Some medications
include:
Azelaic acid: This is a natural acid found in
various grains such as barley, wheat and
rye. It kills microorganisms on your skin and
reduces swelling.
Benzoyl peroxide: This is available as an
over the counter product. Lower
concentrations and wash formulations are
les irritating to your skin. Irritation is
common side effect.
Retinoid (vitamin A derivatives): they help
prevent clogged pores. You may notice a
change in skin color or peeling.
Other therapies may include:
Chemical peels: chemical peels use a mild
chemical solution to remove layers of skin
and reduce pimples.
Laser skin resurfacing: laser skin resurfacing
directs short, concentrated pulsating beams
of light at your pimples. The light beams
reduce the amount of oil that your
sebaceous glands produce.
Microdermabrasion: A dermatologist or
plastic surgeon uses a specialized
instrument to “sand” your skin. Removing
the top layers of your skin frees the clogs
that cause pimples.
Home remedies for pimple:
Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil can prevent or stop
the growth of bacteria. Apply a small amount of
tea tree oil to a cotton applicator and rub it on
your pimples.
Sugar or salt scrubs: Sugar and salt scrubs
scratch away (exfoliate) dead cells on the
surface of your skin.
Green tea: wet green tea leaves can help
reduce oil production in your skin. Green
tea is also an antioxidant.
Warm compress: A warm compress
increases blood flow to your pimples ,which
causes them to heal faster .
Ice: Ice can slow down the amount of blood
that flows to your pimples which will reduce
inflammation and pain.
How can I prevent pimples
Wash your face once or twice daily with
warm water and a mild facial cleanser.
Routinely use moisturizers made for your
face – be sure they have no perfumes and
are non-comedogenic.
Routinely wash your hair –be sure to
include your hairline along your forehead.
Keep hair gels and other products away
from your face.
Try not to touch your skin on your face with
your hands.
Bibliography:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org
https://www.webmd.com
https://en.m.wikipedia.org
https://www.healthline.com
