Have you ever found yourself waking up and seeing a huge red spot on your face? It can be excruciating when you try to touch it or pop it, right? It is a pimple, a characteristic of acne. Acne happens when the pores on the face are clogged with oil (sebum), dead skin cells, bacteria, ingrown hairs, or hormones. It is a common skin condition among adolescents that affects approximately 17 million Americans yearly. However, not all pimples on a person’s face are the same; they are different and each has its own treatments.
Blackheads, or open comedones
Blackheads get their name from their black-specks appearance. According to Healthline, blackheads happen when “a pore is clogged by a combination of sebum and dead skin cells.” Although the rest of the pore is being clogged, the top remains open to the air, making the sebum oxidize at the surface and causing the black color. To treat blackheads, wash your face with a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), such as salicylic acid, which unclogs the pores by penetrating them. Additionally, over-the-counter retinol is also worth the try because it is a form of vitamin A that breaks up cells that form the clogs and reduces future clogged pores.
Whiteheads, or closed comedones
Similarly to blackheads, it is formed when a pore is clogged with sebum and dead skin cells. However, rather than staying open in the air, the top of the pore is covered by a thin layer of skin and looks like a white bump or spot. Salicylic acid and over-the-counter retinol also work well to cure whiteheads.
Papules
Papules are red, inflamed lesions that are sensitive and painful. They start out solid, but they may later fill up with pus and turn into a pustule. According to McMahan, you should avoid irritating the area. When cleansing with warm water, avert scrubbing your skin and be gentle. You can also wash your face with a cleanser containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Pustules
Pustules can form when the walls surrounding your pores deteriorate. They are typically pus-filled and can be white or yellow in color. They are most commonly caused by bacterial growth in clogged follicles. While it may be tempting to extract their pus, doing so can result in acne scarring. You will not need any treatments for smaller pustules as they will go away on their own, but topical benzoyl peroxide or sulfur-based face washes can help. With more severe cases, dermatologists may prescribe either topical or oral antibiotics. Oral minocycline and clindamycin (topical) are some examples.
Nodules
Nodules form when clogged, swollen pores become more irritated and enlarged. Nodules, as opposed to pustules and papules, are located deeper beneath the skin. These acne lesions are typically 1 to 2 centimeters wide. Isotretinoin (Sotret), an oral medication, will most likely be prescribed by your doctor or dermatologist; it is a vitamin A derivative that is taken daily for four to six months. It can treat and prevent nodules by reducing the size of the oil glands within the pores. Steroid injections directly into the nodule are another option that can quickly reduce inflammation and pain.
Cysts
Cystic acne is said to be the most severe form of acne. Cysts can form when pores become clogged by a combination of bacteria, sebum, and dead skin cells. Clogs form deep within the skin, deeper than nodules. They are filled with fluid or pus and can be large, red, and painful to the touch. It is also more likely to leave scars. Cysts are commonly treated with the prescription medication Isotretinoin (Sotret). A cyst may be surgically removed in severe cases.
Although acne is a problem that commonly affects us, there are still treatments for it. Being patient is the key to treating different types of pimples. Seeing a dermatologist is recommended to get more accurate advice and prescriptions. Additionally, consistently having a skin-care routine and products that suit specific skin needs will speed up the acne treatment process.
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