Pimples

Pimples are a common skin condition caused by clogged or inflamed oil glands or an increased presence of pimple-causing bacteria on your skin. They’re a symptom of acne, and there are many different types, including blackheads, whiteheads, cysts and others.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of pimples?

There are many types of pimples, and the symptoms depend on which kind you have. These include:

● Papules: These are small bumps that may become inflamed (warm to the touch and painful).

● Blackheads: These are open pores on your skin that contain excess oil and dead skin. It looks like there’s a speck of dirt or a dark spot in the bump. But irregular light reflection off the clogged follicle causes the dark spots.

● Whiteheads: These are bumps that remain closed by oil and dead skin. They’re white or yellowish in appearance.

● Nodules: These are rounded or unusually shaped masses. They may be deep in your skin, and they’re often painful.

● Pustules: These are pus-filled pimples that look like whiteheads surrounded by discolored rings. Picking or scratching your pustules can cause scarring.

● Cysts: These are pimples filled with a thick, yellow or white fluid composed of dead white blood cells, small pieces of tissue and bacteria (pus). Cysts can cause scars.

What causes a pimple to form?

Sometimes, skin gets irritated by things it comes in contact with and pimples develop. Most people think of acne when they think of pimples. Oil glands (sebaceous glands) are located all over your body. Clogs or inflammation in your sebaceous glands cause pimples to form. Clogs and inflammation can occur as a result of:

● Increased sebum (oily material produced by the sebaceous gland) production.

● Abnormal formation of keratin (the protein that helps make your hair, skin and nails).

● Increased presence of bacteria on your skin that causes pimples.