Pimples: Meaning, Causes, Complications, Prevention

September 19, 2020ODOCTORGeneral HealthcausesComplicationsPimplesPrevention6

What actually is Pimple?

Definition:

Pimples are raised red spots with a white centre that develops when blocked hair follicles become infected. Pimples are medically known as Acne Vulgaris. 🙃
It is a very common skin disorder which appears mainly on the face but can also occur on other parts of the body like the upper arms, back etc.

What various research has shown about the occurrence of pimples 🤔

-Pimples may appear in adolescence, and it persists through the early thirties.
-It is also more common in males than in females. -Urban populations are more affected than rural populations.

• Some races appear to be more affected than others. Asians and Africans tend to develop severe pimples, but mild ones are more common in the white population.
• In general, populations with darker skin also tend to develop darkening spots on their skin.
  -Pimples can also develop in neonates(babies 0-28days old) but in most cases resolves on their own.

What exactly causes pimples??

Four main factors have been identified as being the cause of pimples.

1. Oil Production in the skin
2. Dead cells of the skin
3. Germs like Bacteria
4. Clogged pores in the skin

Some areas of the skin like the face, back, neck, chest and shoulders have a lot of sebaceous (oil producing) glands; and so, these areas are more prone to pimples than other body parts.

Hair follicles are connected to the sebaceous glands and these sebaceous glands produce a kind of oil known as “sebum” which helps lubricate the skin and the hairs.
Sebum normally travels through the hair follicles on to the surface of the skin.

Now when the body produces excess amount of oil(sebum) and dead skin cells, the two can build up in the hair follicles and form an a good ground that will help the bacterial infections to start up.

These bacteria infection then leads to inflammation which causes the surface of the skin to bulge, forming either a white head(pimple with white looking pus inside)or black head(black spotted pimples).

What can Put you at risk of Developing Pimples?🤔

Since we now know the causes of pimples, what then are some of the likely factors that can trigger it?

They include:

• Exposure to too much hot or cold temperatures
  -Stress
  -Oily skin
  -Hormonal problems like excessive or insufficient production of some hormones by the body.
  -Inappropriate Use of drugs, such as cortisone, male hormones, or oral contraceptives
  -Postive Family history of pimples
  -Some creams and skin products which contain a lot of oil.

Does Pimples have complications??

Yes and some of them include:

• Formation of Scars that distorts the skin
• It can lead to Depression
• Anxiety due to poor face look
• Social withdrawal because of face distortion
• Poor facial beauty
• Low self esteem due to poor facial beauty

Prevention of Pimples

There are several ways to help prevent the development of pimples; though not all preventive measures will work for all people however, and no technique is guaranteed to be effective.

Simple ways that can help to prevent acne include:

Keeping the face clean: The face should be cleaned roughly twice daily using warm water and mild soap in order to remove impurities and dead skin cells from the surface. Avoid washing the face too often, however, and do not use harsh soap or cleanser.

Use of Moisturize: Moisturizing can help to keep the skin moist and prevent it from peeling.

Good Diet and exercise: Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and low in fats and sugars may help to control pimples. Similarly, getting plenty of exercises may also help to prevent pimple outbreaks, as well as promoting general good health. After exercising, be sure to wash away any residual sweat, as this can contribute to pimples.

Avoid Face makeup: Limiting makeup use may help to prevent a pimple outbreak. Any makeup that is used should be oil-free.

Washing with Shampoo often: Wash the hair regularly with shampoo. If the hair is particularly oily, use shampoo daily.

Don’t touch: Avoid the temptation to touch the face throughout the day and be sure not to squeeze, pick or pop pimples; this will allow the pimples to heal naturally.

Avoid excessive sunlight: Too much exposure to the sun may damage the skin and should therefore be avoided or minimised.

Over-the-counter Drugs : Many pimple treatment products are available over the counter from pharmacists and general stores. Some of these products may also help to prevent an outbreak from happening in the first place.

But in all, don’t overwork yourself as sometimes pimples resolve by themselves naturally. Be confident in who you are, and not exactly how you look.

Thank you very much and I hope you have learnt one or two today.