The most common causes of their appearance include not only excess secretion of the sebaceous glands, but bacterial infections, damage to the hair follicles (for example, ingrown hairs) and hormonal imbalance. Acne problems are often observed in teenagers.
Adults also often face this problem. Acne is one of the most common skin diseases.
The peak age for acne is considered to be between 13 and 18 years of age. In girls, acne appears earlier and disappears faster.
At a young age, acne sometimes becomes severe. This problem becomes chronic in men by the age of 30-40.
The main sign of this is an increase in sebum secretion. It is advisable to immediately contact a dermatologist to avoid complications.
Causes
The main reason why skin inflammation appears in the form of a pimple is a disorder of the harmonious functions of the body.
There are a large number of reasons that could affect this. Doctors strongly recommend not to self-medicate and not take medications.
A dermatologist should determine the true causes of inflammation and prescribe treatment and the necessary medications after examining the patient.
Pimples of different compositions (black comedones, whiteheads, inflamed red plaques filled with pus) appear in different ways:
- the young body is greatly influenced by the puberty period, causing hormonal changes in it, which disrupts the normal functioning of the skin;
- incorrectly selected cosmetics;
- wrong diet;
- diseases of human internal organs;
- junk diet;
- poor air and environmental conditions;
- failure to comply with unsanitary conditions and lack of any skin care;
- poor immune system;
- large amounts or prolonged stress;
- diseases transmitted by inheritance;
- various infections.
Features in children
Purulent acne in childhood is quite a popular phenomenon. This could be a reaction to insect bites or due to common prickly heat. In adolescents, a rash often indicates viral diseases.
A rash in the mouth indicates stomatitis, on the nose - a herpes virus, inside the throat - a sore throat. A rash on the body in children is sometimes a symptom of furunculosis.
Types of acne on the body
Types of acne on the body are classified into non-inflamed and inflamed formations. In the facial area, acne most often appears due to internal changes in the human body.
Non-inflamed spots include black dots - comedones, and white spots - millet.
A distinctive feature of inflamed acne is the deep degree of damage. Such formations are called nodules, pustules, papules and sour spots.
Not inflamed
White pimples are small formations on the face, milia are yellowish-white in color. A lump, the size of which does not exceed 1-3 mm, does not itch, practically does not hurt and does not manifest itself in any way (besides external signs). They are also called millet.
They appear due to a failure of the natural exfoliation of skin scales. As a result of this process, scales accumulate and clog the sebaceous inflow. When they first appear, they do not linger for long.
If they reappear, the cause is almost always a skin disease. In this case, after examination, the dermatologist prescribes an ointment with retinoids.
Blackheads - comedones
A small bump with a black dot on top is called a comedon and is practically painless. When oxidized, the color of sebum changes, causing the formation of an unaesthetic blackhead that cannot be washed off when washing.
Comedones take a long time to heal. It is prohibited to remove them mechanically. This will cause disruption of the follicle wall.
Inflamed
A purulent pimple, or pustule, forms at the site of an inflamed comedone when a white blood cell tries to reach the surface of the skin.
The appearance of the pustule is similar to a small white ball with redness around it, which is located under the skin. Often, such acne appears on the back and chest, less often on the face.
A strain of staphylococcus spreads in it due to decreased immunity. This type is treated only after examination by a doctor. After examination, dermatologists prescribe antibiotics. In some cases, pustules require surgery.
After the surgeon has opened the inflammation, the pus is removed. Almost always the cause is a weak immune system.
Papule
A small inflammatory contour forms a papule. Their color varies from purple-brown to pink-red.
They appear due to the fact that cell remnants fail to leave the dermis, which is why they begin to accumulate. As a result, the vessel expands, forming a slight edema.
If you press on a pimple, it will turn a little white. However, this will not make the papule completely disappear. Inflammation merges into a common focus and turns into a plaque, which requires drug treatment. Without the right medications, marks will remain on your face for life.
Subcutaneous painful nodule
A large, lumpy, inflamed pimple grows to a size of 10 mm. Despite the fact that they protrude above the skin, the infection can be located both in the depths and on the surface. This is one of the few types of acne that causes pain.
The subcutaneous node is almost always filled with pus or sebum. If treatment is not started on time, the pimple will disintegrate and turn into a cyst. There may also be complications.
The nodule has a severe type - a boil, which requires immediate contact with a surgeon for treatment.
Cysts
Nodular pustules, degenerating, acquire an active red-blue color, forming cystic inflammations.
Sebum and pus always accumulate inside the cyst. Sometimes passages form between them, which make it difficult for the doctor to remove the inflammation.
Acne leaves deep scars on the skin for a long time. They are always treated with a large number of antibiotics and immunomodulators. Almost always after formation they cause pain.
Read how to get rid of whiteheads on your face. About what tests you need to take for acne. More details here.
In an adult
In an adult man, almost all of the above acne appears. It should only be noted that most of them appear due to hormonal imbalances and improper skin care.
The child has
Types of acne in children:
- watery pimples are red in color and are a symptom of chickenpox. First, several pimples appear, after which they spread throughout the body;
- rashes on the bottom of a baby who is breastfed - prickly heat, formed due to wearing diapers for a long time;
- Molluscum contagiosum - a white pimple with a black dot in the middle;
- small rash on the newborn's body. Appears due to air deficiency and poorly ventilated rooms;
- streptoderma - acne that appears against a background of red spots.
In a woman
In women, hormonal acne is more active. They manifest themselves in inflammatory diseases of the genital organs, polycystic ovary syndrome, Cushing's syndrome, as well as hyperandrogenism.
The cause may also be the use of birth control pills.
Treatment of subcutaneous acne at home and with a doctor
The doctor will certainly recommend that all women take the cosmetics they use more seriously, in particular powder and foundation, as they clog pores and, through their fault, the sebaceous glands malfunction.
The second part of the treatment will be a diet that will focus on eating vegetables and fruits. To treat acne, you can use compresses from Vishnevsky ointment or ichthyol ointment.
You need to apply such compresses at night, and the acne will soon disappear
To treat acne, you can use compresses from Vishnevsky ointment or ichthyol ointment. You need to apply such compresses at night, and the acne will soon disappear.
You can also try treating acne with a solution of synthomycin emulsion with water, treating acne with it.
The main recommendation is to wait until the pimple matures on its own. After this, you do not need to press it yourself; it is better to visit a doctor. A specialist will professionally remove the pimple, and there will be no scars, red spots or any other complications left after it.
When you start treating subcutaneous acne, avoid taking antibiotics unless your doctor prescribes them. It is better to focus on steam baths and tinctures based on medicinal herbs (sage, chamomile, mint, calendula). Wipe your face with these infusions, or make ice cubes from them. This will be a much more useful, and much less dangerous activity.
When prescribing a course of treatment, you will need to be tested for skin mites.
If the test result is positive, then most likely the tick is the cause of your troubles. Otherwise, this disease is called demodicosis, and pregnant women and people who have suffered severe nervous shock or stress are most susceptible to it. However, even if you are not pregnant and not nervous, you still have a chance to catch demodicosis.
When the doctor is convinced of the diagnosis, he will prescribe you treatment, the main goal of which will be to suppress the mite. It is also worth noting that no matter where the acne is - on the face, chest or back, you should forget about massaging the skin for a while, as this will act as an additional irritating factor. And most importantly, do not squeeze pimples yourself, as in this case the mite will simply change its location.
What not to do
Do not squeeze pimples! This method of getting rid of them should be forgotten once and for all. This radical method of removing tumors can lead to complications.
When pimples are squeezed, the infection in them enters the bloodstream and under the skin. This provokes more serious diseases! The result of such actions are scars, scarring, and if an infection enters the bloodstream, a person can die!
Symptoms
Purulent pimples differ from other inflammatory rashes according to certain characteristics.
These include:
- excessive activity of the sebaceous glands, which is typical for teenagers;
- increased secretion of subcutaneous fat, which exceeds its required amount;
- clogging of the ducts of the gland, follicle;
- hyperkeratosis;
- pathogenic microflora fills the sebaceous glands;
- inflammation in the hair follicle;
- purulent process.
If this pathology appears, the necessary measures should be taken.
How to treat them
Proper nutrition is the first step to getting rid of acne, and improper nutrition has a negative impact on a person's skin. Substances and vitamins from consumed foods enter the bloodstream, affecting metabolism.
There are 3 more ways to get rid of unwanted formations:
- Wash your face at least 2 times a day. During the day, a huge amount of bacteria accumulates on the face. They must be washed off, preferably with special mild products that do not dry out the skin.
- Use homemade facial scrubs weekly. They are sold in cosmetics stores. You can make it yourself from soda or coffee. Before application, the skin should be steamed. During inflammation, use should be discontinued.
- You need to drink water as much as possible. We are not talking about beer, tea, soda and wine. Clean water removes toxins and waste that clog the human body.
Medication
Helps to get rid of acne:
- erythromycin. Doctors prescribe it along with external medications that dry out the rashes. Has antimicrobial effects. Should be taken morning and evening 2 times a day;
- chloramphenicol. It is prescribed after identifying bacteria that are immune to weaker drugs. It is prescribed only after examination;
- Trichopolum. Actively removes any pimples, healing the skin after them. The course and period of use are prescribed by the doctor.
There are also retinoids and other medications. Before use, it is recommended to undergo examination to determine the type of acne.
At home
For treatment at home, various masks are made with the addition of lemon, aloe, etc. The composition of the mask depends on the location of the pimple. For different parts of the body, you need to create a mask from different products.
For example, if they appear on the chin, you will need to take aloe juice, 1 drop of iodine and ten tablets of streptocide. The tablets are crushed and added to the juice. After it takes a creamy form, iodine is dripped onto it and the pimple is lubricated.
ethnoscience
Traditional medicine offers many methods. One popular method is wormwood. Add 2 tablespoons of wormwood to one glass of boiling water. Apply the product with cotton swabs 3-5 times a day.
Expert advice
Below are tips from dermatologist Davin Lim, who has 17 years of experience in the field of dermatology and cosmetology:
- Use cleansers (such as Neutrogena) with 2% salicylic acid. This is a beta hydroxy acid. It has anti-inflammatory, exfoliating properties. This remedy is great for acne.
- Benzoyl peroxide may also improve inflammatory acne. Start with a 5% concentration, you can increase it later. If you have sensitive skin, start with 2.5%. Do not wash off the product immediately; it should remain on the skin for a minute. Benzac AC is an affordable product.
- Vitamin A creams can also help clear up acne.
- Chemical peels are also effective in treating most forms of acne. Salicylic acid is often prescribed by dermatologists in concentrations ranging from 10 to 30%. The procedure must be performed by a doctor. Peels with glycolic acid or other AHAs may also help.
- Diet is extremely important when treating acne.
- Women should pay attention to the cosmetics they use. Don't forget to remove your makeup. Mineral cosmetics are best because they do not contain talc or parabens, and most importantly, they do not clog pores. You can also have makeup-free days. Allowing your skin to breathe at least 2-3 days a week will also reduce acne.
- Light therapy is also used by dermatologists. Blue and red light work by killing bacteria in acne. This form of therapy is called "low level laser therapy." LLET is best used as an adjunctive therapy. Kleresca is another form of acne treatment using photodynamic therapy.
- Contact a dermatologist. The specialist will select the appropriate therapy. In most cases, acne can be removed in a short period of time. Doctors often prescribe anti-inflammatory tablets and creams with vitamin A.
The ideal treatment will depend on your lifestyle as well as your clinical presentation.
Prevention
Prevention consists of:
- skin care;
- giving up alcohol, cigarettes and coffee;
- eating fatty foods.
See the causes of acne on the face. How to treat allergic acne on the body? Find out further.
Does face wash help with acne?
The answer is here. All types of acne and some of the reasons for their appearance were discussed above. If you maintain a good hormonal state, there is no need to worry about them.
In addition, they almost always disappear after the immunity improves. If the amount increases, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist to determine the cause and drug treatment.
Other types of acne
Did you know that acne can also be inverse, bodybuilding, “nervous” and those that arise under the influence of external factors. Let's look at each type in more detail.
Another interesting article: Why the skin under the eyes peels and how to deal with it
Acne inversa
Chronic type of acne, which is characterized by secondary relapse of inflammation. Such acne occurs on the face and body, mainly in the armpit, perineum, near the navel, and nipples. Often observed in adolescents in the final stages of puberty. Antibiotics are prescribed for treatment.
Bodybuilder acne
Occurs in those who constantly take steroid drugs to build muscle mass. If you do not start treatment on time and do not stop taking anabolic steroids, then there is a possibility of developing ulcerative acne on the face and body.
Acne caused by external factors
Appear during prolonged exposure to the sun, cold, when using low-quality cosmetics, when working in hazardous industries (chemical, oil industries).
"Nervous pimples"
They occur against a background of frequent stress and depression. They can only be treated by eliminating the underlying cause. Basically, therapy consists of taking sedatives.
If skin rashes appear frequently, try to rest more, be less nervous, and eat right. Don't forget to move and drink plenty of water. This is all the basis for healthy skin.
If acne occurs on your face, you don’t need to run to the pharmacy and buy everything you have enough money for. It’s better to see a doctor, get tested and find out the reason for their appearance. Once you get rid of the source of the problem, you will forget about acne forever.
- Zinc ointment for acne - what it is and how it works
- Why do acne appear on the chin and how to deal with it?
- The complexion has turned yellow - what is the reason?
- The main causes of internal acne on the face
Treatment with folk remedies
The following folk remedies are known to be used to eliminate unpleasant symptoms:
- Iodine. Dries and removes purulent inflammation. After use, acne will go away within 7 days. A special iodine pencil is used, available for purchase at the pharmacy.
- Aloe. Gently draws out purulent contents and heals wounds on the skin. In addition to lubricating with juice and wiping the dermis with lotion, applying leaves to the skin is used.
- Nettle. An infusion from the leaves of the plant is consumed continuously for 4 weeks. This plant regulates metabolism and cleanses the body of toxins.
- Burdock. It is necessary to boil the roots of the plant. Take 1 tbsp. l. crushed roots and add them to boiling water (0.5 l). Boil for 10 minutes, infuse and strain. Take 100 g 4 times a day.
Traditional therapy can quickly bring positive results.
General recommendations
For those who suffer from any type of acne, experts give important recommendations. They must be followed regardless of the specific type of acne that worries the patient. Firstly, you should not squeeze pimples. This can lead to the formation of boils. The infection will spread throughout the body. In exceptional cases, it may even penetrate the brain. Also, squeezing leads to a scar subsequently remaining on the skin at the site of the imperfection. It will take longer to get rid of scars than the acne itself. Also, under no circumstances should you steam pimples - this will lead to further spread of the bacterial infection. One more important recommendation should be remembered: those who suffer from acne should not use cleansing scrubs or wipe the skin with ice cubes, as this increases inflammation and has a damaging effect on the skin.
Sometimes patients believe that they can cope with the problem on their own by searching on the Internet for descriptions of different types of acne, photos and names. But self-medication can cause irreparable harm to the skin. If we are not talking about the simplest type of acne - blackheads - you need to be treated only by a qualified dermatologist.
Drug therapy
When acne appears, you need to use drugs that have a soothing, disinfecting and anti-inflammatory effect.
For such purposes the following are used:
- salicylic ointment;
- Vishnevsky ointment;
- ichthyol ointment;
- zinc paste;
- levomekol.
Zinerit, Skinoren, Differin are also effective.