Different types of pimples can have various appearances, causes, and treatments.
Common types of inflamed pimples includepapules,pustules,nodules,cysts,blackheads, andwhiteheads.
Several different factors can increase your risk for pimples, including hormones, diet, and stress.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Mild acne can often be treated at home with over-the-counter topical medications and prevented with the right skincare routine.
For moderate or severe cases, a dermatologist can help by prescribing medication.
If a clogged pore stays open, the top surface of sebum darkens and forms a blackhead.
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Reproduced with permission from DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Papules
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Papules are inflamed blemishes that can be large or small.
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They look like red bumps or lumps on the skin and don’t have a white head.
Papules can be caused byacne vulgaris.
This happens when the wall of a hair follicle or pore ruptures.
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When this happens, cellular debris and bacteria spill into thedermis(the deepest layer of skin).
A break in the pore can occur when the follicle fills with dead skin cells and oil.
Pressure from squeezing a blackhead or blocked pore can also cause a rupture.
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The rupture triggers inflammation in and around the follicle.
The area turns red and swells.
This is what creates the firm red bump we call a pimple.
Don’t squeeze a papule to try and make it come to a head.
You probably won’t extract any debris from the pore.
Instead, you may simply make it more inflamed.
Papules are not deep lesions.
This means most of them will heal quickly without scarring.
The head can also be cream to yellow in color.
Sometimes a brownish spot appears in the middle of the head.
This is the comedonal core.
It is a plug of debris within the pore.
Acne pustules range in size from small to fairly large.
They develop in the same areas that papules do.
This is usually on the face, back, and shoulders.
When the pore ruptures, the body sends white blood cells to fight bacteria.
This is what causes pus.
A mixture of pus, dead skin cells, and excess oil gives a pustule its white cap.
Nodules
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Nodules are serious acne pimples.
They are large, inflamed lesions.
They feel like hard, painful lumps under the skin.
An acne nodule develops when the follicle wall ruptures deep within the dermis.
Contaminated debris from the follicle infects nearby follicles.
The damage and irritation cause the area to swell.
This makes nodules quite painful.
Like pustules, nodules can be filled with pus.
Because they occur deep within the skin, though, you won’t see a white head.
Nodules can take between a few weeks and several months to fully heal.
This is because they are large and deep.
Females are prone to getting acne nodules around the time of their monthly cycle.
Cysts
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Cysts are very large, inflamed lesions.
They feel like soft, fluid-filled lumps under the skin.
Acne cysts are the most severe form of pimple.
They can be very painful.
Like nodules, cysts begin as a deep break in the follicle wall.
The body tries to wall off the infection by surrounding it with a membrane.
As an acne cyst works its way to the surface, it damages healthy skin tissue.
This can destroy the follicle.
The likelihood ofacne scarringis very high.
An acne cyst isn’t a true cyst.
It is actually a severe, swollen acne nodule.
You may hear the terms"acne cyst" and “acne nodule” used interchangeably.
Acne cysts are filled with pus.
They may also contain blood.
They can take several weeks to several months to fully heal.
Never take a stab at extract an acne cyst on your own.
If they must be drained, it has to be done by a doctor.
Cystic breakouts scar easily.
The sooner you see a dermatologist about your acne, the sooner you will see improvement.
What Causes Pimples?
Treating Pimples
Different types of pimples respond to different medications.
Papules and pustules often respond well to over-the-counter (OTC) treatments.
At-Home Acne Treatments
Pimples can often be treated at home withOTC acne remedies.
The occasional nodule pimple may clear up on its own.
If your blemish is painful, you’re free to ice the area to help relieve swelling.
There are no home remedies that can successfully treat cystic acne.
This can make the blemish irritated, painful, and more obvious.
Popping pimples can also cause an infection from bacteria on the fingers or permanent scars.
Topical Prescriptions
If OTC treatments fail to bring relief, more powerful topical medications may be prescribed.
Ingredients in topical prescriptions treatments for acne include:
Topicalcombination medicationsare also prescribed for treating acne.
These can include any combination of antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, or salicylic acid.
Cortisone Injections
Nodular and cystic acne can be treated withcortisone injections.
Oral Antibiotics
Oral antibioticsare used to treat recurring acne breakouts.
They work by reducing the bacteria responsible for most acne outbreaks.
Oral antibiotics commonly prescribed for acne include:
How Do You Know if Acne Is Bacterial?
Bacterial acne causes whiteheads with a red ring around the bump known as pustules.
Most acne is due to bacteria trapped in the pores.
For moderate to severe breakouts, antibiotics may be prescribed.
Though not specifically an acne medication or commonly prescribed, Aldactone works to treat acne by suppressing androgens.
Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin is an oral medication commonly used to treat cystic acne.
Papules and pustules can be treated at home.
Try a benzoyl peroxide cleanser or a salicylic spot treatment.
Nodules and acne cysts may require help from a dermatologist.
A dermatologist can give you a cortisone injection or prescribe medication that will help clear up your skin.
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