Why Do I Get Pimples?

Pimples can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or race. According to the American skin association, pimples affect millions of people around the world.¹ You're probably here to find a solution to the pimples on your face or body, and this article will equip you with the necessary knowledge and potential solutions.

We will go into great detail about pimples in this article, including their causes, symptoms, management, and treatments, so you will know what to do and what not to do. 

What are pimples? 

Most people have had pimples at some point in their lives.² They are a common skin ailment that develops when the sebaceous gland (the oil gland) generates too much oil, the hair follicle (hair canal) becomes clogged with dirt or oil, and the canal becomes infected with bacteria.³ This results in swelling under your skin that resembles a cyst. The bacteria that cause pimples are acquired from the environment or your hands.

Anyone can develop acne at any age, but it is most frequent during puberty. The oil in your skin might cause clogged pores if you have oily skin. Acne most frequently affects the face, neck, chest, back, and upper arms.⁴ On the face, acne can leave permanent scars which are frequently uncomfortable, unpleasant, and hard to treat. Finding a pimple treatment that works for you is crucial. 

Causes of pimples 

It is critical to pinpoint the root of your acne and understand its causes. This will enable you to take action to stop them. Knowing what's causing your acne breakouts can help you get rid of them and prevent future ones. Acne is thought to be brought on by one or more of the following:

• The buildup of dead skin cells in the pore
• Growth of bacteria in your pores
• High production of sebum oil in your pores

The following also increases your risk of having acne:

• Hormonal Imbalance

Teenage acne is a common side effect of hormonal imbalances in teens, both in males and females. Androgens are essential sexual hormones that cause puberty and affect reproductive health in both men and women.⁵ An imbalance in androgen levels can lead to oily skin, which frequently results in acne. In addition, women's hormonal levels change as a result of their menstrual cycle or pregnancy⁶

• Family health background

If your parents had acne in the past, you are very likely to have acne as well. According to one study, if any of your parents still have acne as adults, you have a high chance of developing adult acne as well⁷ 

• Medications

Certain medications, like hormonal birth control pills, corticosteroids, and lithium, can cause acne 

• Exposing your skin to oily substances

Acne can occur if your skin comes into contact with oil or oily lotions and creams. Pimples are caused by clogged pores in your skin; so if you have oily skin, the oil on your skin may cause clogged pores. Avoid oil-containing creams and opt for non-comedogenic creams, which do not clog pores

• Scrubbing hard against your skin

Scrubbing your skin too hard while bathing may aggravate your pimples

However, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease, common beliefs that stress and dirty skin cause acne aren’t true.⁸

Signs and symptoms of pimples 

The intensity of pimples also differs from person to person. The various symptoms are listed below:⁹

• Mild

Mild acne is characterised by the presence of comedones as well as a few papules and pustules. Comedones can be whiteheads or blackheads.^{10 11} Whiteheads have closed tips that are yellowish or whitish, and it multiplies and spreads as bacteria accumulate within it. In contrast, blackheads are closed and contain black content due to the inner lining of the hair follicle. Because pimples are few or not visible, this symptom is known as mild

• Moderate

Moderate acne is characterised by visible and widespread whiteheads and blackheads that are filled with papules and pustules

• Severe

This type of acne is typically severe and painful, with numerous papules and pustules as well as painful nodules, resulting in scars and damaged skin

Management and treatment 

Acne treatment varies according to severity, and it may take several weeks before symptoms improve. You must be patient to see progress over time. Several treatments are listed below:

Topical medications

This requires applying the treatment like a cream or moisturiser. The following are possible treatments:

• Benzoyl Peroxide

This can be applied to your face as a cream or gel to kill  bacteria on the skin's surface. You shouldn't use benzoyl peroxide all the time because it could irritate your skin¹²

• Topical Retinoids

This treatment aids in the removal of dead skin cells (exfoliation) so that they do not accumulate in the hair follicles. Topical retinoids must be applied 20 minutes after washing your face, once a day, before going to bed.¹³ This treatment is so potent that it is not recommended for pregnant women because it may cause birth defects. Mild skin irritation and stinging are common side effects of this treatment

• Antibiotics Tablets

Clindamycin and erythromycin are antibiotics that are used to treat acne on the skin. When antibiotics are combined with benzoyl peroxide, they are more effective. It takes approximately six weeks to notice improvement

• Azelaic Acid

Due to the negative side effects of topical retinoids and benzoyl peroxide, this therapy is utilised as a substitute. Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring chemical that may be found in grains like barley and wheat, and is used to remove dead skin cells and destroy bacteria. Depending on how sensitive your skin is, this treatment should be used as a cream once or twice a day. Itching, skin burning, and skin redness are side effects of this treatment

• Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is an over-the-counter medication for acne that comes in the form of a lotion or cleanser.¹⁴ It assists in removing dead skin cells and avoids blocking hair follicles. Visit your doctor for advice before starting this medication if you already have an acne problem to prevent a skin response.

Hormonal therapy

Hormonal therapy is beneficial for women who have acne that has flared up during their period (menstrual cycle).¹⁵ This is due to a hormonal imbalance caused by an excess of androgen (a sex hormone). To reduce or normalise the imbalance, your healthcare providers will administer a low dose of oestrogen and progesterone (birth control pill)

Isotretinoin

This treatment is reserved for severe cases that have rendered any other treatment ineffective. Isotretinoin normalises or reduces the amount of skin oil secreted, kills bacteria on the skin, and reduces redness and swelling.¹⁶

Non-Pharmaceutical treatments

Your doctor (dermatologist) can suggest a different course of treatment if there is no improvement after using the topical and oral treatments. The doctor could suggest treatment such as the following: 

• Comedone Extraction

This is a pen-like tool used to remove oil that contributes to whiteheads and blackheads. The extraction kickstarts the healing process

• Chemical Peel

With this procedure, the initial layer of skin is peeled from the face using a chemical solution. It minimises acne scars and makes way for a fresh skin layer to replace the one that was exfoliated

• Photodynamic Therapy

The application of laser light to your skin is often referred to as light and laser therapy. Your skin receives heat from the light, which kills defective skin cells and encourages the formation of new skin

FAQs

How common are pimples? 

According to Mayo Clinic, pimples are common in people of all ages, genders, and races.¹⁷ It is most common in teenagers going through puberty, due to hormonal changes that occur during puberty. 

What is the difference between pimples and acne? 

Most people interchange the terms "Acne" and "Pimples", but keep in mind that acne is the disease or condition that causes pimples. Pimples, on the other hand, are one of the symptoms of acne.

How can I prevent pimples? 

You cannot prevent acne pimples during hormonal changes, but you can reduce your chances of getting pimples by doing the following:

• Limit the use of makeup, and if you must use it, ensure to remove all makeup at the end of each day
• Keep your hands off your face
• Wash your face daily with warm water and apply a facial cleanser
• Choose the right skin care products for your skin type
• Stay hydrated

Are pimples contagious? 

While some skin conditions can spread from person to person, pimples are not contagious. Sharing towels, cosmetics, or pillows are not advised for personal hygiene reasons.¹⁸

How are pimples diagnosed? 

A dermatologist can make a diagnosis.¹⁹ The doctor starts by looking for spots or acne breakouts, like sores or blackheads, on the skin in the affected area. The evaluation enables the dermatologist to recommend the most suitable and appropriate course of treatment.

Is it safe to pop pimples? 

According to the American Dermatological Association, the only person who is permitted to pop your pimples is a dermatologist.²⁰ This is because they are trained to do so properly, using the appropriate equipment and methods that don't lead to inflammation. Popping pimples yourself is not advisable because it could cause inflammation. 

When should I call a doctor for my pimples? 

Mild acne or moderate acne will always clear up after using over-the-counter treatments, but if your pimples persist and seem to defy all treatments, you should see your doctor before they become severe.

Summary 

When you have pimples, especially when you're a teenager, you shouldn't be too concerned. You can use an over-the-counter prescription to limit or counteract it, and you should see positive results in a few weeks. 

Pimples can be physically and emotionally draining, especially when they don't go away despite using every treatment available. All you need to do is see your dermatologist, get the appropriate acne treatment, practise good personal hygiene, and be patient enough to see the results of the treatment.