Pimple is a condition you may be able to bring under control in a few a days. You can stop or at least cover up the very worst manifestations of this common skin affliction relatively quickly. Curing Pimple, however, always takes a few weeks, and usually takes a few months to a year. Here are seven reasons why.
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Charlene J. Nuble
Who wouldn’t love a hero? Who wouldn’t be able to love someone or something that’s willing and able to help you out of trouble? Then again, what if the nemesis at hand is face-scarring and social-life-threatening Pimple? Could there be a hero created by the medicine industry with the power to defeat this long familiar enemy of beauty conscious individuals?
Pimple Medicine Solutions: Which Is Best for You
No Pimple medicine is thoroughly effective for everyone. What works for another may not be as effective for you. This could be due to a number of factors: skin type difference, how serious the condition at hand is, and even a person’s lifestyle.
Pimple Medicine Prescribed by Your Doctor
There are certain Pimple medicine products that may not be purchased without a doctor’s prescription. Even if you find a way of purchasing it without your doctor’s permission, it’s still for your own good if you consult your doctor regarding the Pimple medicine product before using it.
Topical Antimicrobials – These Pimple medicine products work by attacking the bacteria causing Pimple to appear on the surface. As the term “topical” suggests, they are applied directly to your skin.
Topical Retinoid – This type of Pimple medicine product mainly uses vitamin A to unclog pores and minimize production of whiteheads and blackheads. This product however may cause a person to suffer skin irritation problems as well as heightened sensitivity to sun exposure.
Oral Antibiotics – Yes, it’s possible indeed that you can cure yourself from Pimple through oral medication. It’s imperative however that you use the right dosage or risk having your body immune to the medicine’s effects.
Oral Contraceptives – Although this has been effective in treating Pimple, remember that it was not primarily intended for such use. As a result, manufacturers hadn’t concentrated in ensuring that their products don’t have any side effects when used for treating Pimple.
Off the Counter (OTC) Pimple Medicine
On the other hand, there are readily available Pimple medicine products being sold in drug stores and which don’t require a prescription from your doctor. Be sure to read the instructions carefully to ascertain that you’re not at risk of suffering from any side effects.
Benzoyl Peroxide – This is one of the most popular OTC Pimple medicine products being used. It may however cause a slightly painful sensation when being applied. It may also cause your skin to become dry and your hair bleached so care must be exercised when using it.
Salicylic Acid – This ingredient can be found in numerous types of OTC Pimple medicine products and in various forms such as creams, lotions, and even pads. It is only effective however in treating mild cases of Pimple.
Resorcinol – This ingredient is not as popular as the two previous OTC Pimple medicine solutions discussed. Nevertheless, resorcinol is able to effectively treat mild Pimple and in mitigating blackhead and whitehead production.
Sulfur – This is another lesser-known ingredient found in several OTC Pimple medicine products in spite of the fact that it has been used for more than half a century already.
Herbal Medications – Be wary when using herbal medications to treat Pimple because many herbal Pimple medicine products have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
We are all rather familiar with Pimple, we either had it, know someone who had it or are currently suffering with it. Pimple affects nearly 40 million people in the United States alone. It can start anytime between the ages of 12 and 25 and when it hits, well it hits with a vengeance. A growing number of adult women in their twenties and thirties are getting adult Pimple, even if they never suffered with Pimple before. The problem with Pimple is that there is no known cure.
Yes we are bombarded all over the place to buy this “miracle cure” and try this “amazing product” and so often a person who is afflicted with this skin problem will hope and pray that this will be the answer that they are looking for. Just this one time this is going to be the one thing that actually does work. Then because it proves not to be the “miracle cure” they were promised they end up frustrated and disappointed.
So how does one deal with Pimple? More particularly how does one deal with adult Pimple? Well, to just give up and resign oneself to the supposed inevitable is not the answer either. You see adult Pimple is much like being over weight in that you don’t feel good about yourself; your self esteem takes a major knock and you are convinced that when people look at you they do not see YOU but are rather focused on just the area that is riddled with Pimple. You hate going out in public, you do not want people to look at you because you hate looking at yourself. I know this because I have been there.
Adult Pimple is embarrassing. It is one thing if you were a teenager because society seems to be more accepting; it is what almost the “norm” is for teenagers. People sympathize and “tut tut” it away as just a natural process of life. I’m not taking away for one moment what teenagers go through (they have “strange” hormones to deal with on top of it all) but there seems to be a stigma attached to adult Pimple. People just look at you differently.
There seems to be this misconception that if you suffer from adult Pimple you don’t wash your face and you must be dirty. Just like in the case of someone who is overweight people don’t sit back and think that it may most likely be due to hormonal changes and/ or sometimes it may just be hereditary. It seems to be in people’s nature to assume the worse.
Pimple doesn’t just lead to physical scars (which are really depressing and more damaging to the psyche) but more concerning it leads to emotional scarring. Well your choices in dealing with adult Pimple can be put into two categories. You can “roll over and just accept” that this is your lot in life or you can become active, take charge and find ways to help the situation. Pimple may not be curable but it can be controlled and eventually you may even grow out of it.
Let’s take a quick look at what Pimple is and once we understand how it comes about we can look at how to deal with it. Pimple is generally characterized by black heads, white heads, red bumps (also known as blind pimples) and in some cases scarring. Pimple is the result of overactive oil glands at the base of the hair follicles that become blocked or inflamed. It may appear anywhere on the body but it tends to be primarily on the face.
There are different forms of Pimple; mild inflammatory Pimple, moderate to severe inflammatory Pimple and severe Pimple. The problem with Pimple treatments is that what works for one person may not work for the next. Due to how severe your Pimple may be you will need to find out which is the best course of action for you. This is best done seeking the advice of your health practitioner or a dermatologist. However you can do a few things to help yourself.
As tempting as it may be DO NOT SQUEEZE OR PICK AT YOUR FACE. It may be tempting and you may just want to get rid all the spots and you think that by squeezing them all out you will be rid of it once and for all. Well if only it was that simple. It is not. The pus (and thus the germs) spreads across your face causing you more Pimple, or you just end up pushing the pus deeper into your skin causing more of an infection. In some cases you are left with scars. Scaring brings on a whole different level of anxiety and depression.
Do not spend too much time in the sun. There seems to be this myth that the sun will “cure” your Pimple. The hope seems to be that it will dry up the oily glands. But how will it when the follicles are blocked? You see the sun damages your follicular walls causing further blockage and in turn more Pimple. The sunlight also produces free radicals in the skin which diminishes the skins ability to heal.
There has been no scientific evidence that has proven that Pimple and diet are related. I have read various reports saying that Pimple and diet are related and some say that there is no relation whatsoever. So not affirmed either way but cut down on some foods and see if it makes a difference at all. Maybe you have an allergy that aggravates the situation.
Start with the highly refined sugars and things like seafood, mushrooms and salt. Deep fried food is generally not good for your over all health and some say that it is really bad for your skin. Drink more water, water flushes your body of toxins and so in turn is a great internal way of aiming for that healthier looking skin.
Stay away from coffee. It does not matter if it has caffeine in it or not. Coffee stimulates the production of cortisol. Cortisol is a hormonal steroid that the body produces when it is under stress. (Stress does not cause Pimple but it certainly aggravates it) Cortisol helps our bodies maintain homeostasis during time of stress yet it causes problems when it stays is our body for a long period of time because what cortisol does is it destroys tissue, which then releases small protein molecules from the destroyed cells. These remainders of cell-protein partly end up in the skin which ends up contributing to Pimple. Watch out for foods packed with hormones. It does not help hormonal Pimple.
Interesting fact, non Westernized people did not suffer from Pimple until their diet changed to what we eat and then oops they joined our ranks in the Pimple department. The problem is that so much of our diet tends to rob us of vitamins and minerals that are essential for good healthy skin. Vitamin A has been known to be a great preventative of Pimple. Give it a try, eat less “junk” and more fresh fruit and vegetables high in antioxidants, there is no harm in it and maybe it will help.
Remember Pimple is not caused by dirt and so DO Not scrub your face. It generally makes the Pimple worse. You aggravate the glands that produce the oil and they then produce more oil and then spread the bacterium that causes your Pimple around the face making it worse. Don’t use a face cloth because germs tend to stick to them and then you are just smearing them all over your face. Your hands are the best thing to use and they are a lot gentler on your skin too.
Smoking does not cause Pimple but it does make the skin look unhealthy and so much older, this is because the nicotine reduces the blood circulation to your skin. Some case studies have shown that smoking can irritate the Pimple, making it worse.
Avoid things that rub against your skin, like collars, don’t wear too much make up and when you do choose products that are oil free or are made specifically bearing Pimple in mind. These products would be “non-comedogenic” or “non-Pimplegenic.” Wash your hair as often as you need to and keep it off your face.
Bear in mind the following when receiving advice about your Pimple:
Most over-the-counter Pimple treatments are topical and the most popular ones contain Benzoyl Peroxide. The problem is that once you stop the treatment the Pimple just flares up again and some people say that as the skin becomes used to it so the effectiveness of it lessens. Benzoyl Peroxide is also known to cause excessive dryness, and for some people itchiness which then further irritates the skin. It is also a bleach so be careful when using it that it does not ruin your clothes.
Antibiotics tend to aim at inhibiting bacteria. The problem is bacteria are not the cause of Pimple. The irony is that bacteria are essential in keeping the skin flexible and inhibiting it just speeds up the aging process. Then of course it needs to be remembered that antibiotics are also well known for reducing a person’s immune system.
I am not going to give you a whole list of unpronounceable names of various chemicals found in anti-Pimple treatments but I am going to give you a run down of what some of the side effects are. After all that is what matters most.
• Liver disease (sometimes resulting in a needed transplant)
• Jaundice and life threatening psuedomembranous colitis.
• Autoimmune disease, acute inflammation of the lung and a blue black disclouring of your skin, mucous membranes, nails, adult teeth and Internal organs.
• Benign intracranial hypertension. Early warning signs are headaches, nausea, vomiting and visual disturbances. Decreased night vision, inflammatory bowel disease, an increase in the size of your bones, raised cholesterol levels.
• Heart risks
• Further skin problems. As if Pimple is not enough you suffer too from dry skin, skin fragility, itching, nosebleeds, inflammation and cracking of lips. Eczema like rash, thinning of hair, peelings of palms and soles of feet, skin infections, gastrointestinal problems, urogenital problems and tiredness.
Then to top the list off you also have things like seizures, dizziness, nervousness, insomnia, depression (as if the Pimple hadn’t caused enough now the “cure” adds to it too) gum inflammation, arthritis and so we can go on but I think you have got the point.
I am not trying to scare you off finding what can help your Pimple, just informing you of what some of these products may do to you. Don’t loose hope, Pimple can be controlled and in many cases people do find what aggravates or causes it through trial and error. Don’t give up and you will eventually find the solution that works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pimple
Pimple is a very common disease. People who have it tend to have similar kinds of questions about it and its treatment. This section addresses some of the common questions asked by people with Pimple. Please remember that your dermatologist is always the best source of specific information about your individual health issues, including Pimple.
Questions and Answer does follows:
1. What causes Pimple?
The causes of Pimple are linked to the changes that take place as young people mature from childhood to adolescence (puberty). The hormones that cause physical maturation also cause the sebaceous (oil) glands of the skin to produce more sebum (oil). The hormones with the greatest effect on sebaceous glands are androgens (male hormones), which are present in females as well as males, but in higher amounts in males.
Sebaceous glands are found together with a hair shaft in a unit called a sebaceous follicle. During puberty, the cells of the skin that line the follicle begin to shed more rapidly. In people who develop Pimple, cells shed and stick together more so than in people who do not develop Pimple. When cells mix with the increased amount of sebum being produced, they can plug the opening of the follicle. Meanwhile, the sebaceous glands continue to produce sebum, and the follicle swells up with sebum.
In addition, a normal skin bacteria called P. Pimples, begins to multiply rapidly in the clogged hair follicle. In the process, these bacteria produce irritating substances that can cause inflammation. Sometimes, the wall of the follicle bursts, spreading inflammation to the surrounding skin. This is the process by which Pimple lesions, from blackheads to pimples to nodules, are formed.
2. I wash my face several times a day. Why do I still get Pimple?
Many people still believe that Pimple is caused by dirty skin. The truth is, washing alone will not clear up or prevent Pimple. Washing does, however, help remove excess surface oils and dead skin cells. Many people use all kinds of products, including alcohol-based cleansers, and scrub vigorously, only to irritate the skin further and worsen their Pimple. Washing the skin twice a day gently with water and a mild soap is usually all that is required. However, Pimple is actually caused by a variety of biologic factors that are beyond the control of washing. For that reason, you should use appropriate Pimple treatments for the Pimple.
3. Does stress cause Pimple?
Stress is commonly blamed for the development of Pimple. Stress can have many physiologic effects on the body, including changes in hormones that may theoretically lead to Pimple. In some cases the stress may actually be caused by the Pimple lesions, not the other way around! If the Pimple is being treated effectively, stress is not likely to have much impact on the majority of people.
4. I never had Pimple as a teenager. Why am I now getting Pimple as an adult?
Usually, Pimple begins at puberty and is gone by the early 20s. In some cases, Pimple may persist into adulthood. Such types of Pimple include severe forms that affect the body as well as the face (which afflict males more than females) and Pimple associated with the menstrual cycle in women. In other cases, Pimple may not present itself until adulthood. Such Pimple is more likely to affect females than males.
There are several reasons for this. As females get older, the pattern of changes in hormones may itself change, disposing sebaceous glands to develop Pimple. Ovarian cysts and pregnancy may also cause hormonal changes that lead to Pimple. Some women get Pimple when they discontinue birth control pills that have been keeping Pimple at bay. Sometimes young women may wear cosmetics that are comedogenic-that is, they can set up conditions that cause comedones to form.
5. What role does diet play in Pimple?
Pimple is not caused by food. Following a strict diet will not, clear your skin. While some people feel that their Pimple is aggravated by certain foods, particularly chocolate, colas, peanuts, shellfish and some fatty foods, there is no scientific evidence that suggests food causes or influences Pimple. Avoid any foods which seem to worsen your Pimple and, for your overall health, eat a balanced diet-but diet shouldn’t really matter if the Pimple is being appropriately treated.
6. Does the sun help Pimple?
Many patients feel that sunlight improves their Pimple lesions and go to great lengths to find sources of ultraviolet light. There is no proven effect of sunlight on Pimple. In addition, ultraviolet light in sunlight increases the risk of skin cancer and early aging of the skin. It is, therefore, not a recommended technique of Pimple management, especially since there are many other proven forms of treatment for Pimple. Moreover, many Pimple treatments increase the skin’s sensitivity to ultraviolet light, making the risk of ultraviolet light exposure all the worse.
7. What is the best way to treat Pimple?
Everyone’s Pimple must be treated individually. If you have not gotten good results from the Pimple products you have tried, consider seeing a dermatologist. Your dermatologist will decide which treatments are best for you. For more information about the types of Pimple treatments that are available, and for basic Pimple treatment guidelines, please see Pimple Treatments in the main part of PimpleNet.
8. What kind of cosmetics and cleansers can an Pimple patient use?
Look for “noncomedogenic” cosmetics and toiletries. These products have been formulated so that they will not cause Pimple.
Some Pimple medications cause irritation or pronounced dryness particularly during the early weeks of therapy, and some cosmetics and cleansers can actually worsen this effect. The choice of cosmetics and cleansers should be made with your dermatologist or pharmacist.
Heavy foundation makeup should be avoided. Most Pimple patients should select powder blushes and eye shadow over cream products because they are less irritating and noncomedogenic. Camouflaging techniques can be used effectively by applying a green undercover cosmetic over red Pimple lesions to promote color blending.
9. Is it harmful to squeeze my blemishes?
Yes. In general, Pimple lesions should not be picked or squeezed by the patient. In particular, inflammatory Pimple lesions should never be squeezed. Squeezing forces infected material deeper into the skin, causing additional inflammation and possible scarring.
1. Can anything be done about scarring caused by Pimple?
Scarring is best prevented by getting rid of the Pimple. Dermatologists can use various methods to improve the scarring caused by Pimple. The treatment must always be individualized for the specific patient. Chemical peels may be used in some patients, while dermabrasion or laser abrasion may benefit others. It is important that the Pimple be well controlled before any procedure is used to alleviate scarring.
2. How long before I see a visible result from using my Pimple medication?
The time for improvement depends upon the product being used, but in almost all cases it is more a matter of weeks or months instead of days. Most dermatologists would recommend the use of a medication or combination of medications daily for 4 to 8 weeks before they would change the treatment. It is very important for patients to be aware of this time frame so they do not become discouraged and discontinue their medications. Conversely, if you see no change whatsoever, you might want to check with your dermatologist regarding the need to change treatments.
3. Would using my medication more frequently than prescribed speed up the clearing of my Pimple?
No-always use your medication exactly as your dermatologist instructed. Using topical medications more often than prescribed may actually induce more irritation of the skin, redness and follicular plugging, which can delay clearing time. If oral medications are taken more frequently than prescribed, they won’t work any better, but there is a greater chance of side effects.
4. My topical treatment seems to work on the spots I treat, but I keep getting new Pimple blemishes. What should I do?
Topical Pimple medications are made to be used on all Pimple-prone areas, not just individual lesions. Part of the goal is to treat the skin before lesions can form and to prevent formation, not just to treat existing lesions. Patients are generally advised to treat all of the areas (forehead, cheeks, chin and nose) that tend to break out rather than just individual lesions.
5. My face is clear! Can I stop taking my medication now?
If your dermatologist says you can stop, then stop-but follow your dermatologist’s instructions. Many times patients will stop their medication suddenly only to have their Pimple flare up several weeks later. If you are using multiple products, it may be advisable to discontinue one medication at a time and judge results before discontinuing them all at once. Ask your dermatologist before you stop using any of your medications.
6. Does it matter what time I use my medication?
Check with your dermatologist or pharmacist. If you were taking one dose a day of an antibiotic, you could probably take it in the morning, at midday or in the evening, although you should pick one time of day and stay with it throughout your treatment. With oral medications prescribed twice a day or three times a day, you should try your best to spread out the doses evenly. Some antibiotics should be taken on an empty or nearly empty stomach. For optimal results with topical treatments, you should strictly follow your dermatologist’s recommendations. For example, if instructed to apply benzoyl peroxide in the morning and a topical retinoid at bedtime, it is important to follow these directions strictly. If the two were applied together at bedtime, for example, you could decrease the efficacy of the treatment because of chemical reactions that make them less effective.
7. I have trouble remembering to take my oral medication every day. What’s a good way to remember? What should I do if I forget a dose?
This is a common problem. Many patients try to associate taking their medication with a routine daily event such as brushing teeth or applying makeup. It also helps to keep the medication close to the area where the reminder activity is carried out.
In most cases, if you miss a day of your oral treatment, do not double up the next day; rather, get back to your daily regimen as soon as possible-but there may be different instructions for different oral medications. Ask your dermatologist or pharmacist about what to do if you miss a dose of your particular medication.
8. I have been using topical benzoyl peroxide and an oral antibiotic for my Pimple and have noticed blue-black and brown marks developing on my face and some discoloration on my body. The marks are especially noticeable around Pimple scars and recently healed lesions. Is this a side effect of medication and is it permanent?
It is not possible to make general statements about side effects of medications that apply to individual cases. A dermatologist should be consulted. The facial marks and body discoloration described by the patient in this case do fall within the range of side effects of some antibiotics.
Unique patterns of pigmentation are sometimes seen in Pimple patients treated with certain oral antibiotics-particularly minocycline. The pigmentation patterns that appear may include:
* Localized blue-black or brown marks in and around Pimple scars and in areas of previous Pimple inflammation
* A “muddy skin” appearance that may cover much of the body
* Diffuse brownish pigmentation of the feet and lower legs.
The pigmentation side effect gradually disappears after the therapy is discontinued.
Any side effect of a medication should be noted by the patient and brought to the attention of the physician. While most side effects are temporary they should be discussed with the physician and monitored.
1. My doctor is prescribing a topical retinoid for my Pimple. He said a retinoid is a substance related to vitamin A. If the drug is related to vitamin A, shouldn’t vitamin A dietary supplements be helpful in getting rid of Pimple?
Dietary vitamin A is essential to good health, especially vision. It has healthful effects in the skin. Large doses of vitamin A for the treatment of Pimple is not recommended on grounds of safety. The retinoids and retinoid-like substances used as topical treatments for Pimple are prepared especially for their potent effect on the shedding of cell lining in the sebaceous follicle. Their use should be monitored by a dermatologist.
Dietary vitamin A has multiple health effects in the human body. Vitamin A is essential for good vision. Extreme vitamin A deficiency can result in blindness, usually accompanied by dry, scaly skin. Vitamin A overdose that far exceeds the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of 5,000 IU can have effects nearly as catastrophic. Extreme vitamin A overdose can cause the skin to blister and peel-an effect first seen in early North Pole explorers who nearly died after eating polar bear liver that has an extraordinarily high vitamin A content.
Topical retinoids are usually prescribed as a treatment for moderate to severe Pimple. Side effects are chiefly dermatologic, including redness, scaling and dryness of the skin, itching and burning. These side effects can usually be managed by adjustment of the amount and timing of retinoid applied to the skin. Dose adjustment must be discussed with the dermatologist who prescribed the treatment.
2. Are there any Pimple treatments specifically for people with dark skin? Are there any treatments specifically harmful to dark skin?
There are no Pimple treatments specifically for use on dark skin. Pimple treatments are generally as safe and effective on dark skin as on light skin. Some treatments for Pimple scars may cause temporary lightening of dark skin.
Pimple is a common skin disease that has the same causes and follows the same course in all colors of skin.
Very dark or black skin may be less well-moisturized than lighter skin. Topical anti-Pimple agents such as benzoyl peroxide that have a drying effect on the skin should be used under the supervision of a dermatologist. Benzoyl peroxide also is a strong bleach and therefore must be applied carefully to avoid inadvertent decolorization of a patch of hair, towels or clothing.
Darker skin has a tendency to develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (excessive skin darkening at places where the skin was inflamed). Severe inflammatory Pimple may result in dark spots. The spots resolve over time; a dermatologist may be able to recommend cosmetic measures to make the spots less apparent until they resolve. Some Pimple treatments, such as topical retinoids and azelaic acid, may also help fade the discoloration.
Removal of Pimple scars by dermabrasion or chemical peeling may cause temporary lightening or darkening of dark skin in the areas of treatment. Scar treatment should be discussed with a dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon before it is undertaken.
Alterations of melanin (dark pigments that give the skin its color) pigmentation such as vitiligo and melasma are not related to Pimple, but they may be present simultaneously with Pimple. The diagnosis and treatment of melanin pigmentation disorders such as vitiligo requires a dermatologist with knowledge and experience in treating these conditions.
3. Is Pimple that appears for the first time in adulthood different from Pimple that appears in adolescence?
Pimple has a specific definition as a disease of sebaceous follicles. This definition applies to Pimple that occurs at any age. However, it may be important to look for an underlying cause of Pimple that occurs for the first time in adulthood.
Current understanding of the causes of Pimple vulgaris is described in the Main Text section Why and how Pimple happens. In brief summary, Pimple vulgaris develops when excessive sebum production and abnormal growth and death of cells in the sebaceous follicle result in plugging of follicles with a mixture of sebum and cellular debris and formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads). Bacteria in the follicles-chiefly Propionibacterium Pimples, the most common bacterial colonist of sebaceous follicles-may contribute to the inflammation of Pimple by release of metabolic products that cause inflammatory reaction. The pathogenic events, which cause disease, in the sebaceous follicle are believed to be due in large degree to changes in levels of androgenic (male) hormones in the body-a circumstance usually associated with growth and development between ages 12 and
4. Some Pimple investigators believe that although this understanding is generally correct, there is more yet to be learned about the causes of Pimple vulgaris.
Pimple that appears after the age of 25-30 years is (1) a recurrence of Pimple that cleared up after adolescence, (2) a flare-up of Pimple after a period of relative quiet-for example, during pregnancy, or (3) Pimple that occurs for the first time in a person who had never previously had Pimple.
Pimple that occurs in adulthood may be difficult to treat if there are multiple recurrences. Some patients with severe recurrent Pimple have undergone repeated courses of treatment with the potent systemic drug isotretinoin.
Pimple flares in association with pregnancy or menstruation are due to changes in hormonal patterns.
Pimple that appears for the first time in adulthood should be investigated for any underlying cause. Drugs that can induce Pimple include anabolic steroids (sometimes used illegally by athletes to “bulk up”), some anti-epileptic drugs, the anti-tuberculosis drugs isoniazid and rifampin, lithium, and iodine-containing drugs. Chlorinated industrial chemicals may induce the occupational skin disorder known as chlorPimple. Chronic physical pressure on the skin-for example, by a backpack and its straps, or a violin tucked against the angle of the jaw and chin-may induce so-called Pimple mechanica. Some metabolic conditions may cause changes in hormonal balance that can induce Pimple.
Some lesions that appear to be Pimple may be another skin disorder such as folliculitis-infection and inflammation of hair follicles-that require different treatment than Pimple. Pimple that appears for the first time in adulthood should be examined and treated by a dermatologist.
5. My 15-year-old daughter has what I would describe as a very mild case of Pimple. She has made it much worse by constant picking and squeezing. She looks in the mirror for hours, looking for some blackhead or blemish she can pick or squeeze. Does she need psychological counseling?
Excessive picking and squeezing of otherwise mild Pimple is a condition called excoriated Pimple, seen most often in young women. A dermatologist may provide effective counseling.
The typical person with excoriated Pimple is a person-often a young women-who is so distressed with her appearance due to Pimple that she literally tries to “squeeze the Pimple out of existence.” The Pimple is often very mild, but the person’s face may constantly be covered with red marks from squeezing, and open sores where lesions have been picked open.
The word excoriate means to scratch or abrade the skin. Excoriated Pimple is a medically recognized condition that should be discussed with a dermatologist. Occasionally giving in to a temptation to squeeze a blackhead is not defined as excoriated Pimple. Hours in front of a mirror, squeezing and picking every blemish, is a definition of excoriated Pimple. A dermatologist may be able to counsel the patient regarding a course of treatment in which the patient can participate, but keep “hands off.”
6. Can the rate of secretion or the composition of sebum be altered by diet? If it can, shouldn’t alteration of diet be considered a treatment for Pimple?
Diet has never been proven to have a role in the cause or treatment of Pimple. Dietary manipulation may have a role in the treatment of some scaling diseases of the skin, but not in the treatment of Pimple.
Dietary cause is one of the most persistent myths about Pimple. Foods, such as chocolate or greasy foods, do not cause Pimple, but certain foods seem to make some people’s Pimple worse. The following can bring on or worsen it:
*Hereditary factors
*An increase in male hormones found in both males and females
*Menstruation
*Emotional stress
*Oil and grease from cosmetics, work environment
No food has been shown to be effective in preventing or treating Pimple. A healthy diet is, of course, necessary for good general health.
7. Shouldn’t I just try to eliminate sebum from my body?
No. When it isn’t blocked in your pores, sebum helps keep your skin healthy.
8. Why does Pimple usually start at puberty?
No one knows for certain. What is known is that the sebaceous glands that produce sebum get much larger at puberty than they were before.
9. Why does the skin around a pimple turn red?
This redness is caused by the body’s inflammatory response. Inflammation is a sign that your immune system is working to fight an infection. However, the inflammatory response doesn’t always work perfectly, and can even be the cause of scarring.
10. If my skin turns red, does that mean that I’m going to have scars?
Usually, no. Even when there will be no permanent scar, the aftereffects of the inflammatory response can leave the skin red for months, sometimes for more than a year.
11. What are free radicals?
Free radicals are byproducts of oxidation in your body. We all need oxidation to occur as part of our life process, but there is concern that the buildup of unrecycled free radicals contributes to many conditions, including skin damage. Antioxidants, including several of the active ingredients in Acuzine, help prevent the buildup of free radicals.
