Pimples: focus

Pimples are a common skin concern and are small, red-colored bumps containing pus, serum, or fatty matter (sebum). They occur predominantly on the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders. Pimples are the most typical sign of acne, a condition that is triggered by hair follicles becoming blocked with dead skin cells and bacteria. Acne, and therefore pimples, are most commonly found in areas rich with sebaceous glands.

Description

Pimples can be inflammatory or non-inflammatory. Non-inflammatory pimples are known as closed comedones, which are small bumps that form at hair outlets, or pores. Closed comedones are black or dark brown in color and contain sebum, dead skin cells and, sometimes, bacteria.
Inflammatory pimples are pustule-like, reddish and can be more prone to bursting. They contain sebum and often have a white tip or center created by the presence of pus.

Causes

Pimples and acne can be caused by several, possibly concomitant causes such as: hormonal imbalance, excess sebum production, bacterial buildup, use of certain medications, use of comedogenic cosmetics, and psychological stress.
The causes of acne can change with age. For example, hormonal factors are most likely to blame for teenage acne, while stress plays a more prominent role in cases of adult acne.
While the exact mechanisms that lead to the formation of pimples and acne are not entirely clear even today, it is believed that follicles may be hypersensitive to various stimuli that then leads to proliferation of bacteria and inflammation.

Acne can resolve itself spontaneously, but can sometimes be persistent and troublesome.

Symptoms

Pimples and acne can lead to discomfort and embarrassment. From a psychological point of view, acne can cause distress as it often appears in very visible areas, may last a long time and may cause permanent scarring. From a more physical point, pimples or acne may be very painful when inflamed.

Diagnosis

A visit to the dermatologist is enough for a diagnosis of pimples.

Treatment

Pimple and acne treatments accelerate skin cell turnover, reduce irritation and soothe inflammation. Topical treatments include micropeeling with Glicosal Lotion, which helps skin regeneration by increasing the rate of cell turnover and has antiseptic properties. A dermatologist may prescribe more targeted therapies containing retinoic acid, which regulates skin desquamation by preventing comedones and pimples from forming. In cases of intense inflammation, a course of photodynamic therapy to reduce inflammation and scarring may be recommended.

Prevention

To help prevent pimples and acne: wash the skin with non-foaming cleansers; avoid applying creams, including sun cream, to the face and trunk; avoid cream-based cosmetics, such as foundation.