Pimples: Causes, Treatment & Help

Pimples are often a symptom of pubertal diseases, such as acne or hormonal disorders. However, in addition to the well-known pimples, blackheads, pustules and papules differ significantly. Pimples are more common in males and can lead to scarring if left untreated. Therefore, in case of severe pimple infestation or acne, a dermatologist should always be consluted for further treatment.

What are pimples?

Pimples and blemished skin are among the most common skin problems, especially in adolescence. Pimples and blemished skin are among the most common skin problems, especially in adolescence. During puberty, this reaction of the skin is a normal consequence of the homoneal transition. However, anyone who still suffers from it as an adult should find out about other causes and, if necessary, consider special treatment by a dermatologist. As a rule, oil can be released through the pores, which then covers the skin as a protective film. However, if the pores become clogged for various reasons, bacteria can form under the skin, causing pimples, which in severe cases can even lead to scars. Pimples and blemished skin have long been considered the most common skin condition in Germany. However, the prospects for treatment are very good.

Causes

Basically, pimples only develop when sebum, dirt or sweat clog the pores, allowing bacterial infections to form. However, the triggers for pore clogging are many and should be clarified before treatment. Hormonal changes in the body, such as during puberty or pregnancy, are often accompanied by skin blemishes and pimples. However, those who use the wrong cosmetics and may be prone to sensitive skin can also develop pimples. Especially women who use make-up daily should pay attention to oil-free and hypoallergenic cosmetics that do not clog pores. In addition, thorough and regular hygiene is of course essential for deep pore cleansing of the skin. However, heredity may also be a cause of pimples.

Diseases with this symptom

  • Acne
  • Allergy
  • Acne inversa
  • Steroid acne
  • Acne vulgaris
  • Chloracne

Complications

In connection with pimples, as a rule, no complications occur. A pimple is primarily a cosmetic problem and not a health problem. For this reason, pimples do not usually belong in medical treatment. Under certain circumstances, however, even a simple pimple can lead to complications. This is the case, for example, if the affected person tries to squeeze or even lance the pimple. This procedure makes it quite likely that pathogens will get into the pimple and cause it to become inflamed. Such an infection can therefore be a complication resulting from a pimple. In rare cases, such an infection of the pimple can cause bacteria to reach deeper layers of the skin and cause inflammation there as well. In the worst case, this can lead to sepsis. For this reason, squeezing a pimple is not advisable from a medical point of view. Nevertheless, these possible complications should not be a cause for alarm. A conventional pimple that is very common will not lead to complications or problems in most cases as long as it is not treated improperly.

When should you go to the doctor?

As a rule, pimples do not pose any particular health risk to the body and therefore do not need to be treated directly. However, in many cases they look unattractive and not aesthetic. Therefore, the treatment by the doctor should always be carried out if the patient feels uncomfortable because of the pimples or if there are inferiority complexes and decreased self-confidence. Treatment is possible in many cases and leads to a positive course of the disease. Likewise, medical treatment is necessary if the pimples cause pain or induce bleeding. The affected person should also consult a doctor if the pimples occur over a long period of time and do not disappear on their own. In this case, another disease may be the cause of the pimples and should be treated. As a rule, a pharmacy or the family doctor can also be visited for simple pimples.Only in severe cases it is recommended to visit a dermatologist, who can perform a specific treatment.

Treatment and therapy

Before treating pimples, the cause should first be clarified and avoided in the future if possible. After that, there are several ways to get rid of the pimples again. Above all, it is important to use the right means for facial cleansing. A mild washing gel, which at the same time cleanses deep into the pores, is best for irritated and blemished skin. UV light also opens the pores and can lead to a reduction in pimples after a relatively short time. However, UV exposure both in the tanning salon and in the sun should not be overdone. Those who are more prone to pimples can also use a special acne cream that has an antibacterial effect. Antibiotics are also often prescribed by the dermatologist, which help the inflammation under the skin to subside, so that the pimples also recede.

Outlook and prognosis

Outlook and prognosis for pimples crucially depend on the quality and duration of treatment of skin problems. Small skin blemishes that have not become inflamed over a large area usually recede completely even without treatment. In that case, it may be better not to overprotect the skin. If large-area pimples and acne are treated consistently, with products that are tailored to the individual skin type, there is usually a good chance of improving the skin’s appearance. Pimples caused by hormonal changes such as puberty often disappear on their own when the body regains hormonal balance. Until then, however, you should urgently avoid pressing on pimples yourself, because unprofessional handling considerably reduces the prospects of a complete reduction in skin impurities. Improper pressing on pimples can also leave deep damage in the tissue. Thus, scars are formed. In addition, secretion found in pimples spreads to the rest of the pores and can trigger new inflammations. To ensure that pimples have the best possible prognosis, it is better to leave the treatment of skin blemishes to a professional. This can also pass on tips and tricks with which the self patient can be supportive.

Prevention

Pimples can be avoided in many cases, as long as the causes are not hereditary or hormonal. Especially those who are prone to sensitive skin should not only look at the price when choosing the right means for facial cleansing. Cosmetics should also be carefully selected and adapted to the individual skin type. However, when preventing pimples, it is not only the products used for external application that need to be considered. At least as important is a healthy and balanced diet. Those who consume too much fat and eat excessive amounts of sweets, thereby only promote that the pores become clogged, so that pimples form. With a varied diet that provides the body with sufficient vitamins and minerals, on the other hand, pimples can be avoided.

What you can do yourself

In most cases, pimples appear during puberty. During this time, treatment is only possible to a very limited extent. Nevertheless, there are a variety of measures and home remedies that can be used against pimples. Those affected should generally refrain from eating sweet and fatty foods in order to reduce pimples. This also includes abstaining from alcohol, cigarettes and other drugs. A high intake of water leads to the improvement of the symptom in most cases. In general, a healthy lifestyle has a positive effect on the condition. If there is pus in the pimples, it can be carefully removed. The skin can be supported with various care products. These include moisturizing creams. Special creams and ointments against pimples can be purchased at the pharmacy. The drugstore usually offers a good selection of various scrubs and masks for the face. If the pimples appear due to poor personal hygiene, then the body must be washed more often. For pimples after shaving, shaving cream and a razor with fewer blades helps so that the skin is not too irritated by shaving. Salt water also helps against pimples and can prevent their formation. In very severe cases, however, it is worth visiting a doctor, as he can prescribe stronger medication against the pimples.