Types of Pimples

Pimples (also known as Acne or Zits) are a common skin condition caused by clogged or inflamed oil glands or an increased presence of pimple-causing bacteria on your skin. They’re a symptom of acne, and there are many different types, including blackheads, whiteheads, cysts and others.

OVERVIEW

Six different types of pimples.
What are pimples?

Pimples are small growths on the surface of your skin. They may become inflamed or discoloured.

Acne typically causes pimples to develop, most commonly on:

• pimples on face
• pimples on chest                                                                
• pimples on shoulders
• pimples on upper back
• pimple on lip
  
• pimple on butt (butt pimples)
• pimples on neck 
  
• pimple around mouth
• pimple under eye
• pimple under armpit 
  
• pimple on upper lip
• pimple on lip line
• pimples on arms 
  
• pimple on eyebrow
• pimple on hand
• pimple in nose
    

What’s the difference between acne and pimples?

Acne is a disease. Pimples may be a symptom of acne.

Who do pimples affect?

Pimples typically affect teenagers (adolescents) and young adults undergoing hormonal changes. However, they can affect babies, and many adults continue to have pimples into their 20s, 30s and beyond. Some even develop pimples for the first time as adults.

How common are pimples?

Pimples are very common. Some researchers suggest that pimples affect nearly everyone at some time during their lives. They’re most common during adolescence, but adults may have them, too. 

SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES

What are the symptoms of pimples?

There are many types of pimples, and the symptoms depend on which kind you have. These include:

• Blackheads: These are open pores on your skin that contain excess oil and dead skin. It looks like there’s a speck of dirt or a dark spot in the bump. But irregular light reflection off the clogged follicle causes the dark spots.
• Whiteheads: These are bumps that remain closed by oil and dead skin. They’re white or yellowish in appearance.
• Pustules: These are pus-filled pimples that look like whiteheads surrounded by discoloured rings. Picking or scratching your pustules can cause scarring.
• Papule: These are small bumps that may become inflamed (warm to the touch and painful).
• Papules: These are rounded or unusually shaped masses. They may be deep in your skin, and they’re often painful.
• Cysts: These are pimples filled with a thick, yellow or white fluid composed of dead white blood cells, small pieces of tissue and bacteria (pus). Cysts can cause scars.

What causes a pimple to form?

Sometimes, skin gets irritated by things it comes in contact with and pimples develop. Most people think of acne when they think of pimples. Oil glands (sebaceous glands) are located all over your body. Clogs or inflammation in your sebaceous glands cause pimples to form. Clogs and inflammation can occur as a result of:

• Increased sebum (oily material produced by the sebaceous gland) production.
• Abnormal formation of keratin (the protein that helps make your hair, skin and nails).
• Increased presence of bacteria on your skin that causes pimples.

Are pimples contagious?

Pimples aren’t contagious. You can’t spread them to another person through skin-to-skin contact. 

Should I squeeze or pop my pimples?

Popping pimples can be very tempting — and satisfying. However, it’s best if you don’t squeeze or pop your pimples. Squeezing pimples can cause several problems, including:

• Introducing bacteria into the pimple opening. Bacteria can cause an infection.
• Irritating your skin. Your skin is sensitive, and your nails are much stronger than your skin. When you use your nails to apply a lot of pressure to your skin to pop a pimple, you can cause inflammation. Pimple-popping tools (blemish extractors) can also damage your skin. Only a healthcare provider, medical aesthetician or dermatologist should use these tools.
• Scarring your skin. You can draw blood and seriously damage your skin if you apply too much pressure. If pimples are deep in your skin, you may not even extract them.

How long do pimples last?

Pimples usually last between three and seven days. Most pimples go away on their own, but it may take some time. Deep pimples (pimples under your skin with no head that may feel hard to the touch) may take a few weeks to go away, if not longer.

It’s better to see your healthcare provider at the first sign of pimples and follow their treatment suggestions. 

The Dermasure Range offers a combination of three products for this purpose, which is also known as the Dermasure Acne-Prone Pack.

1. Kleerzit Facial Cleanser | 150ml

Kleerzit Facial Cleanser contains a mild Salicylic Acid base in a non-irritant foam base, ideally suited for exfoliation and the deep cleansing of blocked skin-pores.

Exfoliating can often result is the feeling dryness, which will be resolved when applying the Hydration Moisturising Cream.

2. Dermaclens Skin Cleanser | 150ml

Dermaclens Skin Cleanser is a gentle fragrance-free cleansing lotion and often used in combination with Kleerzit.

These two products can be alternated mornings and evenings, daily or even weekly. It all depends on your personal preferences.

3. Hydration Moisturising Cream | 75ml

Hydration Moisturising Cream is essential, especially after a thorough cleaning of the skin. The importance of moisturizing is to replenish and moisturise the skin, without (re)blocking the skin pores.

Hydration Moisturising Cream is formulated to be completely absorbed upon application, leaving the skin silky smooth and without any greasiness.

4. Acne Treatment Pack

For more, please find our Acne Blog 

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