Articles

Pimples are an inflammatory dermal ailment characterized by external skin eruptions that are caused by quick and strong outflow of sebum.This damages the cells lining the sebum canals inside the skin follicles, or by blocking of the skin pores.

When the sebum glands are hyperactive or when they first become active during adolescence and produce large quantities of oil (sebum) the quick outflow of large quantities of this sebum either ends up injuring the cells that line the sebum conduct or the sebum blocks the opening of the follicles (usually called pores).

If the cells covering the sebum canals get injured the body starts an inflammatory reaction to eliminate the problem and if the inflammatory response is uncontrolled as it commonly is you get pus, pain and destruction by your own body not only of the sebum but also some of the nearby cells. If sebum (oil) which normally drains to the surface gets blocked it becomes a rich feeding environment for the growth of bacteria, and here a good pimple treatment comes in handy.

How To Treat Pimples

Different types of acne start the same way. Pimples begin as a microcomedone. Microcomedones become non-inflamed skin lesions named comedones - either a whitehead or a blackhead: When the trapped sebum and bacteria stay below the skin surface, a whitehead is formed. Whiteheads may show up as small white spots, or they may be so small that they are imperceptible to the unaided eye. A blackhead appears when the trapped sebum and bacteria partially open to the surface and turn black due to melanin, the dermal pigment. It is not dirt and can not be washed away. Blackheads can last for a long time because the contents very slowly move to the surface.

A blackhead or whitehead can release its contents to the surface and cure. Or, the cells lining the follicle wall can become damaged and inflammatory acne can appear. These lesions can be caused by random occurrence or by picking at or touching the skin. Once a pimple has formed it is highly possible that you be left with some degree of acne scarring.

Papules: A papule appears when there is an injury in the follicular wall. White blood cells rush in and the pore becomes inflamed.

Pustules: A pustule appears several days later when white blood cells make their way to the surface of the skin. This is what people commonly call a zit or a pimple. An inflamed lesion can sometimes completely collapse or explode, severely inflaming the nearby skin, and sometimes destroying neighboring follicles. These lesions are named nodules or cysts and may require a special acne treatment:

Nodule: When a follicle breaks along the bottom, total collapse can occur, causing a large, inflamed lesion that can be sore to the touch.

Cyst: Sometimes a severe inflammatory response can produce a very large pus filled lesions or cyst. This kind of acne must be attended by a dermatologist.

Different Solution To Different Acne

To find the best treatment you have to remember that every solution is individual, so you need to find what is best for you. Start with something mild first until you find out what works.