Acne is one of the most common skin conditions which affect the face and the body. A pimple is the result of pores and oil glands getting blocked. There are various reasons for pimples popping up almost anywhere and there could hardly be anyone who has not seen them or has not experienced them. A break or two has been experienced by all during a lifetime. Another impressive aspect about pimples is that they make it a point to appear at all the wrong times: weddings, job interviews, first date, prom and school pictures, etc.

Who are affected by pimples?

There is no age factor when it comes to getting affected by pimples. However, teenagers and young adults are more prone to reoccurrence. At the same time, it has been found that some individuals are vulnerable for most part of their lives. Acne outbreaks can also affect men and women in their 50’s and60’s.

What are the most common types of pimples?

Whiteheads: These types of pimples remain below the surface of the skin.

Blackheads: These pimples have a blackish appearance and are found on the skin surface. Their dark color gives the impression that the cause for their appearance is dirty skin. However, it is far from the truth.

Papules: These appear in the form of small lumps on the skin and are larger in size than the pimples and pink in color. Even a slight touch to these papules elicits a slight, sharp pain.

Pustules: These pimples have a distinctive appearance because they are red at the bottom and yellowish at the top because of the presence of pus.

Nodules: These pimples are solidly imbedded in the skin. They are normally larger in size.

Cysts: This is a type of pimple which is painful as it has pus. Scarring is possible when this pimple appears.

The signs and symptoms of pimples include pain, pus, scarring and intense redness.

What are probable causes of pimples?

•    Hormones

•    Birth control pills

•    Pregnancy

•    Menstruation

•    Heredity

•    Cosmetics

•    Medication

Treatment for pimples:

Vitamins: Vitamin A, Vitamin E, therapeutic zinc and niacin are known to work wonders with pimples as they provide the necessary nourishment to skin to keep it healthy and glowing.

Grandma’s Home Remedies for Pimples:

Fenugreek paste: Ground the leaves of the vegetable and make a fine paste. This paste should be applied at night. In the morning, it should be washed off with warm water. Blackheads, in particular, are known to respond to this treatment.

Orange peel: The skin part of the orange is grounded and mixed with water. This combination works quite effectively in treating pimples.

Lemon: To reduce the size and strength of the pimples, lemon juice should be applied.

Garlic: This is a blood purifier. Eating three garlic cloves would give wonderful results. Rubbing raw garlic on the affected skin several times a day will aid in making the skin clear.

Coriander and Mint juice: Coriander juice mixed with turmeric should be applied to the face every night. Alternatively, mint juice can also replace coriander juice. This is a very helpful herbal remedy to tackle pimples.

Hot Epsom Salt Baths: Hot Epsom salt baths taken twice a week are known as effective treatments for acne.

Cucumber: For the treatment of pimples and blackheads apply grated cucumber over the face, neck and eyes.

Pimple Prevention Tips:

Make it a practice to keep the skin clean by regularly cleaning it with a mild cleanser

Refrain from picking, pinching or squeezing a pimple.

Shaving should be done with caution.

Purchase skin care products which suit your skin.

Almost every face you see has some growths such as whiteheads, blackheads, inflamed red spots, etc. This very common skin condition is called acne and it affects people of all ages including infants. However, it is most common in teenagers since hormonal changes are at their peak, causing increase of oil in the skin.  Acne, though harmless, is an ailment of the hair follicles of the chest, face and back which is the bane of almost all males and females during teenage years. Acne usually appears on the face and shoulders. It can also occur on arms, trunk, buttocks and legs.

Factors that may help acne:

•    Occupation:  Some jobs require exposure to oils and other industrial products which may aid acne formation.

•    Drugs:  Some acne formation is also related to the medications being used for other conditions. Medications containing steroids, iodides, bromides etc. may lead to acne. Anticonvulsant medications can also lead to acne or worsen existing acne.

•    Pressure: Stress and strain from wearing helmets, collars, chin straps, suspenders, etc. can aggravate acne.

•    Cosmetics: Some skin care products and cosmetics tend to block the pores on the skin which may lead to acne. It is preferable to use water based products for the skin.

Factors that are usually not related to the formation or aggravation of acne:

•    Genetic: Except for some very rare cases, normally genetics do not contribute to acne. Parents and their offspring usually do not share the same acne problems.

•    Food: The much maligned pizza, greasy and fried food, chocolates, junk food and others which are to be avoided for fear of acne is far from the truth. These food stuffs are not good for general health but no evidence has been established relating them to acne formation or aggravation.

•    Stress: Stress may not be directly responsible in acne formation. However, acne may cause stress that may lead to the pimples being scratched. This may make the pimples last longer.

•    Dirt: Sweat and dirt do not cause acne. Though keeping the face and body clean is essential, is not necessary to shower immediately after exercising out of fear of acne formation. Excessive washing and drying can end up irritating the skin.

Symptoms:

•    Crusting of skin eruptions

•    Cysts

•    Blackheads

•    Whiteheads

•    Pustules

•    Scarring of the skin

•    Redness around skin eruptions

Skin conditions which are not acne:

•    Rosacea

•    Pseudofolliculitis

•    Folliculitis

•    Gram-negative folliculitis

Self care steps to help clear your acne:

•    Gently clean your skin with a mild soap. Washing is to be limited to once or twice daily. Repeated skin washing and rubbing is the avoided.

•    Hair should be shampooed daily. Hair should be worn in such a way that they are kept out of the face.

•    Scratching, picking, squeezing or rubbing the pimples is to be totally avoided. Though doing these might give relief, it can also lead to infection, scarring and worsening of acne.

•    Touching your face with fingers or hands is to be avoided.

•    Make-up should be removed at night.

•    Water based cosmetics and skin products should be used.

•    Oil based cosmetics and creams should not be used.

•    Caps, hats and wearing of tight bands should be avoided.

Skin oil being the main culprit of acne formation, steps should be taken to reduce the oil:

•    A gentle astringent should be used to clean the oil.

•    Masks with sulfur and other ingredients are helpful in reducing the facial oil.

•    Antibacterial pads with benzoyl peroxide assist in getting rid of the oil.