Pimples - Symptoms & Treatment

A pimple is a result of a blockage of the skin 's pore. Most pimple outbreaks are usually a sign of impending acne , but there are other causes as well, like bacterial folliculitis, keratosis pilaris and other skin problems. If left unattended, they can multiply and lead to severe acne. They can even leave annoying scars on your skin if they are not treated immediately. Pimples usually develop after blackheads or whiteheads become inflamed and infected. Majority of teenagers and adolescents experience pimple outbreaks. This happens when the skin tries to adjust to hormonal changes typically during puberty. However, even adults can have pimples, especially those who are most exposed to dirt and experience a lot of stress. Also women typically develop pimple outbreaks during their menstrual cycle when their hormones surge before or during their menstrual cycle. The sebaceous glands produce more sebum which builds up behind the blockage, and this sebum harbours various bacteria including the species Propionibacterium acnes . Since the body's natural defence against bacteria is primarily phagocytes ( white blood cells ), these rush to the site behind the blockage (where the bacteria are). This is what gives some pimples the 'whiteheads' (unless the Phagocytes are deeper in the skin, which means you can't see the 'white' caused by them). The white blood cells then destroy (by phagocytosis ) the bacteria to prevent infection .

Pimples can be a source of social isolation that can lead to frustration and depression. Acne or pimples is an inflammatory disease of the skin, caused by changes in the pilosebaseous units (skin structures consisting of a hair follicle and its associated sebaceous gland). The most common form of acne is known as "acne vulgaris", which means common acne. Excessive secretion of oils from the glands combine with naturally occurring dead skin cells to block the hair follicles. Oil secretions build up beneath the blocked pore, providing a perfect environment for the skin bacteria Propionibacterium acnes to multiply uncontrolled. In response, the skin inflames, producing the visible lesion. The face, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms are especially affected. Several factors contribute to the onset of pimples. Both adult and teenage acne is usually caused by hormonal changes in the body. Hormonal Acne is very common among young women and some men.

Causes of Pimples

Find common causes and risk factors of Pimples :

• Hormonal changes that take place during puberty.
• Hereditary.
• Blockage of external skin pores.
• Menstrual periods.
• High stress levels.
• Pregnancy .

Signs and Symptoms of Pimples

Sign and symptoms may include the following :

• Red spots, swelling or lumps filled with pus around the affected area.
• Pain and itching around the affected area.
• Social problems.
• Psychological Trauma.
• Inflamed fluid-filled lumps under the skin which is known as cysts.

Homemade recipes of pimples treatment:

• Take ground drumstick pods and leaves. Mix together well with few drops of lime juice. Make a paste and apply on pimples.
• Fresh mint juice is a good treatment for pimples. Apply fresh mint juice over the face before going to the bed.
• Juice of raw papaya is the best treatment for pimples. Apply fresh juice of raw papaya on pimples and get a good result.
• You should use the lightest-weight moisturizer and avoid overmoisturizing the skin.
• Take two teaspoon of roasted and pomegranate powder and 8-10 drops of lemon juice. Make a paste and apply it on affected areas of your face.
• Mix lemon juice into a full glass of boiled milk. Apply as a face wash regularly. It is a good face wash for pimples.
• Take equal amount of lemon juice and groundnut oil. Mix and form a paste. Apply on face and leave for about 15 minutes and wash off with water. It is good for prevent pimples.