What the heck are these pesky things?!
Pimples
Inside the pore are sebaceous glands which produce sebum. When the outer layers of skin shed, the dead skin cells left behind may become bonded together by the sebum. This causes a blockage in the pore, the sebaceous glands produce more sebum which builds up behind the blockage.
Common over-the-counter medications for pimples are benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Both medications can be found in many creams and gels used to treat acne through topical application. Both medications help skin slough off more easily, which helps to remove bacteria faster. A regimen of keeping the affected skin area clean plus the regular application of these topical medications is usually enough to keep acne under control.
Severe acne usually indicates the necessity of prescription medication to treat pimples. Prescription medications used to treat acne include isotretinoin, which is a retinoid. Historically, antibiotics such as tetracyclines and erythromycin were prescribed. While they were more effective than topical applications of benzoyl peroxide, the bacteria eventually grew resistant to the antibiotics and the treatments became less and less effective. Also, antibiotics had more side effects than topical applications, such as stomach cramps and severe discoloration of teeth.
For the severest cases dermatologists may prescribe oral isotretinoin (Accutane), or a vitamin A derivative called Retin-A, which unblocks pores and prevents pimples. This treatment is highly effective but has many side effects, including birth defects in some babies born to women using it.
Some helpful tips are sure to improve the skin:
• Keep your bed linens clean, as dead skin, oil, cosmetics, hair preparations and dirt on the linen will be picked up by your skin while you sleep and help clog pores.
• Products containing benzoyl peroxide are also very beneficial topical cleansing agents. However, if you are using products containing benzoyl peroxide, make extra efforts to screen yourself from the sun.
• A soap with aloe vera is good, too, as aloe is a natural wound healer.
• Allergies to cosmetics may be a cause, too, so if your acne started after using new cosmetics, eliminate them for a week to see if the acne clears up.
• Keep your hands away from your face or other affected areas. They contain oils and bacteria that promote acne. Wash your hands frequently.
• Take a steam shower or boil some water on the stove and put your head over the vapors for a few minutes. This will open up the pores and they can be cleaned out more easily.
• Avoid greasy creams and cosmetics, especially ones that contain oils and dyes, and avoid medications that contain bromides or iodides.
Caution! It is very tempting to pop whiteheads, blackheads and pimples. Whiteheads are clogged pores below the epidermis (outer layer of skin) and should not be squeezed. Blackheads are clogged pores on the surface, and also should not be scrubbed or squeezed, but removed with an extractor that you can buy at a pharmacy. Pimples may be squeezed when they are infected and have yellow pus if the proper procedures are followed. Apply a warm compress to the area for a few minutes to open the pores, then squeeze with a clean tissue until all the pus runs out. This will allow the pimple to heal properly. Using fingernails will promote scarring and may be covered with bacteria that will enter the area and cause inflammation.
