Pimples are caused by blocked pores and can be treated before or after appearing. Avoid popping them as it can lead to infections and scarring. Keeping skin clean and reducing stress can help prevent them. See a doctor for severe or painful pimples.
A pimple, also called a blemish or “pimple,” is a small swelling on the skin caused by a blocked pore. Recurring or multiple pimples are called acne. Many people find imperfections unsightly and try to avoid them if possible. There are several ways to treat pimples before they appear, and there are also some options for dealing with them after they appear. As with any type of medical condition, severe or painful pimples should be treated by a doctor.
A pimple forms when dead skin tries to peel off but can’t, due to a blockage in the skin pores. Commonly such disruptions are caused by overproduction of the sebaceous glands, which normally work to keep the skin healthy. Dirt and infection in a pore can also lead to a blockage, which will cause a blemish. In some cases, the lesion may fill with pus.
Many people instinctively want to pop a pimple when they see one. This is actually not recommended, as it can drive blockage and infectious material further into the skin, leading to painful infections and unsightly scarring. Only pimples and blackheads should have popped up, while red pus-filled pimples should be left alone. When a blemish is trimmed or extracted, it should be done under sterile conditions, to reduce the risk of infection, and a dermatologist or esthetician should ideally perform the extraction.
To avoid pimples, keeping your skin clean is the best step. Clean skin is less likely to break out, as regular washing and using an exfoliator will remove the dead skin and dirt that has built up. There may be some dietary changes that can be made to reduce blemishes, such as eating less fats and oils, although a clear link between diet and acne hasn’t been established, and it could be different for different people. Avoiding stress is also a good way to reduce the likelihood of breaking out.
Once pimples emerge, they should be left alone and allowed to run their course naturally. In most cases, the injury will heal after a few days. Try to avoid touching or irritating the pimple, and use clean hands if you must touch it. Don’t cover the stain with makeup, as this can increase the severity of the blockage. If the lesion does not go away, or becomes larger, painful, or obviously irritated, see a dermatologist.
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