All people across the world, regardless of gender or age, have experienced pimples at some point in their lives. Although most commonly known to occur during adolescence, many people can still have pimples into adulthood. Understanding what causes pimples is essential in managing them effectively.
The Root Causes
Pimples or acne are formed when the hair follicles in the skin become blocked with sebum and dead skin cells. Sebaceous glands attached to the hair follicles produce sebum, an oily substance that helps keep our skin hydrated. Our skin rejuvenates itself continually by shedding old skin cells. Under normal conditions, these dead skin cells rise to the surface of the pore and fall away.
However, things get complicated when the body produces an excess amount of sebum and dead skin cells. These substances can accumulate and stick together to form a plug in the follicle, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. The bacteria Propionibacterium acnes can exploit this situation, leading to infection and inflammation — the dreaded pimple.
Factors that Worsen Acne
While sebum production and skin cell regeneration are physiological processes, certain factors can exacerbate them and lead to acne breakouts.
- Hormones: Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy, or menstrual cycles, can lead to increased sebum production.
- Diet: Certain foods like dairy products or high-glycemic foods can trigger breakouts in some people.
- Stress: Stress is known to worsen acne. However, the exact mechanism connecting stress and acne is not well understood.
- Pressure or Friction: Constant pressure or friction on the skin caused by items like phone or glasses, or wearing tight clothing, can also lead to breakouts.
Pimple vs Hidradenitis Suppurativa
It’s vital not to confuse regular acne with a condition called Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS). HS is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by recurrent, painful abscesses and nodules in areas like the armpits, groin, and underneath the breasts. They may resemble pimples but are usually more significant and much more painful. They occur when hair follicles become blocked and inflamed but is not caused by the P.acnes bacteria or sebum overproduction. It’s more due to the volatile immune response, genetic predisposition, hormonal fluctuations, and lifestyle factors.
It’s essential that patients do not mistake this for regular pimples and self-treat as the methods of treatment are significantly different. Consulting with a dermatologist, preferably the best doctor for hidradenitis suppurativa, is highly recommended in such cases. An HS-specialized doctor will understand the unique characteristics and treatment regimens for the disease.
Treating Pimples
The treatment of pimples involves reducing sebum production, speeding up skin cell turnover, fighting bacterial infection, and reducing inflammation. This can be achieved with a combination of lifestyle changes, effective skincare routine, over-the-counter products, prescription medications, and even certain minor medical procedures. However, it’s always recommended to consult a dermatologist before starting any treatment regimen.
Conclusion
Understanding what causes pimples is the first step towards effectively treating them and improving our skin health. Acne is a common, manageable condition, while hidradenitis suppurativa, although similar in appearance, is much more severe and requires specific medical intervention. As with any medical concern, seeking professional advice is always the best course of action.