Do you also get small red pimples (Acne Papules) on your face? Let's talk about this!

Do you also have small, red, itchy, and sometimes painful blisters on your face, neck, or chest? They look like pimples without pus. This may be familiar to many people. Today, let's talk about a type of acne called 'Acne Papules'. Let's take a closer look at what these are, why they form, and how to treat them.

What exactly are these 'acne papules'?

Simply put, acne papules are firm, slightly swollen bumps that appear on your skin. They are usually conical in shape. What's special is that they don't have a white or yellow pus-filled tip like some other pimples. They are just red, sometimes the same color as your skin.

These warts are usually smaller than one centimeter (cm). As for the color, they can be the same color as your skin, or they can be red, brown, or even purple. They feel like a small lump when touched.

Who is most likely to develop acne papules?

Acne papules are most common in children and young adults , during times of hormonal changes. However, some adults can also develop acne in their 20s, 30s, and even later. Not surprisingly, some people may develop them for the first time as adults.

How common are these?

Acne papules are actually very common . Some researchers say that almost everyone will experience them at some point in their lives. They are most common in young people. However, don't forget that adults can also develop them.

Where do acne papules appear on the body?

Acne papules are most likely to appear on your face (especially your nose, chin, and forehead), neck, back, chest, shoulders, and upper arms . However, they can also appear on other parts of the body.

What are the symptoms of acne papules?

Acne papules are an inflammatory form of acne. That is, they are small bumps on the skin that are accompanied by redness. As mentioned earlier, these are visible even though they do not have a pus-filled bump.

As features:

• Sometimes it's red .
• It hurts a little when touched (tender) .
• Sometimes you may feel pain .
• Some people may also feel an itch or burning sensation .

Imagine, your friend has a pimple on his face that is red, slightly swollen, and painful to the touch. But there is no visible pus. That's what this papule is like.

Why do these acne papules form? What are the causes?

Now let's see why these acne papules form. There could be several reasons why you might be experiencing this condition.

• Excessive oil production by the sebaceous glands: Our skin has small glands that produce oil. When these glands produce too much oil, they can clog the pores of the skin. That's when these problems start.
• Excess bacteria on the skin: Our skin naturally contains bacteria. But sometimes, if these bacteria grow too much, it can also cause chickenpox.
• Androgens: Androgens are a group of sex hormones. They help with puberty, reproductive health, and body growth. Everyone has these hormones in their bodies, but men have them in higher amounts. Testosterone is the main androgen. Changes in these hormone levels can also cause acne.
• Certain medications: Certain medications you take, such as corticosteroids and anabolic steroids, can also cause chickenpox.

Are these acne papules contagious?

No, acne papules are not contagious . Even if you touch someone, even if there is skin-to-skin contact, these will not be passed on to the other person. So don't worry about it.

How do you recognize these acne papules? Do you need a doctor?

Acne Papules are actually easy to identify by their appearance . So there is no rule that you should see a doctor right away to identify them. However, your doctor can examine your skin and tell you for sure whether these are acne papules or something else and provide the necessary treatment.

If you see a doctor, they may ask you if you have a lot of stress or if anyone in your family has had acne problems . These are also risk factors. If you menstruate, they may also ask about your menstrual cycle. Sometimes, acne papules can increase with your menstrual cycle.

If you have severe acne papules, it's best to see a dermatologist. Dermatologists are doctors who specialize in diseases of the skin, hair, and nails.

Okay, how do you get rid of these acne papules? What are the treatments?

If acne papules are not too severe, they can be treated with some over-the-counter medications that you can buy from the pharmacy without a doctor's prescription.

Nonprescription medications

• Azelaic acid: This is a natural acid found in grains like barley, wheat, and rye. It kills microorganisms on the skin and reduces inflammation.
• Benzoyl peroxide: This is available as a gel or wash at the pharmacy (e.g., Clearasil®, Stridex®, PanOxyl®). It targets the bacteria on the surface of the skin that cause acne. Low-strength products and washes are less harsh on the skin. However, they can cause side effects, such as drying out the skin.
• Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives): Retinoids (e.g., Retin-A®, Tazorac®, Differin® - these are now available over-the-counter) can help break up acne and prevent clogged pores. However, they can cause skin discoloration, dryness, and peeling. These side effects can be minimized by using retinoids every other day or by using them with a moisturizer.
• Salicylic acid: This can also be purchased at the pharmacy as a cleanser or lotion. It helps remove the top layer of damaged skin. Salicylic acid dissolves dead skin cells, preventing them from clogging your hair follicles.

Prescription medications

If your acne papules don't get better with over-the-counter medications, a doctor may recommend medications like these:

• Antibiotics: A doctor may prescribe a pill to take with water. Tetracycline or a macrolide antibiotic is effective.
• Anti-androgens: These medications block the effects of sex hormones called androgens. These hormones are what cause acne papules to develop.
• Dapsone: This is a gel that is applied to the skin. It also has antibacterial properties. It should be applied to the acne papules twice a day.
• Oral contraceptives: Birth control pills (e.g. Estrostep®, Beyaz®, Ortho Tri-Cyclen®, Yaz®) can sometimes help with acne papules because they help balance hormones.

Are there any home remedies?

Yes, there are some simple home remedies that can help with acne papules. However, these do not work for everyone. Some people may experience allergies. Therefore, it is best to consult your doctor or dermatologist before trying these.

Here are some such remedies:

• Apple cider vinegar: The acetic acid in this kills bacteria. If you have sensitive skin, this can dry out your skin and cause irritation. So it's best to mix it with a little water (equal amount of water) and use it. Soak a cotton ball and apply it to the pimple.
• Green tea: Stewed green tea leaves have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce oil production in the skin. Dampen some dried green tea leaves with water and massage the leaves in circular motions over the pimples for about 30 seconds. Then wash your face with water.
• Honey: Honey contains an enzyme called catalase. It reduces minor inflammation. Apply some unrefined honey to the blister. Since it is sticky, you can also put a bandage on top.
• Ice: Ice reduces blood flow to the area, which can reduce swelling and pain. Wrap an ice cube or ice pack in a thin cloth and place it on the chickenpox for about 10 minutes. You can do this two or three times a day.
• Lemon juice: The citric acid in lemon juice also kills bacteria. Soak a cotton ball in it and apply it to the pimple. However, if you have sensitive skin, lemon juice can cause irritation and can cause more problems when exposed to the sun. So be careful.
• Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil can help stop or prevent the growth of bacteria. Apply a small amount to a cotton ball and apply it to the wart.

Is it good to squeeze these acne papules?

Oh, don't squeeze those acne papules! Sometimes you may feel like squeezing them when you feel a lot of pressure inside your skin. But it's not a good idea to do that. Because,

• There is no way to get it out .
• If you squeeze, the skin can be broken and bacteria can enter , which can lead to an infection.
• Your skin may become even redder and more swollen . Your skin is very sensitive, and your nails are even stronger. If you try to squeeze it with your nails, you will damage the skin.
• It can cause scars . Squeezing too hard can cause serious damage to the skin and leave scars that will never go away. So, no matter how much you want to squeeze, it's best not to do it.

Do acne papules go away on their own?

Most of the time, acne papules go away on their own , but it can take some time. They usually clear up within three to seven days, but sometimes they can take several weeks.

How to take care of acne papules?

If you have acne papules, take care of these things to prevent them from getting worse and heal quickly:

• Avoid touching or picking at it frequently. If you spread germs on your hands, it can make things worse.
• Be very careful when shaving. Be careful not to injure your skin.
• Keep things that come into contact with your face clean. For example, clean your phone, helmet, sunglasses, clothes, and pillowcases regularly.

What can be done to reduce the formation of acne papules?

It's difficult, if not impossible, to completely prevent acne papules that come with hormonal changes. However, these habits can help:

• Wash your face daily with lukewarm water and a mild facial cleanser.
• Always use a non-comedogenic moisturizer.
• You don't have to stop wearing makeup. But try to use products that are labeled "non-comedogenic." Be sure to remove makeup at the end of the day.
• Wash your hair regularly.
• Be careful not to get hair products on your face.
• Avoid constantly bringing your hands to your face.

What else should you consider about acne papules?

Acne papules often go away by the time you're young. But some people have to deal with them for the rest of their lives. Don't worry. Your doctor, medical aesthetician, or dermatologist can help you manage your acne papules.

When should I see a doctor?

The best thing to do is to see a doctor and start treatment as soon as you notice that you have acne papules. That way, you can heal faster.

What questions should you ask the doctor?

When you go to see a doctor, you can ask these questions:

• Are my acne papules serious?
• Should I see a medical aesthetician or a dermatologist?
• What kind of medicine do you recommend that can be purchased at the pharmacy?
• What prescription medications should be recommended?
• Will I need more severe treatment?

What is the difference between a papule, a pustule, a nodule, and a macule?

These are slightly different skin conditions. Let's take a look at what they are.

• Difference between Papule and Pustule:

A papule is a raised, hard, swollen bump, as we've discussed, but it doesn't have a pus-filled tip .

But a pustule is, as you may have seen, a white or yellow pimple with a pus-filled tip . Sometimes a papule can later become a pustule.

• Difference between Papule and Nodule:

Nodules are a slightly more serious type of acne than papules. They are larger than papules, feel deeper under the skin, and are more likely to hurt . They may require medical treatment.

• Difference between Papule and Macule:

A papule is a type of acne. A macule is a flat, discolored area on the skin. That is, it is not raised above the skin level and cannot be felt. These can occur for a variety of reasons, for example, as a scar left after a pimple has healed.

So if you also have this problem of acne papules, don't worry. This is something that many people have. If managed properly, it is not difficult to maintain beautiful skin.

The most important things to remember (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so, I hope you have a good understanding of Acne Papules from what we have discussed. Finally, here are some important things to remember:

• Acne papules are a type of non-pus-filled, red, swollen pimple .
• These are not contagious .
• Never squeeze acne papules . Doing so can cause scarring.
• Keep your face and skin clean.
• If over-the-counter medications don't help, definitely see a doctor . A dermatologist is best.
• Acne papules can be controlled with the right treatment and good skin care habits .

So, take care of your skin. If you have any concerns, don't hesitate to consult a doctor.

` Acne, chickenpox, skin diseases, facial acne, teenage acne, hormones, skin care