Do you also have a problem with acne? (Pimples) Let's talk about this in detail!

Do you have small, red, and painful pimples on your face, chest, and back? Actually, many people have experienced these pimples. Sometimes, these annoying pimples can appear during school, the day before a special event, or just for fun. So today, let's learn exactly what these pimples are.

Are pimples and acne the same thing?

Many people think that pimples and acne are the same thing. But in fact , acne is a skin condition. Pimples can be one of the symptoms of acne. Simply put, acne is caused by the skin disease acne. This is similar to how a cold is caused by a cold.

Who gets these pimples the most?

Acne is most common in young children, usually between the ages of twelve and early twenties . The main reason for this is the hormonal changes that occur in the body at that time. Did you know that these hormonal changes also cause the skin to become a little oilier? But don't be surprised, sometimes even small children can get acne. In addition, adults who are in their 20s and 30s can continue to get acne. Some people get acne for the first time in their lives after they become adults.

Acne is actually a very common condition . According to some researchers, almost everyone experiences acne at some point in their lives. It is especially common during adolescence. But adults are also susceptible to this condition.

Where on the body do acne occur?

Do you get pimples most often on your face ? Especially on the nose, chin, and forehead (also known as the T-zone) . Sometimes they also appear on the cheeks and around the lips. In addition, you can also see pimples on the neck, chest, back, shoulders, and upper arms . In fact, our skin has oil glands all over our bodies. These glands secrete an oily substance called sebum . This is what keeps our skin and hair moisturized and gives it a shiny appearance. So, although very rarely, pimples can appear on the eyelids (which we call styes ), buttocks, ears, scalp, armpits, and even genital areas (that is, on the penis in men or the labia in women).

Does acne really affect physical health?

Well, acne may not cause much harm to your physical health. However, it can have a huge impact on your mental health. Imagine how you would feel if you had pimples all over your face when you were about to go to an important event. Acne can have a huge impact on how society views us, what we think about ourselves (psychosocially), and our self-confidence and behavior (psychologically). Sometimes acne can cause things like anxiety, depression, mood disorders , and even, in rare cases, suicidal thoughts . So, it's not a good idea to just ignore it.

What are the types of acne and what are the symptoms?

Acne comes in many forms. The symptoms vary depending on what type of acne you have. Let's look at a few of the main types.

• Papules: These are small, red bumps. Sometimes they can become inflamed , feel hot to the touch, and are slightly painful.
• Blackheads: These are those little black dots that look like pimples. What actually happens is that excess oil and dead skin cells get trapped inside the pores of the skin, and the pores open up. We think that the dirt is stuck, but that's not the case. The black color appears because of an irregularity in the way light hits the clogged hair follicle.
• Whiteheads: These are those white, scaly pimples that are covered with skin. They are covered with oil and dead skin cells. Sometimes they are yellowish.
• Nodules: These are larger than regular pimples, located deep under the skin, and look like round or irregularly shaped lumps. They are often painful and take a long time to heal.
• Pustules: These are pus-filled pimples. They look like a whitehead with a red ring around it. If you pop or pick at them, they can cause scarring.
• Cysts: These are the most severe type of acne. They are filled with a thick, yellow or white fluid (pus). This pus is made up of dead white blood cells, tissue debris, and bacteria. Cysts can cause large, deep scars.

Why do we get these pimples?

Sometimes, when our skin comes into contact with something, such as an allergy (irritation), pimples can appear. But when most people think of pimples, they think of acne. As mentioned earlier, we have oil-producing glands, called sebaceous glands, all over our bodies. Pimples form when these sebaceous glands become clogged or inflamed. There are several main reasons for this blockage and inflammation:

• Increased sebum production: This means that the sebaceous glands produce more oil. This can be caused by things like hormonal influences and stress.
• Abnormal production of keratin: Keratin is a protein that helps build our hair, skin, and nails. When it is produced abnormally, it can clog hair follicles and cause acne.
• Bacterial overgrowth on the skin: If certain types of bacteria that naturally exist on our skin (such as Propionibacterium acnes) increase to levels that can cause acne, they can also cause inflammation.

Are acne contagious?

No, acne is not contagious. Acne is not spread through skin-to-skin contact. So if your friend has acne, don't be afraid to talk to them and play with them.

How do I know for sure if I have acne? Do I need to see a doctor?

Acne is a common skin condition that is easy to identify. So you don't necessarily need to see a doctor to find out if you have acne. However, if you do see a doctor, they will do a skin exam to check for acne.

The doctor may then ask you about things like whether you are under a lot of stress and whether anyone in your family has a history of acne, as these are risk factors for developing acne. If you are a woman, they may also ask about your menstrual cycles , as acne is sometimes associated with menstruation.

The most important thing is that if someone over the age of 50 suddenly develops severe acne, it could be a symptom of another underlying condition. In that case, you should definitely seek medical advice.

If you have severe acne, such as those nodules or cysts mentioned earlier, you should definitely see a dermatologist. Dermatologists are doctors who specialize in treating conditions related to the skin, hair, and nails.

How do you get rid of a pimple?

Mild, moderate acne can be treated with some nonprescription medications that can be purchased at the pharmacy without a doctor's prescription. Let's look at some of these medications:

Over-the-counter medications

• Azelaic acid: This is a natural acid found in various grains such as barley, wheat, and rye. It kills microorganisms on the skin and reduces inflammation.
• Benzoyl peroxide: This is also available from pharmacies (for example, under the names Clearasil®, Stridex®, PanOxyl®). The lower concentrations and washes are less irritating to the skin. A common side effect is dry skin.
• Retinoids (made from vitamin A): Retinoids, such as Retin-A®, Tazorac®, and Differin® (adapalene), help prevent clogged pores. These can cause skin discoloration and peeling. These side effects can be reduced by using retinoids every other day or by using them with a moisturizer.
• Salicylic acid: This is also available as a cleanser or lotion for acne at the pharmacy. It helps dissolve dead skin cells and prevent hair follicles from becoming clogged.

Prescription medications & other therapies

If your acne doesn't improve with over-the-counter medications, your doctor may recommend prescription medications, such as antibiotics (oral or topical) and oral hormone replacement .

In addition, there are other treatment methods:

• Chemical peels: This uses a mild chemical solution to remove the top layers of skin and reduce acne.
• Laser skin resurfacing: This involves directing short, focused, pulsed beams of light at the acne-prone areas. These beams of light reduce the amount of oil produced by your sebaceous glands.
• Microdermabrasion: A dermatologist or plastic surgeon uses a special device to "scrape" your skin. This removes the top layers of skin, which helps to clear up the blockages that cause acne.

Be sure to talk to your doctor before trying these treatments, as they can sometimes irritate the skin and make acne worse.

What are some home remedies for acne?

There are also some simple home remedies for acne that you can try. While these home remedies are safe for most people, it's wise to talk to your doctor before trying them, as you may have an allergic reaction.

Let's look at some such home remedies:

• Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil can help prevent or stop the growth of bacteria. Apply a small amount of tea tree oil to a cotton ball and apply it to the affected area. (Applying it directly to the skin can be too harsh for some people, so mix it with something like coconut oil before applying it.)
• Sugar or salt scrubs: Sugar and salt scrubs remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin (exfoliate). Wet your face, apply a sugar or salt scrub to the acne-prone areas, and massage gently in small circular motions for about 30 seconds. Then rinse your face with water. (Once or twice a week is enough.)
• Green tea: Soaked green tea leaves can help reduce oil production in the skin. Green tea is a good antioxidant . Mix dry green tea leaves with a little water and massage the wet leaves into your skin in small circular motions for about 30 seconds. Then wash your face with water.
• Warm compress: A warm compress can increase blood flow to the pimple, helping it heal faster. Soak a clean cloth or small towel in warm water (about 35 degrees Celsius - 95 Fahrenheit) and place it on the pimple. Apply this three to four times a day.
• Ice: Ice reduces blood flow to the area of ​​the pimple, reducing swelling and pain. Place an ice cube or an ice pack wrapped in a cloth on the pimple for at least 10 minutes. Apply ice two to three times a day.

Is it good to squeeze or pop pimples?

It's normal to feel like popping or squeezing a pimple when you see it. It can even give you a little satisfaction. However, it's best not to pop or squeeze pimples. Popping pimples can cause several problems:

• Bacteria entering the pimple: Bacteria from your hands and under your nails can enter the pimple and cause an infection. This can make the pimple bigger, redder, and more painful.
• Skin irritation: Your skin is very sensitive. Your nails are much stronger. When you use too much pressure to pop a pimple with your nails, inflammation can occur. Blemish extractors can also damage the skin. These devices should only be used by a doctor, medical aesthetician, or dermatologist.
• Skin scarring: If you apply too much pressure, it can cause bleeding and serious damage to the skin. If the pimples are deep under the skin, you may not be able to get them out. This can sometimes cause permanent scarring . So, the best advice is to not touch them!

How long does a pimple last?

A pimple usually lasts from three to seven days . Most pimples go away on their own, but it can take a while. Some deep pimples (meaning they don't have a head on top, are hard to touch, and are located deep under the skin) can take several weeks, or even longer, to go away.

The best thing to do is to see a doctor as soon as you start getting acne and follow the treatment instructions he gives you. That way, you can heal it quickly and prevent scarring.

Are there any things you shouldn't eat or drink when you have acne?

In the past, doctors and researchers thought that certain foods, especially skim milk, whey protein, and foods high in sugar (like chocolate, soda, and cakes), could cause acne. However, that may not be true. Research is still unclear about the link between diet and acne. However, some people may find that eating certain foods makes their acne worse. If that's the case for you, try cutting back on those foods.

However, there are some vitamins that help promote healthy skin and also help prevent acne. Among them:

• Vitamin A: Green vegetables (spinach, kale), carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, mangoes, papaya, fish, and liver are good sources of vitamin A.
• Vitamin D: Oily fish (salmon, mackerel, tuna) and foods fortified with vitamin D, such as milk and non-dairy beverages, breakfast cereals, and orange juice, are good sources of vitamin D. Sun exposure is also a good way to get vitamin D.
• Vitamin E: Peanuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, green vegetables, and vegetable oils are good sources of vitamin E.

How do I manage my acne?

If you have acne, you need to be very careful to minimize the damage it causes to your skin. You can do these things:

• Avoid picking, popping, or squeezing pimples. This is the most important thing!
• Be careful of pimples when shaving. Use a sharp blade and cut in the same direction as you shave.
• Keep things that come into contact with your face clean, such as your cell phone (clean the screen regularly), sports helmets, sunglasses, clothing (especially those that hit around your neck), and pillowcases . It's a good idea to change your pillowcase every two to three days.

You can also use over-the-counter acne medications, such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which you can buy at the pharmacy. These come in a variety of forms. The ones that come as a wash are the least irritating to the skin.

Can acne be prevented?

With normal hormonal changes, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to prevent acne. But these tips can help:

• Wash your face once or twice a day with lukewarm water and a mild facial cleanser. Avoid using harsh soaps, as they can dry out your skin and make it more oily.
• Always use a moisturizer that is suitable for your skin, is fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic . Even if you have oily skin, you still need a moisturizer.
• You don't have to stop wearing makeup altogether. But try to use non-comedogenic or oil-free products . Be sure to remove your makeup every night before going to bed.
• Wash your hair regularly – be sure to wash the hairline along your forehead. If your hair is oily, that oil can get on your face and increase acne.
• Avoid getting hair gels and other products on your face.
• Avoid touching your face with your hands as much as possible. Our hands contain a lot of invisible dirt and bacteria.

What can I expect from acne?

Most of the time , acne goes away as you get older. However, some people may have acne problems throughout their lives. Your doctor can help you manage your acne.

When should you see a doctor about acne?

If you suddenly get a lot of pimples , or if your pimples get bigger, change color, or are painful , you should definitely see a doctor. Also, if you haven't had any improvement after a few weeks of taking over-the-counter medications, it's still a good idea to see a doctor.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

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

• How bad is my acne? Is this normal, or is it something I need to pay special attention to?
• Should I see a medical aesthetician or a dermatologist?
• Are there any specific medications you recommend? How should they be used?
• How long do these pimples last? How long does it usually take to heal?
• Do I need more aggressive treatments (e.g. laser, chemical peel)?
• Do I need to make changes to my lifestyle (diet, exercise, sleep)?

What is the difference between a boil and a pimple?

Boils, or furuncles in medical terms, are pus-filled bumps that form deep in the skin. They usually start as a discolored bump. It quickly enlarges and fills with pus. Boils and staph infections are caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus .

These facts will help you distinguish between a pimple and a pimple:

• Normal acne treatments do not cure cysts.
• Boils usually form around cuts or scrapes on the skin.
• Pimples are usually not as painful as cysts, and the skin around a cyst can be very red and swollen.

What is the difference between a cold sore and a pimple?

Cold sores are small, watery sores that appear on the lips and around the mouth . Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) . This virus is highly contagious. Cold sores can be spread easily through saliva or close contact with someone who has a cold sore (often by kissing, sharing eating utensils, drinking straws, towels, or lip balm). A cold sore may feel like a tickling sensation or a burning sensation in the area before it appears.

Pimples do not form on the lips or inside the mouth. They are not spread through saliva or close contact with someone who has pimples.

What is the difference between genital herpes and acne?

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). It causes painful sores in the genital area. Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) . This virus is also very contagious. Genital herpes can be easily spread through saliva, semen, and vaginal fluids, sexual intercourse, and other skin-to-skin contact.

Genital warts are usually not painful. They can appear in areas where underwear or clothing is tight, or where dirt, oil, and sweat clog pores. Genital warts are not spread through sexual intercourse or other skin-to-skin contact.

Acne is a common skin condition that affects many people, especially young people. Because it mainly affects young people, many people think that acne is a normal part of the transition from childhood to adulthood. Therefore, they don't see a doctor about it. However, despite its common nature, it can also seriously affect your mental health and cause permanent skin damage . If you feel that your acne is causing you to have symptoms of anxiety or depression, be sure to talk to your doctor.

So, what are the most important things we should take home from this story? (Take-Home Message)

Okay, we've talked a lot about acne. Finally, here are a few things to remember:

• Acne is very common , especially in young people. But it's nothing to be ashamed of, it happens to everyone.
• Acne occurs due to factors such as hormonal changes, increased oiliness of the skin, dead skin cells, and bacteria .
• Avoid squeezing or popping pimples. This will not only make the condition worse, but it can also cause scarring.
• There are over-the-counter medications for simple acne. However, for severe cases, that is, large, painful, pus-filled pimples, it is essential to seek medical advice.
• Keeping your face clean, eating a balanced diet, and drinking enough water will help control acne.
• If your acne is affecting your mental health (feeling sad, anxious, having trouble coping in society), talk to someone you trust or a doctor about it. It's very important.

Remember, you are not alone in facing this problem. With proper treatment and care, acne can be controlled! May you find the strength to keep your skin healthy!

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