Acne-related skin blemishes are embarrassing, but the New Zealand Dermatological Society estimates that most teenagers have pimples between ages 16 and 18, and 15 percent of women and 5 percent of men still get them in adulthood. The blemishes are usually temporary and treatable, but some pimples leave permanent scars behind.
Cause
Acne is a common skin problem characterized by several types of blemishes, collectively known as pimples. It can happen at any age, but the New Zealand Dermatological Society explains that it most often afflicts teenagers because of their rising hormone levels. The skin converts the hormones to dihydrotestosterone, which enlarges oil glands and makes them produce more sebum. This substance often combines with dead skin cells and blocks pores, causing pimples. They commonly break out on the face, but they can appear on any skin area that has oil glands.
Types
Acne blemishes can be mild or severe, depending on the pimple type. The American Academy of Dermatology explains that blemishes start out as blackheads or whiteheads, which are partially or completely blocked pores. These blemishes are usually mild, but they can get inflamed if bacteria is also trapped in the pore. Acne.org warns that minor blemishes can develop into pustules or papules if the pore wall breaks and gets flooded with white blood cells. A complete wall breakdown leads to serious, deep blemishes called nodules or cysts.
Treatment
Mild blemishes can usually be prevented from developing into inflamed pimples if they are properly treated. MayoClinic.com explains that store-bought products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide as the main ingredient usually control mild acne. There are prescription-strength options for worse cases, and some doctors also give oral antibiotics along with a topical product.
Prevention
Pimples are difficult to prevent completely because they come from hormones rather than lifestyle factors. MayoClinic.com recommends combining consistent treatment with careful face washing that does not irritate the skin. Harsh cleansers and vigorous scrubbing inflames and worsens the blemishes. Picking or popping them also aggravates them. The New Zealand Dermatological Society advises that acne usually goes away on its own by age 25.
Warning
The worst acne blemishes often come after pimples have healed, as severe acne can leave permanent scars. Cystic pimples pose the worst risk. The American Academy of Dermatology explains that leftover blemishes can usually be removed. This is done in various ways, such as dermabrasion, skin peels, fillers and surgery, depending on the scar's severity and location.
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