Acne causes facial pimples on adolescents and adults, although most people get it during their teenage years. The University of Maryland Medical Center estimates that 17 million Americans get pimples at some time point in their lives. Skin cells and dry oil cover hair follicles, trapping liquid oil and bacteria inside. The resulting pimples usually start out mild, but they can develop into large, ugly red bumps.
Types
There are several different types of pimples, and the New Zealand Dermatological Society explains that not all of them develop into red bumps. Comedones are pimples that are usually flesh colored, although they can have a black head. Blackheads are partially open, while whiteheads develop from totally closed pores. Red pimple bumps usually develop from a comedone with a collapsed wall, although they can appear on their own. They take the form of small papules and pustules or larger nodules and cysts.
Cause
The redness in a pimple bump is caused by inflammation. A bacteria called propionibacterium acnes gets into the surrounding skin and attracts white blood cells, according to the New Zealand Dermatological Society. Some people are particularly sensitive to the bacteria, which makes the bumps larger and redder.
Effects
Nodules and cysts are serious because they are large and can persist for several months, according to Acne.org. They are very visible on the face and are often painful. They can keep reappearing in the same spot if they do not heal properly, and they often leave permanent facial scars when they finally disappear.
Treatment
The American Academy of Dermatology states that papules and pustules can usually be treated with store-bought topical products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. It can take up to eight weeks for the redness and swelling to improve significantly. Unresponsive cases may need a combination of two or more treatments. Doctors often use prescription-strength topical creams, antibiotic pills or light therapy. Acne.org advises that dermatologists can treat severe nodules and cysts with cortisone injections. The shots relieve redness and swelling and make permanent scarring less likely.
Prevention
Acne sufferers can often stop mild pimples from developing into big, red bumps with preventative care. The Mayo Clinic recommends combining use of an acne product with gentle face washing once or twice a day and use of water-based cosmetics. Never touch, pick or pop a pimple, because the wall can collapse, leading to a papule, pustule, nodule or cyst.
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