Age: Pimples or Acne appears more commonly in adolescence. It generally tends to reduce in severity with age, however, if there is an underlying hormonal issue it may persist or increase with age.

Symptoms: Pimple involves the sebaceous glands over the face. Apart from face, they can present over chest, back and thighs. Skin coloured solid raised bumps appear on and off over the face. They can get infected resulting in pus filled boils. Comedones are common and they can be black heads or white heads. It may be associated with excess body hair, overweight, hair fall, infertility etc. if it there are underlying hormonal imbalances.

Causes: Sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone androgens) are the circulating chemical substances, that influence the growth of sebaceous glands and its secretions. There is no relation between the onset of pimple and consumption of food items and oils.

Complications: Most common complications following pimple is pigmentation and scarring. Mentally it can be very depressing.

Treatments: Various anti acne face washes, antibiotic creams like Erythromycin, Azithromycin, Clindamycin and comedolytics like Benzyl peroxide, Retinoic acids, Adapelene with various concentrations are available for its treatment. Pigmentation following pimple can be managed with various skin lightening creams and/or skin lightening lasers and chemical peels.

Surgical procedures like acne scar revision are done to minimize the post acne scar. The latest and most effective treatment for post acne scars is the fractional carbon dioxide laser which gives very good results under professional hands.

The acne should not be manipulated or pricked, and any creams given by friends or chemist or any home remedies should not be applied over the acne. Acne is an age related problem. It should not be considered as a disease and do not worry about the condition as stress increases the problem and good treatment options are available.

Please contact your nearest dermatologists who can advice appropriate treatment and adhere to his/her instructions.

Recommended Read: Try Acne Home Treatments Before Visiting Skin Experts

FAQ – Pimple

1. Why do I get Pimple?

A. Acne develops commonly over the face. Chest, back and thigh are also involved. The circulating chemical substances called hormones will influence the growth of sebaceous glands and its secretions. Infection and blockage of sebaceous ducts will result in the development of acne.

2. What foods do I need to avoid?

A. There is no definite relationship between acne and diet. However, high glycemic loads, dairy products, and refined sugar products can flare. One need not be anxious on this issue.

3. I get acne frequently, is there a hormone defect in me?

A. There should not be any anxiety. Acne although more frequent in adolescents it can appear in any age group. A dermatologist can examine and treat accordingly.

4. I have acne, pigmentation and scar over the face. Will it be treated?

A. Acne causes pigmentation and scarring. Topical antiacne and skin lightening agents are available that can effectively treat acne and pigmentation. Surgical procedures and excellent lasers to correct acne induced scars are available. Well trained dermatologists practice these surgical procedures.

5. I get acne from several years. What I should do?

A. Acne causes remissions and exacerbations. Your dermatologist should have advised maintenance anti acne treatment that you need to take. Please adhere to his advice.

6. My neighbour had suggested creams for the management of acne. Shall I follow the advise?

A. It is one of the commonest mistakes followed by the public that results in unscientific and undesirable response. These creams contain steroids in various strengths. The temptation to use such creams is due to the immediate temporary relief observed over the applied areas. Sustained use of these steroid based creams result in topical steroid-dependent face (TSDF). It means there will be reddish discolouration over the face with severe itching and burning. Multiple white patches and wrinkles can appear. There can be pus filled lesions and increased unwanted hair growth over the applied areas of skin. Public are advised to be careful and not to accept such suggestions from unqualified persons.