What are
Pimples are caused by a bacterial infection - which results in inflammation - involving the hair follicles and the peri-follicular tissue.
Pimples can occur either individually or in groups, giving rise to the so-called "crawl space" which is characterized by the presence of an intense inflammatory component.
Features
The boils appear as a reddened protuberance with a central part containing necrotic tissue, surrounded by a hard and painful nodular infiltrate. As time goes by, the size of the pimple may increase and pus may appear at the top of the pus.
Causes
In the skin there are numerous pores, in turn connected to the glands that produce sebum, a fatty and greasy substance. The sebum present in it exerts a protective action against the skin by covering it with a thin layer which also has the function of nourishing, moisturizing, lubricating and making the skin more elastic.
It can happen that the aforesaid fat is produced in excess and goes to obstruct the pores, interacting with the bacteria present on the skin (generally, staphylococci and streptococci). In this way an inflammatory response is generated with the consequent formation of the boil or pustule.
However, it should be noted that the pore obstruction does not always evolve into a boil. For example, if the mixture of fat and germs comes into contact with the air, black spots form due to a chemical reaction of pigmentation.
The hyperproduction of sebum can be caused by several factors, among which those of genetic origin and those of hormonal origin stand out.
In some cases, however, the formation of a pimple can be connected to the presence of an ingrown hair or a foreign body in the hair follicle.
Incidence
Furuncles can occur in male and female individuals of any race and of any age.
However, the disorder manifests itself with greater incidence in people with impaired immune systems (which can lead to the uncontrolled growth of microorganisms that live on the skin surface) and during puberty.
During puberty, in fact, due to the increase in hormone levels, the sebaceous glands increase the amount of sebum produced. In particular, while estrogens have protective effects against acne, androgens stimulate the hyperactivity of the sebaceous glands. For this reason boils and acne are common side effects of anabolic steroids.
Treatment
Generally, boils tend to heal spontaneously. However, in some cases it may be necessary to resort to pharmacological therapies (antibiotics for topical use) which must be prescribed by the doctor.
In particularly serious cases, on the other hand, incision of pimples may be necessary. Of course, the incision of a boil must be performed by a doctor; the correct procedure involves performing a small incision (with a needle or a syringe) on top of the pimple. If this operation is carried out autonomously (option definitely not recommended) it is good to wash your hands thoroughly and use a sterile gauze by exerting a slight pressure with your fingers (in this way the capillary rupture is avoided and the risk of infection is removed).
Useful Tips
How to prevent and fight boils
To prevent the onset of boils, as well as to counter those that have already occurred and to prevent new ones from appearing, it is often enough to adopt simple behavioral measures and make small changes in one's lifestyle.
However, it is good to remember that two main factors influence the appearance of pimples: the inheritance of the pathology and the hormonal balance. Therefore in some subjects, despite the respect of the advices reported in this article, the pimples can however appear with a certain frequency.
However, the following are the main tips to help combat and prevent the onset of boils.
Behavioral measures
- Avoid crushing or squeezing the pimples: in this way the material that comes out can transmit the infection to the surrounding pores causing the formation of new pimples
- For the same reason it is good to avoid scratching or touching the affected area even in the presence of itching (the hands are particularly rich in bacteria and can make the infection worse);
- Pimples can only be crushed when they have the characteristic yellow blister on the surface. The accumulation of pus can in these cases delay the healing process and increase the risk of scarring.
Personal hygiene and skin cleansing
- Maintain good personal hygiene, wash your face 2-3 times a day, without exaggerating with washes. Excessive skin cleansing risks drying the skin stimulating it to increase oiliness and boils.
- The cleansers clean the pores in depth facilitating the elimination of the grease and preventing this from obstructing them and infecting them.
- For a correct skin hygiene it is sufficient to use water and soap; in the most serious or particular cases it is good to use specific products under the advice of a specialized doctor (dermatologist).
- The products used must not be aggressive, so as not to excessively dry the skin. It is a good idea to experiment with any side effects of a new cream with a test application on the arm.
- Avoid creams and greasy or oil-based cosmetics because they can increase the greasiness of the skin and favor the proliferation of pimples.
- After washing, dry gently, without rubbing and dabbing with a soft towel.
- Wash your hair regularly as bacteria accumulate between them. For the same reason it is good to avoid covering the pimples with hair because the bacteria present in them can increase the risk of infection.
Lifestyle
- Exercise and sweating promote the opening of the pores and the elimination of toxins, thus preventing the proliferation of pimples.
- Avoid or reduce stress, both physical and mental, and take care of nutrition: this eliminates some risk factors that contribute to the formation of pimples.
For more information, see also: Acne and Remedies for Pimples
