Pimples: Causes and Treatments

Pimples: Causes and Treatments

Pimples are a common skin condition caused by clogged or inflamed oil glands or an increased presence of pimple-causing bacteria on your skin. They’re a symptom of acne, and there are many different types, including blackheads, whiteheads, cysts and others.

Causes 

Pimples my occur in your face when:

• your follicles produce too much oil
• dead skin cells accumulate in your pores
• bacteria build up in your pores
• hormonal changes due to pregnancy or puberty
• cleansers, creams, moisturizers, and other beauty products with high oil content

Treatments 

Benzoyl peroxide: This is available as an over-the-counter product (such as Clearasil®, Stridex® and PanOxyl®) as a leave-on gel or wash.

Salicylic acid: This is available over the counter for pimples as a cleanser or lotion. It helps remove the top layer of damaged skin.

Azelaic acid: This is a natural acid found in various grains such as barley, wheat and rye. 

Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives): Retinol, such as Retin-A®, Tazorac® and Differin®, which is available without a prescription, breaks up blackheads and whiteheads and helps prevent clogged pores, the first signs of acne.

Antibiotics: Topical antibiotics like clindamycin and erythromycin control surface bacteria that aggravate and cause pimples. 

Sources: clevelandclinic.org,healthline.com