Pimple Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Acne (acne) is a disorder of the skin associated with excess oil (sebum) production. This causes inflammation and blockage of the skin pores. Inflammation is characterized by the appearance of small lumps (which sometimes contain pus) on the skin. This skin disorder is common in parts of the body with the most oil glands, namely on the face, neck, upper chest, and back.
In adolescents, acne is more common in men than women. However, when entering young adulthood, acne occurs more easily in women than men. Generally, acne occurs at the age of 14-17 years in women, 16-19 years in men. Although it does not rule out that acne can also be present at a more mature age.
Basically, acne is not a dangerous disease. This is a common condition that can happen to anyone. However, acne can leave scars (acne scars), namely scar tissue due to imperfect acne healing. This often reduces the self-confidence of people who experience it.
Symptom
Basically, acne has fairly common symptoms, namely small bumps (papules) that appear on the skin. The lump is usually reddish or yellow (because it contains pus).
In addition, there are several other signs of acne. Like a hot/burning sensation due to inflammation and itching. In addition, there are also typical symptoms of acne in the form of blackheads.
Blackheads are small bumps that contain sebum plugs. When it is black it is called blackheads (blackheads). While the white ones are called whiteheads (whiteheads). Whiteheads are located deeper than blackheads.
Reason
There are many factors that can trigger acne formation. But in general, acne can be triggered due to the following conditions:
- Excess oil production. One important factor that causes acne is the increased production of the hormone testosterone, which is owned by the body of both men and women. The hormone testosterone triggers acne by stimulating the oil glands to produce excess skin oil (sebum).
- Hormonal cycle. Everyone will certainly go through a period of changing hormonal cycles, especially when entering puberty. When this happens, hormone production can stimulate excess oil production. In addition, the hormonal cycle also occurs during a woman’s menstrual period.
- genetic factor. Hereditary factors can also be a cause of acne. That is, if one parent has acne problems, then their child also has the risk of experiencing the same thing.
- Bacteria. If the excess oil produced by the skin becomes infected with bacteria, pimples can grow easily. This bacterial infection is also what usually causes irritation to the skin.
- stress. The pressures of life, whether due to work or family problems, can stress a person out. This will usually affect a person’s lifestyle, including diet. As a result, acne becomes more easily triggered.
- Cosmetic use. The substance content of each cosmetic cannot always be tolerated by everyone’s skin. Usually, types of cosmetics with elements of oil, dyes, and perfumes trigger the formation of pimples more easily.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of acne can only be done by a doctor by simply carrying out a physical examination/skin of the patient directly. Based on the results of this examination, the doctor will determine the severity of the acne (both in terms of amount and level of inflammation). Usually, no further examination is required.
Treatment
Treatment that can be done to treat acne must be adjusted to the severity. There are several things that can be done, namely by:
- Reducing oil production
- Fights bacterial infections
- Accelerate skin cell turnover and reduce inflammation.
- Drugs containing sulfur, resorcinol or salicylic acid
- Antibiotics
Besides that, you can also use Isotretinoin. However, its use requires supervision from a doctor, because it can cause bad side effects. In addition, pregnant women are not recommended to consume isotretinoin, because it can cause defects in the fetus.
Other actions that can be taken to prevent acne from recurring are:
- Keep your face clean. Make sure you clean your face twice a day. The goal is to remove dead skin cells and excess oil on the surface of the skin. Remember to always clean your face after wearing cosmetics.
- Avoid rubbing your face with a cloth or gloves with a rough surface. Gently wipe your face with your hands.
- Use a non-comedogenic moisturizer that won’t cause acne. Choose a moisturizer according to your skin type.
- Choose non-comedogenic cosmetics that do not close the pores on the skin. Thus you will avoid acne problems after using cosmetics.
- Clean your cosmetic equipment using soap and warm water regularly.
- Take a shower immediately after the activity. Excessive sweat and oil on the face can trigger acne.
- Avoid squeezing and holding pimples too often. This can trigger more pimples.