How to get rid of Pimples following simple tips? Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Follow easy steps given at the end and get rid of Pimples (Acne) within days.

What is Acne (Pimples)
Pimples are the small usually red bumps seen in the young kids and teens on their skin. Most common sites for these bumps are Face, Neck, Shoulder, Back and chest that usually considered as a hallmark of puberty. About 12 percent of all teens and even adults do have pimples on any part of the body.  



Synonyms or other names for Pimples are:

• Skin boils
• Whitehead
• Blackhead
• Simple Acne
• Acne Vulgaris
• Papules
• Pustules
• Acne cysts
• Zits

The most common type of the Acne is Acne Vulgaris. This is Polymorphic that is open and closed papules, pustules, and cysts are found. Acne vulgaris is more common and more severe in males.
 
Causes of Acne:
This disease parallels the sebaceous glands activity. Sebaceous glands are oil secreting glands in the skin that are more common on Face, Axilla, and Pubic region, hence, pimples are more common in these areas. Function of this oil is to remove old skin cells and keeps the skin soft.
Most of the studies narrate that Acne (Pimples) is either due to hyperactivity of the oil secreting glands or plugging of the infundibulum (Duct ) of the sebaceous gland by Dirt, bacteria, and old cells of skin, resulting in the retention of sebum (the oily secretion), overgrowth of bacterial Acne Bacillus (Propionibacterium acnes) with resultant release of and irritation of accumulated fatty acids.
Causes are listed below in chronological order:
•    Hormonal changes (Androgens - Testosterons and Estrogens) related to puberty, menstrual periods, pregnancy, birth control pills, or stress is mainstay of the mechanism.
•    Sebaceous glands’ over-activity.
•    High levels of humidity and sweating.
•    Stress doesn’t cause pimples but stress makes it worsen.
•    Oily cosmetics and hair products.
•    Too many dead skin cells in the infundibulum.
•    Bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) in the pores.
•    Irritation of skin.
•    Topical exposure of Chlorine.
•    Chocolate and greasy foods have little effect on acne.

Symptoms of Acne:
Following clinical findings (one to many) are seen if you have pimples on the skin.
•    Mild soreness, pain and itching
•    Noninflamed bumps that give skin a rough texture
•    Inflammatory papules (small red bumps), pustules, pores and acne cysts are also seen
•    Whiteheads (in case of Acne Vulgaris) and Blackheads
•    Crusting of the skin bumps
•    Redness around the skin eruptions
•    Scarring of the skin due to excessive scrating.

Treatment of Acne

General Measures; (Do’s and Don'ts)

Following Tips help you remove your pimples:
•    Educating the patient
•    Anxiety and depression are often common in youngs and aggravate the pimples, so these should be dicoureged.
•    Avoid skin exporure to oils, cocoa butter, and greases.
•    Clean your skin twice gently with a soft and nondrying soap especially after exercise.
•     Clean all the dirt or make-up.
•    Avoid scrubbing or repeated skin washing.
•    Avoid the sun exposure or use appropriate UV light protectors.
•    Try not to touch your skin with hands or fingers.
•    Try not to squeeze, scratch, or rub the pimples. It can lead to skin infections and scarring.
If you didn’t get better with above steps, stick to Medical Therapy or seek a consultant.
Diet;
Low glycemic diet that results in weight loss is reported to improve the pimples in young women and men.

Medical Treatment

•    Topical retenoids - Tretinoin o.o25% cream (Not Gels)
•    Benzoyl peroxide - 2.5% water based gel (Not Creams)
•    Oral Antibiotics (Taken by mouth) : Tetracycline, doxycycline, Minocycline, Amoxicillin,
•    Topical Antibiotics (Applied to skin) : Clindamycin, Erythromycin

Recent Advances in the Treatment of Pimples:

•    Photodynamic therapy – Laser therapy
•    Chemical skin peeling,
•    Removal of scars by dermabrasion – A surgical procedure in which skin is frozen and a special instrument is used to ‘sand’ the skin.
•    Cortisone Injection to cysts.

Referances:
•    American Academy of Dermatology
•    Acne, rosacea, and related disorders. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2009: chap 7.
•    Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment, Stephen J. McPhee | Maxine A. Papadakis; 2012: Chap 6.
Reviewed by Dr. Awais Zia