Pimple

For other uses, see Pimple (disambiguation).

Pimple

Other names: Zit, spot[1]
Pimples in acne
Specialty| Dermatology
Symptoms| Small red bump in skin[1]
Causes| Oily skin[1]

A pimple is a small red bump in the skin.[1] One or two frequently occur in most people at some point in life, usually in their teens, and these resolve quickly.[1] Frequent eruption of pus-filled pimples may indicate acne.[1]

It is a kind of comedo that results from excess sebum and dead skin cells getting trapped in the pores of the skin. In its aggravated state, it may evolve into a pustule or papules.[2] Pimples can be treated by acne medications, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatories prescribed by a physician, or various over the counter remedies purchased at a pharmacy.

## Contents

* 1 Causes
* 2 Treatment
* 2.1 Over-the-counter medications
* 2.2 Prescription medication
* 2.3 Expression
* 3 See also
* 4 References
* 5 External links

## Causes[edit | edit source]

Sebaceous glands inside the pore of the skin produce sebum. When the outer layers of skin shed (a natural and continuous process, normally), dead skin and oily sebum left behind may bond together and form a blockage of the sebaceous gland at the base of the skin. This is most common when the skin becomes thicker at puberty.[3] The sebaceous gland continues to produce sebum, which builds up behind the blockage, allowing bacteria to grow in the area, including the species Staphylococcus aureus and Cutibacterium acnes, which causes inflammation and infection. Other causes of pimples include family history, stress, fluctuations in hormone levels, hair and skincare products, medication side effects, and un-diagnosed or underlying medical conditions.[4] Pimples can be part of the presentation of rosacea.[5]

* Sebaceous filaments are commonly mistaken for blackheads. Sebaceous Filaments, however, are completely harmless and are a natural part of the skin for people with oily skin.[6]

* Some more severe pimples can lead to significant swelling and may appear on the back and chest.

* A pimple (center) evolved into the pustule stage

## Treatment[edit | edit source]

See also: Acne vulgaris § Management

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that adults with acne use products labeled as "non-comedogenic", "non-acnegenic", "oil-free" or "won’t clog pores", as they are "least likely" to cause skin irritation or acne.[4]

### Over-the-counter medications[edit | edit source]

Common over-the-counter medications for pimples are benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, adapalene, and antibacterial agents such as triclosan. These topical medications, which can be found in many creams and gels used to treat acne (acne vulgaris), induce skin to slough off more easily, helping to remove bacteria faster. Before application, the face should be washed with warm water or a topical cleanser and then dried.

A regimen of keeping the affected skin area clean, plus the regular application of these topical medications is usually enough to keep acne under control, if not at bay altogether. The most common product is a topical treatment of benzoyl peroxide, which has minimal risk apart from minor skin irritation that may present similar as a mild allergy.[7] Recently, nicotinamide (vitamin B3), applied topically, has been shown to be more effective in treatment of pimples than antibiotics such as clindamycin.[8] Nicotinamide is not an antibiotic and has no side effects typically associated with antibiotics. It has the added advantage of reducing skin hyperpigmentation which results in pimple scars.[9]

An emerging treatment for pimples is toothpaste, which contains anti-microbial agents that are associated with reducing pimples.[10]

### Prescription medication[edit | edit source]

Severe acne usually indicates the necessity of prescription medication to treat the pimples. Prescription medications used to treat acne and pimples include isotretinoin, which is a retinoid, anti-seborrheic medications, anti-androgen medications, hormonal treatments, alpha hydroxy acid, azelaic acid, and keratolytic soaps.[11]

Historically, antibiotics such as tetracyclines and erythromycin were prescribed. While they were more effective than topical applications of benzoyl peroxide, the bacteria eventually grew resistant to the antibiotics and the treatments became less and less effective. Also, antibiotics had more side effects than topical applications, such as stomach cramps and severe discoloration of teeth. Common antibiotics prescribed as of 2001 by dermatologists included doxycycline and minocycline.[12]

Isotretinoin is used primarily for severe cystic acne and acne that has not responded to other treatments.[13][14][15][16] Many dermatologists also support its use for treatment of lesser degrees of acne that prove resistant to other treatments, or that produce physical or psychological scarring.[17] It is teratogenic, and requires strict prevention of pregnancy during its use.

### Expression[edit | edit source]

Expression, the manual bursting of pimples which have evolved into whiteheads with one's fingers, can allow bacteria to be introduced into the open wound this creates. This can result in infection and permanent scarring. Thus expression is generally recommended against by dermatologists and estheticians in favour of allowing pimples to run through their natural lifespans.[18][19][20][21][22] Some dermatologists offer incision and drainage services to sterilely drain the pimple.[23]

## See also[edit | edit source]

* List of dermatology terminology

## References[edit | edit source]

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Raghuwanshi, Karuna; Mishra, Ashwani (2020). "Anti-acne Phytoconstituents - An intensive Review". International Journal of Recent Advances in Medical & Pharma Research. 3 (1): 36–58. Archived from the original on 2 October 2021. Retrieved 2 October 2021.
2. ↑ "pimple" at Dorland's Medical Dictionary
3. ↑ Anderson, Laurence. 2006. Looking Good, the Australian guide to skin care, cosmetic medicine and cosmetic surgery. AMPCo. Sydney. ISBN 0-85557-044-X.
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Adult acne! American Academy of Dermatology". www.aad.org. Archived from the original on 1 August 2019. Retrieved 1 August 2019.
5. ↑ Tüzün Y, Wolf R, Kutlubay Z, Karakuş O, Engin B (2014). "Rosacea and rhinophyma". Clinics in Dermatology. 32 (1): 35–46. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2013.05.024. PMID 24314376.
6. ↑ Plewig, Gerd; Melnik, Bodo; WenChieh, Chen (8 June 2019). Plewig and Kligman's Acne and Rosacea. Springer. p. 64\. ISBN 978-3-319-49274-2.
7. ↑ "Understanding Benzoyl Peroxide". Archived from the original on 23 February 2012.
8. ↑ Siegle RJ, Fekety R, Sarbone PD, Finch RN, Deery HG, Voorhees JJ (August 1986). "Effects of topical clindamycin on intestinal microflora in patients with acne". Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 15 (2 Pt 1): 180–5. doi:10.1016/S0190-9622(86)70153-9. PMID 2943760.
9. ↑ Handfield-Jones S, Jones S, Peachey R (May 1988). "High dose nicotinamide in the treatment of necrobiosis lipoidica". The British Journal of Dermatology. 118 (5): 693–6. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.1988.tb02572.x. PMID 2969260.
10. ↑ Dharmik, Preeti; Gomashe, Ashok (June 2014). "Anti-Acne Activity of Toothpaste An Emerging Pimple Treatment". International Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Analysis. 1 (4): 149–53. doi:10.21276/ijcpa.
11. ↑ Ramos-e-Silva M, Carneiro SC (March 2009). "Acne vulgaris: review and guidelines". Dermatology Nursing. 21 (2): 63–8, quiz 69. PMID 19507372.
12. ↑ Morrison A, O'Loughlin S, Powell FC (February 2001). "Suspected skin malignancy: a comparison of diagnoses of family practitioners and dermatologists in 493 patients". International Journal of Dermatology. 40 (2): 104–7. doi:10.1046/j.1365-4362.2001.01159.x. PMID 11328390.
13. ↑ Merritt B, Burkhart CN, Morrell DS (June 2009). "Use of isotretinoin for acne vulgaris". Pediatric Annals. 38 (6): 311–20. doi:10.3928/00904481-20090512-01. PMID 19588674.
14. ↑ Layton A (May 2009). "The use of isotretinoin in acne". Dermato-Endocrinology. 1 (3): 162–9. doi:10.4161/derm.1.3.9364. PMC 2835909. PMID 20436884.
15. ↑ "Roaccutane 20mg Soft Capsules - Summary of Product Characteristics". UK Electronic Medicines Compendium. 1 July 2015. Archived from the original on 29 December 2017. Retrieved 11 May 2021.
16. ↑ US Label (PDF) (Report). FDA. 22 October 2010 [January 2010]. Archived (PDF) from the original on 27 February 2017. Retrieved 1 June 2017. See FDA Index page for NDA 018662 Archived 20 October 2020 at the Wayback Machine for updates
17. ↑ Strauss JS, Krowchuk DP, Leyden JJ, Lucky AW, Shalita AR, Siegfried EC, Thiboutot DM, Van Voorhees AS, Beutner KA, Sieck CK, Bhushan R (April 2007). "Guidelines of care for acne vulgaris management". Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 56 (4): 651–63. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2006.08.048. PMID 17276540.
18. ↑ "What to Know Before You Pop a Pimple". WebMD. Archived from the original on 2 October 2021. Retrieved 3 April 2017.
19. ↑ "The 10 Most Satisfying Pimple Popping Videos Of 2016". Men's Health. 29 December 2016. Archived from the original on 4 April 2017. Retrieved 3 April 2017.
20. ↑ "Should I Pop My Pimple?". kidshealth.org. Archived from the original on 4 April 2017. Retrieved 3 April 2017.
21. ↑ Merlin, Design: Wolfgang (www.1-2-3-4.info)/Modified. "A14. What should I do after popping a pimple?Skinacea.com". www.skinacea.com. Archived from the original on 16 May 2017. Retrieved 3 April 2017.
22. ↑ "How to Pop a Pimple - Instructions from Acne.org". www.acne.org. Archived from the original on 4 April 2017. Retrieved 3 April 2017.
23. ↑ "Pimple popping: Why only a dermatologist should do it | American Academy of Dermatology". www.aad.org. Archived from the original on 1 August 2019. Retrieved 3 August 2019.

## External links[edit | edit source]

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* The dictionary definition of pimple at Wiktionary

Classification|

* ICD-10: R23.8
* ICD-9-CM: 709.8

|

* v
* t
* e

Signs and symptoms relating to skin and subcutaneous tissue

Disturbances of
skin sensation|

* Hypoesthesia
* Paresthesia
* Formication
* Hyperesthesia

* Hypoalgesia
* Hyperalgesia

Circulation|

* Cyanosis
* Pallor
* Livedo
* Livedo reticularis
* Flushing
* Petechia
* Blanching

Edema|

* Peripheral edema
* Anasarca

Other|

* Rash
* Desquamation
* Induration
* Diaphoresis
* Mass
* Neck mass

Skin|

* Asboe-Hansen sign
* Auspitz's sign
* Borsari's sign
* Braverman's sign
* Crowe sign
* Dennie–Morgan fold
* Darier's sign
* Fitzpatrick's sign
* Florid cutaneous papillomatosis

* Gottron's sign
* Hutchinson's sign
* Janeway lesion
* Kerr's sign
* Koebner's phenomenon
* Koplik's spots
* Leser-Trelat sign
* Nikolsky's sign
* Pastia's sign
* Russell's sign
* Wickham striae
* Wolf's isotopic response
* Munro's microabscess

Nails|

* Aldrich-Mees' lines
* Beau's lines
* Muehrcke's lines
* Terry's nails

* v
* t
* e

Bacterial skin disease

Gram +ve|

| Firmicutes|

* Staphylococcus
* Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome
* Impetigo
* Toxic shock syndrome
* Streptococcus
* Impetigo
* Cutaneous group B streptococcal infection
* Streptococcal intertrigo
* Cutaneous Streptococcus iniae infection
* Erysipelas / Chronic recurrent erysipelas
* Scarlet fever
* Corynebacterium
* Erythrasma

* Listeriosis

* Clostridium
* Gas gangrene
* Dermatitis gangrenosa
* Mycoplasma
* Erysipeloid of Rosenbach

|

Actinobacteria|

* Mycobacterium-related: Aquarium granuloma
* Borderline lepromatous leprosy
* Borderline leprosy
* Borderline tuberculoid leprosy
* Buruli ulcer
* Erythema induratum
* Histoid leprosy
* Lepromatous leprosy
* Leprosy
* Lichen scrofulosorum
* Lupus vulgaris
* Miliary tuberculosis
* Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex infection
* Mycobacterium haemophilum infection
* Mycobacterium kansasii infection
* Papulonecrotic tuberculid
* Primary inoculation tuberculosis
* Rapid growing mycobacterium infection
* Scrofuloderma
* Tuberculosis cutis orificialis
* Tuberculosis verrucosa cutis
* Tuberculous cellulitis
* Tuberculous gumma
* Tuberculoid leprosy

* Cutaneous actinomycosis
* Nocardiosis
* Cutaneous diphtheria infection
* Arcanobacterium haemolyticum infection
* Group JK corynebacterium sepsis

Gram -ve|

| Proteobacteria|

* α: Endemic typhus
* Epidemic typhus
* Scrub typhus
* North Asian tick typhus
* Queensland tick typhus
* Flying squirrel typhus
* Trench fever
* Bacillary angiomatosis
* African tick bite fever
* American tick bite fever
* Rickettsia aeschlimannii infection
* Rickettsialpox
* Rocky Mountain spotted fever
* Human granulocytotropic anaplasmosis
* Human monocytotropic ehrlichiosis
* Flea-borne spotted fever
* Japanese spotted fever
* Mediterranean spotted fever
* Flinders Island spotted fever
* Verruga peruana
* Brill–Zinsser disease
* Brucellosis
* Cat-scratch disease
* Oroya fever
* Ehrlichiosis ewingii infection

* β: Gonococcemia/Gonorrhea/Primary gonococcal dermatitis
* Melioidosis
* Cutaneous Pasteurella hemolytica infection
* Meningococcemia
* Glanders
* Chromobacteriosis infection

* γ: Pasteurellosis
* Tularemia
* Vibrio vulnificus
* Rhinoscleroma
* Haemophilus influenzae cellulitis
* Pseudomonal pyoderma / Pseudomonas hot-foot syndrome / Hot tub folliculitis / Ecthyma gangrenosum / Green nail syndrome
* Q fever
* Salmonellosis
* Shigellosis
* Plague
* Granuloma inguinale
* Chancroid
* Aeromonas infection

* ε: Helicobacter cellulitis

|

Other|

* Syphilid
* Syphilis
* Chancre
* Yaws
* Pinta
* Bejel
* Chlamydia infection
* Leptospirosis
* Rat-bite fever
* Lyme disease
* Lymphogranuloma venereum

Unspecified
pathogen|

* Abscess
* Periapical abscess
* Boil/furuncle
* Hospital furunculosis
* Carbuncle
* Cellulitis
* Paronychia / Pyogenic paronychia
* Perianal cellulitis
* Acute lymphadenitis
* Pilonidal cyst
* Pyoderma

* Folliculitis
* Superficial pustular folliculitis
* Sycosis vulgaris
* Pimple
* Ecthyma
* Pitted keratolysis
* Trichomycosis axillaris
* Necrotizing fascitis
* Gangrene
* Chronic undermining burrowing ulcers
* Fournier gangrene
* Elephantiasis nostras
* Blistering distal dactylitis
* Botryomycosis
* Malakoplakia
* Gram-negative folliculitis
* Gram-negative toe web infection
* Pyomyositis
* Blastomycosis-like pyoderma
* Bullous impetigo
* Chronic lymphangitis
* Recurrent toxin-mediated perineal erythema
* Tick-borne lymphadenopathy
* Tropical ulcer

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