Pimples Under The Skin
Causes and Treatments for Pimples Under the Skin
Pimples under the skin can be very difficult to treat and are unfortunately one of the most painful category of pimples. There are several different types of “pimples” that fall into the category of acne under the skin, or “inflammatory acne”. We are going to talk about papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts, as well as treatment methods that can be used to clear up and prevent these stubborn pimples.
Before we get into the different types of pimples, let’s first discuss what causes pimples. There are millions of tiny follicles on the human skin. Near these follicles are glands which produce a substance called sebum. This is an oil that releases into the skin to keep it supple and hydrated. Sometimes these glands can be stimulated into overproduction or can trap skin cells and debris in the pores. When a pore becomes blocked, bacteria become trapped under the skin and inflammation sets in. This inflammation causes redness, soreness, and often a bump just under the surface of the skin.
Inflammatory acne consists of lesions that have either collapsed or burst under the skin. This is the first stage of inflammation and is known as a papule. When the follicle becomes too stressed due to inflammation, the wall of the follicle can burst. The body detects the bacteria in the area and sends white blood cells in to fight back. A papule is often referred to as the “beginning of a pimple” or a pimple “coming in”. This type of lesion is usually red and only slightly raised.
A pustule is the next stage of life for an inflammatory pimple. It usually takes a few days for this stage to occur as the white blood cells make their way towards the surface of the skin. The pimple will have raised more and have developed a white “head”. This is what most people picture when they think of a pimple.
In the event that the pustule becomes severely inflamed to the point that the inflammation spreads to the surrounding area, the pustule can turn into a nodule or a cyst. A nodule occurs when the bottom of the inflamed follicle bursts. This is called a collapse and usually causes the area to be quite painful to the touch. Further inflammation can result that becomes so severe that the area turns into a cyst. As the cyst fills with puss, the cyst can grow quite large in size.
Pimples under the skin can require a little extra work when it comes to treatment. To catch a pimple in the papule state where the inflammation is just starting to settle in, try opening up the pores with warm water or steam. A shower or even placing your face above a bowl of hot water can allow the steam to open the pores. You should immediately wash your face using a mild face wash—preferably a scrub. Nodules or cysts that just won’t go away may require a more aggressive approach. You should never attempt to pop a nodule or cyst as the severe inflammation could push bacteria into the surrounding area. Prescription acne medications are specifically designed to penetrate thickened skin to get to the root of the bacteria residing in the follicle.
If you haven’t seen a dermatologist before, ask friends or family members if they can recommend a good one. The doctor will need to inspect the surface of the skin to determine just how severe the acne is. You should be prepared to answer some questions, such as how often you suffer from acne breakouts, what kind of skin routine you have (if any), and whether you have a family history of acne. If you often struggle with pimples under the skin, you may want to seriously consider speaking to a dermatologist for an evaluation and treatment plan.