What is Pimples?
Pimples or comedo acne or blackhead acne. This is a skin condition with symptoms of blackhead accumulation due to pores clogged by oil and dirt.
This problem makes the skin rough and uneven. If you touch it, the skin texture feels like small, raised spots. This disorder is prone to appearing on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin.
In addition, pimples can also appear on the body area, problems can appear on the back, neck, arms, shoulders, and chest. If you just leave it, pimples can develop into acne.
Therefore, you need to do the right treatment to suppress the development of acne from getting worse. The main step is to maintain skin cleanliness.
Symptoms of Pimples
There are various symptoms of acne that can be experienced by sufferers, including:
- Small spots or bumps when touching the skin.
- When touched, it doesn’t feel sore or painful like acne.
- The lump is soft and not hard.
- Sometimes an itchy feeling occurs.
- Sometimes a rash appears.
- It can be whiteheads.
- It can be blackheads.
Causes of Pimples
In addition to the forehead, pimples can also appear on the cheeks. So, what causes pimples? Here are some conditions that could be the cause, including:
- Blackhead buildup
Blackhead buildup occurs due to clogged oil and dirt in the pores of the face. This disorder is included in the type of acne, but is not inflamed, nor is it dangerous for the sufferer.
- Milia
Next, the cause of pimples on the cheeks can occur due to milia. The characteristics are small, white, hard lumps that resemble grains of sand trapped under the skin. This disorder generally appears in the area around the eyes, cheeks, nose, and forehead.
- Keratosis pilaris
Keratosis pilaris or ‘chicken skin’ is a genetic condition that occurs due to the buildup of keratin. This buildup causes blockages in the hair follicle area, making the skin look bumpy.
- Allergic reactions or sensitivity
Both of these things can also be the cause of pimples on the cheeks. Allergic reactions occur as an immune response to exposure to allergens. Conditions that occur due to allergies are characterized by a reddish color, itching, and a hot feeling on the surface of the skin.
- Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN)
DPN is a skin spot that is more likely to occur in people with dark skin. This disorder is usually inherited in families. The disease occurs due to the accumulation of epidermal cells that occurs in the 20s.
- Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes that occur during adolescence and pregnancy can cause pimples on the cheeks. In addition, using hormonal contraception can also affect the production of skin oil and trigger pimples.
- Air pollution
Exposure to air pollution can cause dirt to build up on your face and trigger acne. If you already have it, dirty air can worsen existing acne.
- Certain medications
The use of drugs, such as corticosteroids or certain contraceptives can cause pimples on the cheeks. Drugs affect the hormonal system, oil production, and even interfere with the skin’s natural exfoliation process.
- Non-conforming products
Using unsuitable cosmetics or skincare products can cause pimples on the cheeks. The products cause clogged pores because they trigger increased facial oil production.
- Rosacea
Rosacea is a skin condition that causes redness and bumps. It usually affects the face, including the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. In addition to facial redness and bumpy skin, other symptoms include:
- Papules and pustules are like acne.
- Thickening of the skin on the nose.
- Red blood vessels are visible.
- Dry and itchy eyes.
- Vision problems.
- Folliculitis
The last cause of pimples on the cheeks can occur due to folliculitis or inflammation of the hair follicles. This problem can occur when bacteria infect damaged follicles.
Symptoms can include:
- Painful.
- Itching and burning sensation.
- Blisters filled with pus.
- Lumps on the skin.
Trigger Factors for Acne
Factors that increase the risk of acne include:
- Excessive sweating due to direct exposure to sunlight.
- Entry of dirt from the hair into the follicles.
- Doesn’t remove makeup thoroughly.
- Not exfoliating your skin regularly.
- Allergy to facial care products.
- Using dirty makeup tools.
- Using dirty pillowcases and towels.
Diagnosis of Pimples
The doctor will diagnose acne based on a physical examination of the patient’s skin and medical history. Here are some diagnostic steps and a full explanation:
- Visual inspection
The doctor will visually examine the patient’s skin for blackheads. Pimples are usually characterized by the presence of open comedones ( blackheads ) or closed comedones ( whiteheads ).
- Medical history
The doctor will ask about the patient’s medical history, including history of acne, and skin care treatments that have been used. In addition, factors or disorders that can affect skin conditions.
- Other conditions that need attention
Your doctor will also try to rule out other skin conditions that can mimic acne, such as nodular acne, dermatitis, or rosacea.
- Additional examinations (optional)
In some cases, your doctor may perform additional tests, such as a skin test or biopsy, to confirm the diagnosis or identify an underlying condition.
Treatment for Pimples
There are several treatment methods to treat acne, including:
- Laser therapy. This procedure effectively treats acne and rosacea by firing a beam of light at a certain strength.
- Chemical peeling. This treatment uses chemicals to help the skin peeling process.
- Extraction. The procedure aims to remove dirt in the pores of the skin. This method can also be done by milia sufferers.
Meanwhile, home care steps that can be taken to support the success of treatment include:
- Routinely clean your face at least twice a day, before and after waking up.
- Choose a facial cleanser that suits your skin type.
- Apply double cleansing to ensure your face is completely clean from dirt and makeup residue.
- Using facial moisturizer.
- Apply sunscreen before going out.
- Exfoliate regularly.
So, can pimples on the cheeks disappear on their own? The answer is yes. However, the process takes a long time, namely for several weeks or months.
Complications of Acne
Pimples is a milder skin disorder than acne. However, this problem can trigger complications if not handled with the right steps. Here are some complications that may occur:
- Acne. This problem is characterized by red inflammation of the skin and can leave scars.
- Scars. This complication can occur if you often pick or squeeze pimples.
- Infection. This problem occurs when bacteria on the hands move to the surface of the skin and enter the blisters.
- Side effects of treatment. Possible disorders that may occur include dry skin, irritation, or skin sensitivity.
How to Prevent Pimples
There are various simple efforts to prevent the formation of pimples, including:
- Eat healthy foods that contain vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries, and broccoli.
- Eat healthy foods that contain vitamin E, such as avocados, grapes, and tomatoes.
- Use sunscreen to prevent side effects from UV exposure.
- Clean your face regularly, at least twice a day.
- Use moisturizer to maintain the integrity of the skin’s protective layer ( skin barrier).
- Avoid consuming fatty and oily foods.
- Manage stress well, for example, using relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.
- Do not squeeze pimples or acne, as this can worsen inflammation and cause scars.
- Avoid touching your face with dirty hands, as this can transfer dirt and bacteria to your skin.
- Avoid oily skincare products or cosmetics, as they can clog pores and trigger acne.
When to See a Doctor?
Contact a doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as:
- It appears very quickly and contaminates most of the face.
- It doesn’t get better and is spreading further.
- Itching, bleeding, or causing pain.