Pimples and pustules; acne and spots. They have been a problem for every teenager since time immemorial. The spot has been poked and prodded, cleansed and clawed at. It is the most common skin condition on the planet, and often the most frustrating. This article is focussed on what causes a spot, what a spot is and, exactly how to get rid of pimples.
Acne affects teenagers primarily because as the body develops, hormonal imbalance causes the sebaceous glands to become more active. The sebaceous glands are located in each follicle on the skin’s surface and produce an oily substance called sebum. This sebum keeps the hair and skin waterproof. These glands are found most often on the face and in the groin, anywhere where hair grows most. They are only not found on the palms and soles of the feet, which means that you will never get a spot on either.
Contrary to popularly held belief, there is no scientific evidence to show that acne is caused by unhealthy food, although do not let that stop you eating healthily. This idea comes from the fact that fast food workers are exposed to airborne oil which clogs the skin. Eating unhealthily is not a cause, but not eating healthily is a contributing factor. Not taking in your regular doses of vitamins A and C can have anegative effect on your skin condition. It is important also to drink 8 glasses of water every day to maintain a good chemical balance.
Whiteheads and blackheads are the two most common forms of spot. The whitehead is a yellow lump with a reddish base. They can form from a tender red swelling into a pustule, or simply turn up at inconvenient moments. More common are blackheads, which are similar except for a layer of dead skin cells which have undergone a reaction are blocking the follicle. Of the two, the harder to treat are whiteheads, as blackheads are almost exclusively safe to squeeze.
Much maligned and often discouraged is the common two finger method, or “popping”. While this is often an effective way of dealing with spots, there are many problems with it. If you have dirty hands then the spot could become infected. If you do not get all the pus and sebum out of the spot in one or two goes then the spot may come back overnight. In the end it is generally considered not worth doing.
If you feel as if squeezing is needed, there is a method that you can use that works in the short term. Clean the spot. Take a needle and sterilise in a flame or rubbing alcohol. Prick the outermost point of the pimple when it comes to a head. Clean the hands and squeeze gently from the base outwards, the pus should come out. Clean the skin and use a spot cream to ensure the spot doesn’t return.
Particularly bad cases of acne must be treated with a skin cream. The larger pustules and the wider spread can cause pockmarks and ugly scars if popped, which become untreatable later in life. Use a lotion containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid which could have a strong effect on reducing your acne, as well as decreasing the chance of pock marking.
Acne is a difficult problem for many teenagers around the world. It can be a source of frustration as well as deep embarrassment. Treat it carefully and if you have a particularly bad case talk to your doctor, who can usually prescribe you a stronger treatment than over the counter lotions. If they are causing you anxiety issues, don’t worry, everyone gets them to some degree.