Different kinds of pimples

Not all pimples are the same. The difference depends on what’s happening below the surface. Here’s a look at the most common types of pimples.

Whiteheads

When dead skin cells and oil clogs pores, it creates the perfect environment for bacterial growth. As the bulge of bacteria and oil under the skin grows, it forms a small bump on the surface called a whitehead. 

Blackheads

If some of the oily mix in a whitehead breaches the surface, oxygen in the air interacts with the exposed oil turning it black. You can treat both blackheads and whiteheads with over-the-counter medicines like 

Papules

Papules are whiteheads that have persisted long enough to cause infection. The immune system sends white blood cells to battle the bacteria. This inflames the area, forming a hard red bump called a papule. Dermatologists may prescribe antibiotics or retinoids for treatment. 

Pustules

Given enough time, papules will swell up, white blood cells clump together and form pus. Bulge of pus expands, rupturing the pore’s cell walls. On the surface, it forms an ugly white blemish called a pustule. You can treat pustules similar to papules.

Nodules

In severe cases you can get a huge abscess deep inside the pore. If that abscess bursts through the pore it will release a flood of pus under the surface. The irritating pus inflames the skin, forming a large, tender lump. The lump, or nodule, can grow to be the size of a blueberry, or larger. Nodules are some of the most severe types of acne. Treatment may require strong medicines like accutane or isotretinoin. 

Whether you’ve got a pesky whitehead or a painful pustule, you can help keep acne at bay by washing your face twice a day. 

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