From the Guidelines
A pimple is a small, inflamed bump on the skin that forms when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, as described in the guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris 1. Pimples typically appear red and swollen, often with a white or yellow center containing pus. They can be tender or painful to touch and may occur anywhere on the body, though they most commonly affect the face, chest, back, and shoulders.
Characteristics of Pimples
- Pimples vary in size from tiny bumps to larger, more painful cysts.
- They develop when excess sebum (skin oil) combines with dead skin cells, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive, leading to inflammation.
- Different types of pimples include:
- Whiteheads (closed comedones)
- Blackheads (open comedones)
- Papules (small red bumps)
- Pustules (pus-filled pimples)
- Nodules (large, painful lumps beneath the skin)
- Cysts (deep, pus-filled, painful lesions)
Prevalence and Impact
Pimples are a primary feature of acne, a common skin condition affecting approximately 9.4% of the global population, as reported in the guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris 1. Acne has a significant impact on emotional functioning, social functioning, relationships, leisure activities, daily activities, sleep, school, and work, with a health-related quality of life impact comparable to that of chronic conditions such as asthma, psoriasis, and arthritis 1. The characteristics of a pimple are a key aspect of acne, a chronic, inflammatory skin disease of the pilosebaceous unit, as defined in the guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris 1.
From the Research
Characteristics of a Pimple
- A pimple is a small bump on the skin that occurs when the pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria 2, 3.
- Pimples can be classified into different types, including comedonal, inflammatory, mixed, and nodulocystic acne 2.
- The characteristics of a pimple can vary depending on the type and severity of the acne, but common features include:
- Redness and inflammation
- Swelling and tenderness
- Pus or discharge
- Scarring or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Types of Acne Lesions
- Non-inflammatory lesions: these include blackheads and whiteheads, which are caused by clogged pores 3, 4.
- Inflammatory lesions: these include papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts, which are caused by a combination of clogged pores and bacterial infection 3, 5.
- Severity of acne can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe, based on the number and type of lesions, as well as the presence of scarring or other complications 2, 3.
Factors that Contribute to Pimple Formation
- Overproduction of sebum by the skin's oil glands
- Clogged pores due to dead skin cells and other debris
- Bacterial infection, particularly by Cutibacterium acnes (formerly known as Propionibacterium acnes) 3, 4
- Inflammation and immune response to the bacterial infection
- Hormonal fluctuations, genetics, and environmental factors can also contribute to the development of pimples 2, 3.