What is the difference between pimples and acne? What are their causes, signs, and effective treatments? Pimples are similar to acne, but pimples are inflammatory and contain pus, unlike other types of pimples, such as blackheads or whiteheads.
Acne often appears during adolescence as a result of hormonal changes the body experiences during this period. Pimples, on the other hand, are raised skin bumps that appear as red pimples with a white head filled with pus. We will learn the difference between them in terms of causes, symptoms, and treatment methods.
What are pimples
Pimps are raised skin bumps that appear as red pimples with a yellow or white head. They are often filled with pus and occur as a result of hair follicles becoming clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria.
What is acne
Acne is a chronic skin condition caused by clogged pores with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. It appears in many forms, including blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.
Symptoms of Pimples and Acne
Pimples appear as:
- Small bumps on the surface of the skin.
- The bumps may be yellow or white and filled with pus.
- Pain and mild itching in the affected area.
- The skin surrounding the pimple is inflamed and red.
Among the symptoms of acne are the appearance of different types of pimples:
- Whiteheads: These are small, raised bumps on the skin's surface.
- Blackheads: These appear as dark or brown spots on the skin's surface.
- They form when pores become clogged and open to the surface.
- Papules: Small, firm, pink bumps that occur as a result of inflammation of hair follicles.
Causes of Pimples
Pimples appear as a result of hormonal changes, especially during puberty and pregnancy, or as a result of taking certain medications or stress.
They can also appear as a result of clogged pores, where excess oils, dead skin cells, and bacteria accumulate inside the pores, causing inflammation.
Causes of Acne
Acne occurs when skin pores become clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, leading to inflammation. It can be caused by genetic factors or hormonal changes in the body.
Acne can also appear as a result of constant friction on the skin, stress, lack of adequate rest and sleep, or the use of cosmetic products that clog pores.
What is the difference between pimples and acne
Pimples are one type of acne, which are inflamed bumps containing pus. Acne is a chronic skin condition that includes pimples along with other types of acne, such as blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, and nodules.
Treatment of Pimples
The treating physician prescribes medications and antibiotics that are effective in killing the bacteria that cause pimples, including:
- Medications containing benzoyl peroxide, which help kill the bacteria that cause acne.
- Retinoids, which help exfoliate the skin and prevent clogged pores.
- Hormonal medications such as birth control pills or antiandrogens.
- Topical or oral antibiotics such as clindamycin or erythromycin.
- Laser and chemical peels to improve the skin's appearance.
- In severe cases, the doctor may resort to Roaccutane to reduce sebum production.
What is the fastest treatment for acne
There is no single fastest or most effective treatment for acne, as effective treatments depend on the severity of the condition. Topical treatments include:
- For mild to moderate acne, benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are used.
- Topical or oral antibiotics for inflammatory conditions.
- In severe cases, the doctor may prescribe azotretinoin, but it is essential to consult a dermatologist to determine the appropriate treatment.
Effective Acne Creams
There are several effective acne ointments and creams for oily skin. Common ointments prescribed by doctors include:
- Using antibiotic ointments such as Fucidin to kill the bacteria causing the infection.
- Creams containing salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.
- Retinoid creams such as Acretin, Differin, or Retin-A for treating acne and exfoliating.
Tips for preventing pimples and acne
There are several effective tips for treating and preventing pimples, including:
- Cleansing the skin by washing your face twice a day with warm water.
- Avoid sun exposure, which irritates the skin.
- Avoid rubbing pimples or trying to pop them.
- Gently drying the face with a clean towel.
- Using appropriate oil-free products.
What are the most dangerous types of acne
There are two of the most dangerous types of acne:
- Cystic acne, which is large, pus-filled, and painful sacs that form under the surface of the skin and can cause a high risk of permanent scarring.
- Nodulocystic acne, which appears as large, painful pimples just under the skin, is extremely painful and leaves scars if not treated properly.
Summary of the Difference Between Pimples and Acne
Pimples and acne are related, but there are key differences between them. Pimples are a type of acne and appear as inflamed bumps containing pus.
Acne, on the other hand, is a chronic skin condition that includes pimples along with other types of acne, such as blackheads, whiteheads, nodules, and cysts.