Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhiteheads and BlackheadsPapulesPustulesNodulesCystsCausesTreatmentPreventing PimplesWhen to See a Dermatologist
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Whiteheads and Blackheads
Papules
Pustules
Nodules
Cysts
Causes
Treatment
Preventing Pimples
When to See a Dermatologist
Different types of pimples can have various appearances, causes, and treatments. Common types of inflamed pimples includepapules,pustules,nodules,cysts,blackheads, andwhiteheads. You’re most likely to get pimples in areas with a lot of oil glands, which include your face, neck, shoulders, chest, and back.
2:14Click Play to Learn How to Identify Inflamed Pimples
2:14
Click Play to Learn How to Identify Inflamed Pimples
Blackheads and whiteheads are both formed when your pores (the opening to hair follicles) are clogged with dead skin, oil (sebum), and bacteria. If a clogged pore stays open, the top surface of sebum darkens and forms a blackhead.
If the pore closes, it forms a white bump on your skin called a whitehead, which is close to the skin’s surface. In contrast, a deep or “blind” pimple is beneath the surface of the skin but not visible, even though you may feel it forming.When a blind pimple moves to the surface, it can become a whitehead.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoHappyfoto / Getty Images
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Happyfoto / Getty Images
Papules are inflamed blemishes that can be large or small. They look like red bumps or lumps on the skin and don’t have a white head.
A break in the pore can occur when the follicle fills with dead skin cells and oil. Pressure from squeezing a blackhead or blocked pore can also cause a rupture.
The rupture triggers inflammation in and around the follicle. The area turns red and swells. This is what creates the firm red bump we call a pimple.
Don’t squeeze a papule to try and make it come to a head. You probably won’t extract any debris from the pore. Instead, you may simply make it more inflamed.
Papules are not deep lesions. This means most of them will heal quickly without scarring.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoArnuphap Yaiphimai / Getty Images
Arnuphap Yaiphimai / Getty Images
Pustules are red and inflamed with an obvious head.The head is often white and has a pink or red ring surrounding it. The head can also be cream to yellow in color.
Sometimes a brownish spot appears in the middle of the head. This is the comedonal core. It is a plug of debris within the pore.
Acne pustules range in size from small to fairly large. They develop in the same areas that papules do. This is usually on the face, back, and shoulders.
Pustules follow papules. When the pore ruptures, the body sends white blood cells to fight bacteria. This is what causes pus. A mixture of pus, dead skin cells, and excess oil gives a pustule its white cap.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoCMSP / Getty Images
CMSP / Getty Images
Nodules are serious acne pimples. They are large, inflamed lesions. They feel like hard, painful lumps under the skin.
Like pustules, nodules can be filled with pus. Because they occur deep within the skin, though, you won’t see a white head.
Nodules can take between a few weeks and several months to fully heal. This is because they are large and deep.
Females are prone to getting acne nodules around the time of their monthly cycle.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoDr. Milton Reisch / Getty Images
Dr. Milton Reisch / Getty Images
Cysts are very large, inflamed lesions. They feel like soft, fluid-filled lumps under the skin. Acne cysts are the most severe form of pimple. They can be very painful.
As an acne cyst works its way to the surface, it damages healthy skin tissue. This can destroy the follicle. The likelihood ofacne scarringis very high.
An acne cyst isn’t a true cyst. It is actually a severe, swollen acne nodule. You may hear the terms"acne cyst" and “acne nodule” used interchangeably.
Acne cysts are filled with pus. They may also contain blood. They can take several weeks to several months to fully heal.
What Causes Pimples?
Treating Pimples
Different types of pimples respond to different medications. Papules and pustules often respond well to over-the-counter (OTC) treatments.
Your healthcare provider can prescribe treatment if you have a more stubborn case of acne, including cysts or nodules.
Let your healthcare provider know if you have any pimples that are inflamed or don’t clear up after 10 to 12 weeks of OTC treatment.
At-Home Acne Treatments
Pimples can often be treated at home withOTC acne remedies. Papules and pustules can be treated with products containing:
Hydrocolloidpatches, sometimes called “pimple stickers,” may help get rid of pimples fast. These deliver medication to the spot, prevent sun exposure and irritating bacteria, and discourage picking.These products can be found at your local drugstore or pharmacy.
The occasional nodule pimple may clear up on its own. If your blemish is painful, you can ice the area to help relieve swelling.
There are no home remedies that can successfully treat cystic acne.
Why You Shouldn’t Pop a PimpleWhen yousqueeze a pimple, you can drive the pus, dead skin cells, and excess oil deeper into the pore. This can make the blemish irritated, painful, and more obvious. Popping pimples can also cause an infection from bacteria on the fingers or permanent scars.
Why You Shouldn’t Pop a Pimple
When yousqueeze a pimple, you can drive the pus, dead skin cells, and excess oil deeper into the pore. This can make the blemish irritated, painful, and more obvious. Popping pimples can also cause an infection from bacteria on the fingers or permanent scars.
Topical Prescriptions
If OTC treatments fail to bring relief, more powerful topical medications may be prescribed. Ingredients in topical prescriptions treatments for acne include:
Topicalcombination medicationsare also prescribed for treating acne. These can include any combination of antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, or salicylic acid.
Cortisone Injections
Nodular and cystic acne can be treated withcortisone injections. Cortisone, an anti-inflammatory medication, helps reduce the redness, swelling, and pain of severe inflammatory acne breakouts.
Oral Antibiotics
Oral antibiotics commonly prescribed for acne include:
How Do You Know if Acne Is Bacterial?
Birth Control Pills
Anti-Androgen Medication
Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin is an oral medication commonly used to treat cystic acne. First sold under the brand name Accutane (now discontinued), isotretinoin is a naturally occurring component of vitamin A.
Isotretinoin is available as a generic and under the following brand names:
While not all pimples can be prevented, there are things you can do to minimize breakouts.This includes the following:
Summary
There are four main types of pimples: papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. Papules and pustules can be treated at home. Try a benzoyl peroxide cleanser or a salicylic spot treatment.
Nodules and acne cysts may require help from a dermatologist. A dermatologist can give you a cortisone injection or prescribe medication that will help clear up your skin.
17 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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