Many of us get the odd pimple here and there, regardless of our age and skin type, with 95 per cent of people aged 11 to 30 affected by acne to some degree, according to the NHS.
So if you’re fed up with a few pimples or really struggling with acne, it might be helpful to know that not all pimples are the same and therefore require different treatments to get rid of them.
Renowned cosmetic doctor, Dr. Ginny Mansberg, who is best known as a resident doctor on Sunrise, Australia’s leading breakfast show, explains that there are six types of pimples.
She explains that correctly identifying your pimples is vital to seeking the right treatment.
Here, Femail breaks down the six types of pimples and shares Dr. Mansberg’s advice on how to deal with them:
1. SURFACE BUDS
Superficial pimples are the most common type of blemishes and often disappear within a few days. However, you can try a mild skin cleanser (image)
Dr. Ginny Mansberg says these are the most common, and “many of us will only have this type of pimple.” ‘
They often go away in a few days, disappear without a scar, and usually don’t pulse,” she adds.
How to treat them:
“Cleanse with a mild skin cleanser,” she advised. “Look for a pH-balanced, soap-free cleanser and cleanse twice daily to remove sebum, dirt and microorganisms.
“Alpha hydroxy acids will break down the bonds between stuck skin cells, allowing them to be effectively but gently removed.
“Vitamin B3, also known as niacinamide, is another ingredient that has evidence of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, as well as reduced sebum or oil production.
“It can also improve all important skin barrier functions by preventing water loss through the epidermis (outer layer of the skin). Given that many people with acne have dry skin due to overproduction of oil, this can also be beneficial for acne.
2. COMEDONES
Open comedones are blackheads. The color is due to surface pigmentation, not dirt. Whiteheads appear when the follicle is completely blocked and skin has grown over (image)
“Open comedones are blackheads where the top of the pimple is black due to surface pigmentation (not dirt!),” explained Dr. Mansberg.
“Closed comedones are whiteheads where the follicle is completely blocked and skin has grown over it.”
How to treat them:
“Vitamin A (retinoids) are absolutely the best topicals for treating acne and preventing breakouts. Retinoids help increase skin cell turnover to prevent excessive build-up of dead skin cells. They are comedolytic (remove pimples) and are anti-inflammatory.
“Of the over-the-counter retinoids, retinal (also known as retinaldehyde) is the most effective and least irritating form of vitamin A. Prescription retinoids often cause irritation, redness, dryness, and even flaking.”
3. PAPULS
Paulis are tender red bumps with no visible pus. You can try vitamin A, salicylic acid to treat them because it is an exfoliant with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-comedogenic properties (stock image)
According to Dr. Ginny Mansberg, papules are “small, tender red bumps with no visible pus.”
How to treat them:
“Along with vitamin A, salicylic acid can also be a helpful supplement,” she said.
“It’s an exfoliant with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-comedogenic properties that make it really good at dealing with acne.”
4. PUSTLES
Pustules are pimples that contain pus. You can squeeze them if you’re careful, but if it doesn’t work right away, stop (stock image)
Unlike papules, “pustules are pimples that have pus in them,” Dr. Mansberg explained.
How to treat them:
“If your blackheads, whiteheads, or pus-filled spots aren’t painful or inflamed, you CAN squeeze them. But be careful.
“Thoroughly wash and dry your hands and use a blackhead extractor, gently. If it doesn’t work immediately, abandon ship!’ she warned.
5. DEEPER BUDS
Deeper pimples are often more severe acne and are found in skin that is already affected by superficial pimples (stock image)
These indicate more severe acne and are often found in skin that is already affected by superficial pimples.
“If you look at them under a microscope, they extend beyond the dermis into the subcutaneous layer below the dermis,” explains Dr. Ginny Mansberg. “They last for weeks, often leaving a scar.”
How to treat them:
“The treatment for modular cystic acne is oral vitamin A known as Accutane. You should be on it for at least five months, often much longer.
“For a large cyst or nodule, the doctor may drain it with a needle and inject a little steroid into the lump to reduce inflammation and pain.”
6. NODES AND CYSTS
Nodules are deeper and are usually harder and more painful than typical pimples. You can try a leave-on mask, but many will require the intervention of a dermatologist (stock image)
“Nodules are deeper pimples that may involve more than one follicle. They feel firmer, sore and red,” says Dr. Gini.
“They tend to come packed with cysts, which are large nodules containing fluid (pus), and are usually larger than 5mm in diameter – although the two terms are usually used interchangeably.”
Every single pimple is caused by the same problem, where you get oil build-up plus excess skin and debris that blocks pores and causes inflammation. This makes an ideal breeding ground for nasty bacteria like Cutebacterium Acnes (or C. Acnes)
How to treat them:
“For a pulsating nodule or cyst, do not squeeze. A little ice or a cold compress can help reduce pain, redness, and swelling for some symptom relief. Ice can be wrapped in a towel and used for 30 seconds on clean skin.
“You can try a topical leave-on salicylic acid mask like the Hydroxy Overnight Mask or a dissolvable microneedle patch like Spotless, but most will require medical intervention,” explained Dr. Mansberg.
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