Pimples are tricky. Not just that, they are frustrating. While, you may think it is acne vulgaris, and treat it as one, it may in fact be, hormonal acne, or in rare cases, acne conglobate. Acne affects millions of people around the world. So, it isn't far-fetched to misdiagnose it. While the reason may differ, the cause is the same. The over production of sebum from your sebaceous gland. This alone is not a problem since sebum protects your skin from drying out. The problem arises when it isn’t addressed properly. Pimples can vary in its symptoms, severity, and their appearance depending on the stage of development. Understanding the different stages of pimples is important for effectively navigating through the maze of making the best decisions available, with the limited information you will probably have. The right solution for the right cause can be quickly resolved. But a bad solution, can irritate and make your skin worse off. In this article, we will discuss the different stages of pimples, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Stage 1: Mild Acne

Comedones are usually the first stage of pimples. There are two types of comedones: open comedones (blackheads) and closed comedones (whiteheads). They are non-inflammatory, and they appear as small, white, or black bumps on the skin. Comedones are caused by the buildup of sebum and dead skin cells in the hair follicles. 

Open comedones, also known as blackheads, occur when the pore is open and the sebum and dead skin cells oxidize, turning it black. Closed comedones, on the other hand, occur when the pore is closed, and the sebum and dead skin cells build up, causing a small, white bump to form.

Symptoms of Comedones:

Comedones are typically asymptomatic, and they do not cause any pain or discomfort. However, they can be unsightly and affect a person's self-esteem.

Treatment for Comedomes

Topical treatments for comedones usually involve medication that contain retinoids. These medications work by unclogging the hair follicles and reducing the production of sebum. Over-the-counter products that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can also be used to treat comedones. It is important to avoid picking or squeezing comedones, as this can lead to inflammation and infection. However, consistency is key. Washing your face twice daily, can improve comedones from appearing. With Avarelle's Toner Pads, and Avarelle's Gunk Out Patches, would be an ideal combination for these sort of situations.

Stage 2: Moderate Acne

This can include, papules which is another form of acne. Unlike comedones, papules are cone shaped, and inflamed. These are usually red, brown, or purple skin tones. Which may be tender, painful, or tend to be noticeably uncomfortable. Papules are caused by the accumulation of sebum or oily skin, bacteria, dead skin cells and androgens within the hair follicles.

Symptoms of Papules:

Papules are typically red and inflamed, and they can be tender to the touch. They do not contain pus, and they do not have a visible opening in the skin. This can progress into pustules, or vesicles.

Treatment for Papules:

The treatment for papules usually involves topical medication that contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or topical antibiotics such as clindamycin or erythromycin. These medications work by reducing inflammation and killing bacteria. Oral antibiotics such as doxycycline, minocycline, or azithromycin can also be used to treat papules. It is important to avoid picking or squeezing papules, as this can lead to scarring and further infection.

Stage 3: Severe Acne, or Pustules

Pustules are the third stage of pimples, which is a further severe form of acne. They are small, inflamed bumps that contain pus. Pustules are caused by the accumulation of white blood cells, bacteria, and dead skin cells within the hair follicles.

Symptoms of Pustules:

Pustules are typically red and inflamed, and they contain a visible opening in the skin that is filled with pus. They can be painful to the touch, and they can rupture and spread the infection to other areas of the skin.

Treatment for Pustules:

The treatment for pustules usually involves topical medications that contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or topical antibiotics such as clindamycin or erythromycin. In severe cases, oral antibiotics such as doxycycline, minocycline, or azithromycin may be prescribed. It is important to avoid picking or squeezing pustules, as this can lead to scarring and further infection. These types of acne would work perfectly with Avarelle's Acne Cover Patch. Adding this to your morning and evening skincare routines, will enhance your overall skincare routine with various skin centric nutrients that combat acne. These ingredients would include, hydrocolloid, tea tree oil, and

Stage 4: Nodule or Acne Nodule

Nodules are the fourth stage of pimples. They are a severe type of acne.  It is usually large, painful bumps that are deep within the skin. Nodules are caused by the buildup of sebum, bacteria, and white blood cells within the hair follicles, which leads to the formation of a hard, inflamed lump.  More specifically, a bacteria called Cutibacterium acnes or C. acne become trapped in these nodules. 

Symptoms of Nodules:

Nodules are typically large, deep, and painful. They are often red or purple and can take weeks to even months to heal. Nodules do not contain pus, and they do not have a visible opening in the skin.  They usually contain blood in place of the pus.  However, the technical term for nodules refers to bumps larger that one centimeter.  More specifically, a nodule is formed when a pore ruptures.  So, when would a pore rupture?  Well, is can be caused by the pressure of the follicle filling up with dead skin cells, sebum(oil).  It can also occur when popping pimples, forcing the substances deeper into the follicle. Causing the follicle wall to release unwanted bacteria, dead skin cells, and oil into the dermis.  Creating the skin to be raised. This is when the pore ruptures under the skin.

Recommended Read:

• What Is Sebum, and How to Keep It in Check?

Treatment for Nodules:

This type of acne is not the type you can treat yourself.  If left alone, it can cause permanent to severe scarring.  The treatment for nodules usually involves oral antibiotics such as as, isotretinoin, a powerful medication that reduces sebum production and inflammation, may be prescribed.  Furthermore, there are topical solutions such as, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and retinoids.  It is important to avoid picking or squeezing nodules, as this can lead to scarring and further infection.

Stage 5: Cysts and cystic Acne

Cystic Acne is the fifth stage of pimples. They are pimples that have undergone a metamorphosis of sorts. The pimple is pushed further into the skin where the pus, that is usually caused by an infection from bacteria, is pushed into the epidermis, creating cysts. Similar to other types of pimples previously mentioned, cystic acne is caused by the accumulation of sebum, bacteria, and white blood cells within the hair follicles.

Symptoms of Cysts:

They are often red or purple and can take weeks to heal. Similar to pustules, cysts contain pus and are painful when touched. In addition, when the follicle wall ruptures, the body creates a membrane, or cyst, where it can contain the materials such as bacteria, and dead skin cells from spreading further. Cystic acne is defined as a lesion rather than a 

Treatment for Cysts:

The treatment for cysts usually involves oral antibiotics such as doxycycline, minocycline, or azithromycin. In severe cases, isotretinoin may be prescribed. Cysts can also be drained by a dermatologist using a needle or performing a surgical procedure.  However, any surgical procedure might not always be the first option.  Rather, go to a dermatologist so that they can recommend professional advice.  It is important to avoid picking or squeezing cysts, as this can lead to scarring and further infection. 

Due to the nature of cystic acne, the flat pimple patches would not be very effective.  However, using tools such as Avarelle's Multi-Dart Patch, which were inspired by microneedling.  Briefly, microneedling is the process of creating tiny or micro abrasions to your skin.  This will stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.  As well as, clear up some other skin problems. Avarelle has taken this simple idea and created a skin solution for everyone.  Which is skin safe, and gentle while penetrating through the outer most layer of the skin.  Allowing acne fighting nutrients to pass through. 

Prevention of Pimples:

Preventing pimples involves maintaining good skin hygiene and avoiding triggers that can cause breakouts. Some tips to prevent pimples include:

1. Wash your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser.
2. Avoid using harsh or abrasive products on your skin.
3. Use non-comedogenic skincare and makeup products.
4. Avoid touching your face with your hands.
5. Avoid picking or squeezing pimples.
6. Eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water.
7. Exercise regularly to reduce stress.
8. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

Conclusion:

Pimples are a common skin problem that affects people of all ages. Understanding the different stages of pimples is important for effective management and prevention of this skin condition. Comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts are the five stages of pimples, and each stage requires a different treatment approach. Preventing pimples involves maintaining good skin hygiene and avoiding triggers that can cause breakouts. If you are experiencing frequent or severe pimples, it is important to consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.