Spots to some, pimples to others, facial blemishes have a habit of popping up at the worst time in a prominent place on our faces. But why do we get them? And what's the best way to get rid of them?
Two medical experts clear up some questions about the common skin blemishes:
What happens in your skin when a spot forms?
There are oil glands in your skin, called sebaceous glands, that produce and secrete sebum, an oily substance that among other things helps keep the skin lubricated. One cause of spots is excess sebum production, which can occur due to hormonal surges in puberty, for instance.
This can clog the pores in your skin through which sebum exits. Pores clogged with excess sebum and dead skin cells that remain open at the surface are called blackheads. Since the trapped debris is exposed to air, it oxidizes and turns dark. If the pores are closed, the bumps are called whiteheads.
The clogged pores allow naturally occurring skin bacteria to multiply. "They trigger inflammation, swelling, redness, pain and the buildup of pus" as white blood cells rush to the site to attack the bacteria, explains dermatologist Dr Marion Moers-Carpi. This creates a spot.
At worst, a spot can develop into an abscess, an infected pocket of pus that typically has to be drained by a doctor.
Why are some people more susceptible to spots than others?
Genetic predisposition is one reason. Another, says Moers-Carpi, are hormonal fluctuations that increase sebum production, for example during puberty or pregnancy.
Over-cleansing your skin or using overly harsh skin-care products can strip it of natural moisture, causing irritation and boosting sebum production to compensate for the loss. Using heavy, greasy cosmetics can clog pores.
Under-washing your skin is also detrimental: "If there's too much dirt and dust on your skin and you start sweating, pus-filled skin inflammation can result," Moers-Carpi says.
Stress is a factor as well. It prompts the release of cortisol - a hormone that helps regulate the body's stress response - elevated levels of which can step up sebum production. Stress also dehydrates the skin, weakening its protective barrier and making it more vulnerable to environmental irritants.
Getting too little sleep can make matters worse, as it impairs skin cell regeneration.
"Certain dietary factors can also encourage spots," adds Moers-Carpi, pointing to excessive consumption of milk protein or pork as among the possible culprits. Every person's body is different, however.
Oh blast! You've got a zit! What now? Zap it?
The formation of a spot usually begins with redness and pain, Moers-Carpi says. "At first there's a little red spot."
If you promptly apply an antibiotic ointment to the area, you can expect the inflammation to recede. You'll have to have the ointment prescribed for you by a dermatologist, and normally should apply it to the incipient spot five times a day.
"By no means should you apply drawing salve," warns Moers-Carpi, since it can additionally irritate the skin.
Why is popping a pimple a bad idea?
"The pressure can push the bacteria deeper into your skin, increasing the risk of inflammation and infections," warns Franziska Scharpf, vice president of the Federal Union of German Associations of Pharmacists (ABDA). "Pressing and squeezing can also cause scarring."
So difficult though it may be, hands off!
Is it true that popping a spot above your upper lip can land you in an accident and emergency department?
The "triangle" between your nose and upper lip is the site of numerous blood vessels that connect directly to your brain, says Moers-Carpi. Popping a spot above your upper lip can force bacteria into your bloodstream that end up in your brain.
The consequences can be very serious. "It can lead to bacterial meningitis or a stroke," she says, although this is rare. In any event, to be on the safe side you should see a dermatologist if you get a spot in this area of particular risk.
Do home remedies such as toothpaste help?
Scharpf advises against using toothpaste to "dry out" a spot. Its ingredients, such as menthol, irritate the skin, she says, and other ingredients may clog sebaceous glands. The result can be redness, inflammation and even scarring.
How can you get rid of a spot?
Left alone, many spots go away on their own after a while. But if one is quite deep and painful, and yellow with pus, it might be a good idea to see a dermatologically trained cosmetologist or dermatologist, who can pierce it with a special needle and drain the pus without causing further inflammation or scarring.
Afterwards, to aid the healing process, you should apply a zinc ointment to the area two to three times daily, but otherwise leave it alone. And you should avoid sunbathing and sauna sessions during healing.
"It's also important to clean, or possibly replace, sponges and brushes that have come into contact with the spot," says Scharpf, because they can be a breeding ground for unwanted bacteria that wind up on your face again. As a general rule, make sure to thoroughly wash your hands before touching your face.
When should you have spots checked by a dermatologist?
Frequent outbreaks of spots can be a symptom of acne, a common chronic inflammatory skin disease. If you have acne, it's advisable to consult a dermatologist. "They can prescribe creams or tinctures that help you get the skin condition under control," says Moers-Carpi.
