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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases; Acne; November 2010
- PubMed Health; Acne; October 2010
- PubMed Health; Acne; October 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Acne Treatments and Drugs; November 2009
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
A Red Face Pimple That Hurts
Your face is a common acne spot, even though pimples can show up in other places, too, such as on your shoulders, neck, back and chest. Some pimples are small and unobtrusive, but many are noticeable bumps that can be red and inflamed. You may even experience pain if you touch certain pimples. Some of these red, painful blemishes need special treatment to avoid scars.
Definition
Pimple is a general term for acne-related skin lesions that take many forms. The most minor pimples are called blackheads and whiteheads, and they stay mostly below the skin's surface, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases 1. Both involve blocked pores, but the blockage is only partial with a blackhead, resulting in a dark spot capping the pimple. A whitehead is a complete blockage. Papules and pustules are larger, red pimples that are tender to the touch, and pustules have pus inside. Nodules and cysts are more severe. They are big, red, hard and painful, and cysts often scar without medical attention.
- Pimple is a general term for acne-related skin lesions that take many forms.
- Both involve blocked pores, but the blockage is only partial with a blackhead, resulting in a dark spot capping the pimple.
Cause
What Are the Causes of Pimples on Genital Area?
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Red, painful pimples result from inflammation. Bacteria joins the mix, sometimes resulting in inflammation that makes pimples red and sore. You cannot completely prevent pimples. They are a natural part of adolescence due to hormones and sometimes persist through adulthood. You can keep them from getting infected by not touching, picking or roughly scrubbing them, even if they itch or hurt.
- Red, painful pimples result from inflammation.
- Bacteria joins the mix, sometimes resulting in inflammation that makes pimples red and sore.
Treatment
Most pimples are treatable with store-bought products, even if they are red and tender, although severe acne cysts need medical attention. Salicylic acid, sulfur, resorcinol and benzoyl peroxide are all popular, effective acne cream ingredients. Stubborn papules, pustules and nodules should respond to prescription creams or antibiotics, and doctors can inject cysts with cortisone to relieve the pain, improve their appearance and reduce scarring risk.
- Most pimples are treatable with store-bought products, even if they are red and tender, although severe acne cysts need medical attention.
- Stubborn papules, pustules and nodules should respond to prescription creams or antibiotics, and doctors can inject cysts with cortisone to relieve the pain, improve their appearance and reduce scarring risk.
Considerations
Acne & Warts
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Pimples can get red and sore if they get irritated by washing them roughly and using harsh cleansing products or wearing helmets, headbands and other items that rub against the affected skin. Backpacks and other tight accessories or clothing can irritate acne on your body if the items rub on your skin lesions. Leave mild pimples alone, other than washing them gently with plain water and applying appropriate treatments, and make sure nothing causes friction that might irritate and worsen them.
Related Articles
References
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases; Acne; November 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Acne Treatments and Drugs; November 2009
- InformedHealth.org. Acne: Overview. Updated January 16, 2013.
- Margesson LJ, Haefner, HK. Vulvar lesions: Differential diagnosis based on morphology. UpToDate. Updated April 8, 2019.
- InformedHealth.org. Acne: Overview. Updated January 16, 2013.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Molluscum contagiosum. Updated May 11, 2015.
- Stamm AW, Kobashi KC, Stefanovic KB. Urologic dermatology: A review. Curr Urol Rep. 2017;18(8):62. doi:10.1007/s11934-017-0712-9.
- Margesson LJ, Haefner, HK. Vulvar lesions: Differential diagnosis based on morphology. Updated April 8, 2019.
- Sagransky M, Yentzer BA, Feldman SR. Benzoyl peroxide: a review of its current use in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2009;10(15):2555-62.
Writer Bio
Based in Kissimmee, Fla., Barb Nefer is a freelance writer with over 20 years of experience. She is a mental health counselor, finance coach and travel agency owner. Her work has appeared in such magazines as "The Writer" and "Grit" and she authored the book, "So You Want to Be a Counselor."