Acne on the face or various parts of the body is often a consequence of internal disorders that arise due to errors in lifestyle, exposure to adverse factors or developing diseases. One of these problems is subcutaneous formations, which are not just an unpleasant aesthetic defect, but also a possible symptom of pathological processes occurring in the body.
What are subcutaneous acne
The process of formation of subcutaneous skin is directly related to the excessive production of sebum, which accumulates in the sebaceous ducts. It is a breeding ground for bacteria that multiply inside the sebaceous glands and provoke subcutaneous inflammation. As a result of the inflammatory process, a hard ball (bump) appears on the skin, which hurts when pressed and, unlike skin rashes such as pimples or acne, is not squeezed out in the usual way.
Inflammation affects the inner layers of the skin, and its superficial keratinized layer creates an obstacle to the normal cleaning of the sebaceous ducts. For this reason, it is difficult to get rid of subcutaneous acne, whether it is small white rashes or one large inflamed subcutaneous area. Such formations are located in the deep layers of the skin and “ripe” for a very long time, and therefore it is impossible to remove accumulations of sebum and pus from them using conventional methods.
Reasons for appearance
Having understood what subcutaneous acne is and what is the mechanism of its formation, it is necessary to find out what causes it. The main reason for the appearance of such rashes is a disruption in the process of sebum secretion, and it develops under the influence of a number of internal pathologies or external adverse influences. Why do subcutaneous patches appear? Experts name the following factors that contribute to or provoke their formation:
- improper or insufficient skin care;
- hormonal imbalance associated with puberty, pregnancy, contraceptives, or endocrine diseases;
- overheating or hypothermia of the body;
- poor nutrition;
- abuse of peeling or tanning;
- disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract;
- reduced immunity;
- metabolic disease;
- hereditary predisposition;
- gynecological diseases;
- subcutaneous mite;
- bad habits (tobacco use, alcohol use).
On the face
Problems with facial skin, manifested in the form of subcutaneous acne, often indicate hormonal imbalances in the body:
- If small bumps appear on the face that do not go away for a long time, this may be a consequence of developing endocrine pathologies or temporary hormonal imbalance due to natural causes (adolescence, pregnancy).
- In women, white pimples on the face can occur due to ovarian dysfunction caused by polycystic disease. In this case, they are localized on the chin and on the lower cheeks.
- In people with oily or thick skin, internal acne on the face appears due to excessive sebum production and can be located anywhere - on the forehead, nose, cheekbones, chin.
- Painful lumps on the lips that initially look like pimples can be a sign of herpes.
On the back
The appearance of subcutaneous lesions on the back can also be a consequence of sudden hormonal changes, but this phenomenon is often observed in athletes or people leading an active lifestyle. During physical activity, the back constantly sweats, and this contributes to the contamination of the sebaceous ducts and the accumulation of sebum in them, leading to the development of the inflammatory process and the appearance of acne. Find out how to remove acne on a woman's back.
On the neck
Rashes on the neck, located in the deep layers of the epidermis, rarely occur, since the skin in this part of the body is thin. If such pimples appear in this area, it is recommended to undergo a comprehensive medical examination, since they may be associated with diseases of the internal organs or the beginning of the development of pathological processes in the body.
On hands
The appearance of subcutaneous rashes on the hands may indicate endocrine disorders, allergies, and hereditary diseases. If acne appears below the elbow or in the area of the hands, this should be especially alarming, because in these areas there are fewer sebaceous glands and the appearance of skin formations on them can indicate serious pathologies and malfunctions of the body.
On the labia
Subcutaneous formations in the genital area in many cases occur due to hypothermia of the body. They may appear after a cold, swimming in cold water or improper hardening. Other possible causes are microtraumas that occur during hair removal in the bikini area, as well as wearing synthetic underwear, which irritates the skin and causes it to overheat.
Subcutaneous bumps all over the body
If subcutaneous rashes are located throughout the body, this may be a manifestation of a genetic disease - hereditary lipomatosis. With this disease, bumps can appear on any part of the body - neck, arms, legs, stomach, back. This disorder requires careful examination and long-term complex therapy, and sometimes surgical intervention.
How to get rid of internal pimple
If there are a lot of subcutaneous formations and they do not go away for a long time, it is unlikely that you will be able to get rid of them on your own. In such cases, consultation with a dermatologist and special therapy are necessary. The same applies to such an unpleasant manifestation as acne on the face located deep under the skin, the treatment of which must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist.
However, if the pimple is single and has appeared recently, you can try to remove it without seeking medical help by using available pharmacy and home remedies. How to remove the subcutaneous tissue? Such pimples “ripen” for a long time, over several weeks, so attempts to squeeze them out will be unsuccessful. How to treat the skin to speed up this process and prevent complications from developing?
Ointment
An excellent remedy for combating subcutaneous skin are Vishnevsky ointment, Levomekol, and zinc ointment. How to pull out a pimple using these drugs? Ointments should be applied to the affected areas at least 2 times a day. In addition, compresses made from ichthyol ointment have a good effect, drawing the contents of the subcutaneous tissue out. It is recommended to apply them at night.
Cream for subcutaneous acne
When treating subcutaneous rashes, creams with an antibacterial and healing effect are helpful, allowing you to quickly stop the inflammatory process and accelerate tissue regeneration in the affected area. The most effective products in this category, recommended for the fight against subcutaneous skin, are the creams “Baziron”, “Differin”, “Skinoren”, “Klenzit-S”.
Treatment with folk remedies
Simple folk recipes that are available for use at home will help eliminate subcutaneous formations:
- Aloe compress. It helps well to get rid of such an unpleasant phenomenon as a long-lasting purulent pimple that cannot burst on its own. Cut an aloe leaf, apply it to the site of inflammation and secure with a bandage. It is most convenient to apply the compress at night.
- Tea tree oil. Apply it to your pimples every 3-4 hours for a few days until you notice improvement.
- Mask of oil and garlic. Lubricate the problem area with vegetable oil, and then precisely apply chopped garlic to the area of inflammation and place gauze soaked in hot water over it. Leave on for 20 minutes and rinse off.
How to squeeze a pimple
When deciding to squeeze out a pimple located deep under the skin, it is very important to remember the high risk of infection, even wider spread of rashes or scarring on the skin. A fully mature pimple can be squeezed out after first disinfecting your hands and treating the wound with an antibacterial solution. However, the removal of multiple formations must be entrusted to a dermatologist or cosmetologist.
Video: how to cure an internal pimple
Once and for all, special video materials will help you deal with the problem of subcutaneous rashes, in which this topic is covered in as much detail as possible. Experts talk about the main reasons for the appearance of such formations, provide photos of common types of rashes, explain how to deal with them and how to properly remove a pimple located in the deep layers of the epidermis.
Subcutaneous acne on the face causes a lot of inconvenience and discomfort in aesthetic terms. But you should worry not only about this, because they are a consequence of the inflammatory process that has arisen in the sebaceous glands against the background of purulent concentration in the subcutaneous tissues (or exudate). Such conditions are an excellent environment for the intensive proliferation of bacteria. In serious cases, this process is accompanied by cystic formations.
Causes and mechanism of formation of internal pimple on the face.
Subcutaneous acne is not only a problem for young people (about 80%), they can also appear in adults (40%). The main reason for the appearance of subcutaneous acne is the inflammatory process in the sebaceous ducts, which are located deep in the skin. This is due to an increase in the level of androgens (male sex hormones) in the body, as a result of which there is excessive production of sebum, which, in turn, accumulates in the excretory sebaceous ducts and attracts bacteria that feed on this sebum and multiply intensively. Against this background, inflammation develops. The keratinized layer of epithelium or dead surface skin cells clog the outlet of the sebaceous glands, and continued inflammation and infection of the affected area leads to the appearance of a reddish, hard-to-touch lump, which we call a subcutaneous pimple. Other factors can provoke inflammation of the ducts of the sebaceous glands and, as a result, the occurrence of subcutaneous acne.
Factors that provoke the appearance of subcutaneous acne.
- Hormonal imbalance due to puberty, menopause, pregnancy and lactation, taking hormonal contraceptives and medications, the presence of sexually transmitted and neuroendocrine diseases.
- Disorders of the sebaceous glands.
- Dermatological diseases.
- Insufficient or improper skin care.
- Abuse of peelings.
- Unhealthy diet with excess fatty, sugary, sugary foods.
- Violation of cell immunity.
- Genetics.
- Subcutaneous mite (Demodex).
Symptoms and signs of subcutaneous pimple.
The formation of a subcutaneous purulent pustule externally manifests itself in the form of a small hard growth of a reddish or white color, rising above the surface of the skin. As the compaction matures, a bright red tubercle appears, upon pressing which a painful sensation occurs. The size of a red subcutaneous pimple can range from 1-2 mm to 1 cm or more.
Often, with large purulent accumulations, acne growth increases. In advanced cases, large nodes make the skin lumpy with an unhealthy reddish tint. Such formations are localized mainly in areas most susceptible to the development of the inflammatory process (face, chest, back, neck, shoulders, arms).
Red subcutaneous pimples may not form purulent pustules for a long time, accompanied by unpleasant itching and pain when pressed.
If the cause of acne on the face is a subcutaneous mite, then the bright red subcutaneous lumps have multiple distributions and are accompanied by severe itching and flaking of the skin.
The success of treating subcutaneous pimples (acne, acne) depends on the correct identification and elimination of the cause that provoked their appearance.
Consequences for the skin.
Subcutaneous acne affects the external attractiveness of the skin, adding to its owners a lot of complexes about this. In addition, if treated incorrectly, they can leave spots and scars behind (post-acne).
Never squeeze pimples! This leads to the spread of bacteria and acne damage to new areas of the skin, and sometimes blood poisoning, because when squeezed out, the purulent contents directly enter the blood vessels, spreading it throughout the body. By the way, any type of cosmetic skin cleansing is also prohibited, because the procedure itself is nothing more than squeezing out pimples.
Treatment of subcutaneous acne on the face.
Treatment of subcutaneous acne depends on the degree of skin damage. If there are up to 10 such elements on the face (mild degree or first stage), treatment should be exclusively external. In this case, it is necessary to use cosmetics whose action is aimed at reducing sebum, fighting microbes, and eliminating hyperkeratosis. These products include cleansers and mattifying agents (gels, tonics). To treat acne, external gel Differin is effective. Any medications and cosmetics should be selected by a dermatologist and cosmetologist.
The average degree of acne damage to the skin (or the second stage) is when you have from 10 to 40 elements on your face. At this degree of development of acne, internal and external treatment is indicated. External treatment consists of using the same external agents as for mild lesions. But for internal treatment, the doctor individually selects hormonal contraceptives, one of the directions of which is the fight against moderate or moderate acne (pimples or acne). The contraceptive also reduces the level of male sex hormones. Additionally, an antibiotic is prescribed orally (for example, Doxycycline), which should be taken for three months. This is due to the fact that the skin renewal process occurs once every 28 days. Three skin renewals must take place in order for the face to become clean and smooth.
The third degree of skin damage (or third stage) - when there are more than 40 elements on the face, almost the entire face is covered with acne. In this case, the treatment is more serious. The drug retinoic acid (derivatives) is prescribed orally. The only such drug is Roaccutane. There is no external treatment for this degree of skin damage. The drug blocks the release of sebum from the sebaceous glands, depriving microbes of “food”, causing drying of the skin. The drug should be prescribed exclusively by a medical specialist; it gives an effective result.
Methods of treatment and elimination and consequences of acne on the face.
- Microdermabrasion - perfectly removes dead layers of epithelium, increases blood circulation, improves regeneration and recovery processes.
- Acid peeling – cleanses the skin of dead skin cells, accelerates tissue regeneration, and increases skin elasticity.
- Laser resurfacing – removes dead skin cells using a laser beam, the procedure improves tissue metabolism and accelerates their recovery.
- Physiotherapeutic and hardware methods for the treatment of subcutaneous acne (applicable only for mild to moderate lesions).
- Phototherapy – accelerates regeneration processes in cells.
- Ozone therapy - eliminates swelling and inflammation, eliminates pathogenic microbes, reduces pain, stimulates the production of collagen and elastin fibers through exposure to oxygen.
- Elos therapy - exposure to inflamed areas with blue light pulses.
- Mesotherapy – elimination of inflammation and restoration of the skin.
Home methods for treating subcutaneous acne on the face (relevant for mild skin lesions).
Before cleansing the skin, it is effective to take steam baths based on infusions or decoctions of chamomile, celandine, calendula, mint, and sage. Herbal decoctions are also good to use for daily washes or lotions (wipe the skin several times a day). To prepare an infusion of herbs, take a tablespoon of the raw material, pour 200 ml of boiling water and leave for half an hour, strain. To prepare the decoction, do everything the same as for the infusion, only the brewed herb should be additionally simmered over low heat for five minutes, then allowed to cool and strain.
Tea tree oil is a powerful natural antibiotic. It can be applied directly to pimples several times a day.
You can apply iodine to single pimples, do it quickly and carefully, literally touch it with a cotton swab. It is important to be careful here, otherwise you may get a skin burn.
Ichthyol ointment (Vishnevsky ointment) perfectly draws purulent exudate out and lubricates pimples.
Synthomycin emulsion mixed with warm boiled water (1:1) serves as a good tonic (wipe twice a day) that accelerates the healing process.
Tar soap has an excellent antibacterial effect; use it instead of cleansers.
Aloe will help speed up the release of pus from a pimple; it is recommended to cut a fresh leaf in half and apply it to the pimples overnight, securing it with a band-aid. In two days the pus will come out.
For mild skin lesions, it is good to lubricate pimples with calendula tincture in alcohol (can be bought at a pharmacy).
Aspirin also relieves inflammation well, improving skin condition. To do this, apply spot-on pimples with a mixture of aspirin and water twice a week (crush the tablet into dust and mix with water to form a paste-like mixture). There is no need to rinse off the mixture.
A decoction of birch buds helps reduce inflammation and pain from red internal pimples. For the decoction, you need to brew 10 g of buds with 250 ml of boiling water, put it on the stove over low heat, after five minutes, remove it and, having wrapped it well, let it brew for three hours, strain. Use daily, rubbing the skin, and additionally apply lotions to inflamed areas two to three times a day.
Homemade mask recipes for internal acne.
Anti-acne masks will also help cleanse the skin, reduce inflammation, and dry out acne.
Clay mask.
Ingredients.
Talc powder – 10 g.
Clay powder (white or blue) – 10 g.
Milk at room temperature – 60 ml.
Application.
Combine the ingredients to a homogeneous paste-like mass, which is spread on the skin and left for twenty minutes. Rinse off the mask with room temperature water.
Clay mask with lemon and calendula tincture.
Ingredients.
Cosmetic clay powder – 3 tbsp. l.
Alcohol tincture of calendula – 20 ml.
Lemon juice – 15 ml.
Application.
Dilute the clay with tincture, add lemon juice. Distribute the composition onto the affected areas and leave for about twenty minutes. Rinse off with water at room temperature.
Clay mask with yeast.
Ingredients.
Cosmetic white clay powder – 10 g.
Yeast in granules - 10 g.
Warm milk.
Honey – ½ tsp.
Application.
Combine the dry ingredients and add milk so that a mass is formed that resembles thin sour cream, into which then pour liquid honey (if there is no individual intolerance). Spread the mixture onto the skin and leave for twenty minutes. Wash off the mask with warm water.
Prevention of subcutaneous acne.
To speed up the treatment process, as well as to prevent the appearance of acne, it is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle, eat a healthy and balanced diet, eliminate bad habits, including nutrition, take walks in the fresh air, and play sports.
Periodically use herbal infusions (chamomile, calendula, celandine, etc.) to cleanse and tone the skin.
During the treatment of subcutaneous acne, it is recommended to refrain from using decorative cosmetics, especially foundation and dense powder, they clog the pores, preventing the outflow of sebum. For excessively oily skin prone to rashes, these products are generally contraindicated.
There is no self-medication; all medications and drugs should be prescribed and selected only by a doctor.
Teenagers are most prone to the appearance of subcutaneous acne. The main reason lies in the hormonal changes of the young body. Internal acne often affects the skin of middle-aged people. In such cases, there may be many more reasons for the phenomenon.
Subcutaneous pimples are divided into several types. Their treatment also depends on the location on a particular part of the body. Before treating acne, you must first find out the causes of its occurrence.
A brief description of
Internal acne is a consequence of the inflammatory process occurring in the ducts of the sebaceous glands.
Inflammation occurs due to the action of provoking factors. As a result, dirt and excess sebum accumulate under the skin, which ultimately causes the appearance of bumps.
Pimples can appear on various parts of the body, but most often affect:
Subcutaneous acne has a dense structure. Their size can reach 2 cm. The formation that appears on the skin first appears in the form of a small red lump, and then grows to a large painful tubercle.
Internal pimples can be either single or multiple. Single formations are not hazardous to health. They can ripen for up to 14 days, after which they disappear on their own. Multiple subcutaneous pimples remain on the face for a long time, giving the skin an unhealthy appearance.
Types and their features
Among the most common types of internal acne are:
Each type of subcutaneous acne has a number of characteristics.
Big
Large pimples come in different types.
Among them are:
- papules - large red pimples without pus inside (after pressing they are restored to their size);
- filled with pus (pustules);
- subcutaneous nodes;
- a group of subcutaneous nodes forming a cyst.
Pustules appear as a white head located in the center of the pimple. Squeezing can cause the infection to spread, including blood poisoning. Pustules can develop either independently or transform from papules.
The nodes reach large sizes (more than 3 cm). They are painful, and when squeezed out they leave scars. They are distinguished by their deep location inside the skin, which complicates the process of their treatment.
Several nodes connected by subcutaneous passages form a cyst. Cysts are the most dangerous form of large subcutaneous acne because they are located deep under the skin and are painful. A squeezed cyst almost always leaves a noticeable scar.
Small
Small pimples can appear on the skin either singly or in the form of rashes. They, like large pimples, are papules that do not contain pus. Their appearance is associated with internal problems in the body.
Small pustules contain pus. When pressed, it comes out. Such suppurations often occur due to poor skin hygiene, as well as due to clogging of the sebaceous glands.
Small pimples have a small diameter - no more than 2 mm. At the same time, they are capable of growing to large sizes. Their treatment is most difficult because they remain on the skin for a long time.
White
White pimples are a type of acne. This is acne consisting of small white pimples. Subcutaneous white pimples are difficult to squeeze out. Their appearance is associated with skin pathologies when the cells of the stratum corneum divide too quickly.
White pimples often become inflamed. In this case, pustules with excess pus appear. Improper treatment of white subcutaneous acne leads to the appearance of scars on the skin.
Causes of internal acne
The main cause of internal acne is the improper functioning of the hormonal system of the human body. One of the probable causes of the phenomenon is poor nutrition.
The reasons for the appearance of subcutaneous formations directly depend on their location. The gender of the person who has a similar skin disease also plays a significant role.
On the chin
Subcutaneous pimples occur for two main reasons: internal and external.
The appearance of dense tubercles on the skin of the chin most often indicates the development of internal pathologies, which include:
- diseases of the stomach and intestines;
- inflammatory process in the ovaries in women;
- disorders of the thyroid gland and adrenal glands (often with diabetes mellitus);
- genetic factor;
- excess sebum production in adolescents;
- skin infections (streptoderma).
Less commonly, acne on the chin can occur due to external influences in the form of insufficient facial skin hygiene, the use of cosmetics or aggressive skin cleansers.
Among women
Women are most susceptible to developing subcutaneous acne.
The main reasons for the phenomenon are:
- pregnancy;
- menstrual period;
- sexual infections;
- cervical erosion;
- development of an adrenal tumor with increased testosterone production;
- hormonal imbalance after an abortion;
- kidney disease;
- diseases of the digestive system;
- poor nutrition with an abundance of sweets, smoked, fried foods;
- use of contraceptives containing hormones;
- use of certain medications (antidepressants).
Since women use cosmetics more often than men, one of the possible reasons for the appearance of subcutaneous acne on the face may be the use of low-quality cosmetics. Subcutaneous formations may appear on a woman’s neck due to an allergy to the perfumes used.
On the cheeks
Various factors contribute to the appearance of internal acne on the cheeks, the main ones being:
- excessively oily skin;
- hormonal disorders;
- premenstrual period in women;
- severe stress;
- problems with fat metabolism;
- excessive use of cosmetics;
- poor facial hygiene;
- puberty in adolescents;
- penetration of demodex mites under the skin;
- allergic reactions to cosmetics, products;
- excessive consumption of coffee, chocolate and especially spicy foods;
- smoking;
- alcohol consumption;
- diseases of internal organs.
On the neck
The main reasons for the appearance of subcutaneous pimples on the neck include:
- poor neck skin hygiene;
- excessive sweating, causing clogged glands;
- use of perfumes, creams;
- poor nutrition;
- hereditary factor;
- cold infections;
- malfunction of the thyroid gland;
- development of diabetes mellitus;
- problems with the stomach and intestines;
- pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome or menopause in women;
- puberty in adolescents.
In some cases, formations on the neck are provoked by shaving in men. Sometimes the provoking factor may be Demodex parasitism under the skin.
About acne on the forehead. More details here.
On the forehead
The localization of internal acne on the forehead determines which organ has a malfunction:
- pimples in the center of the forehead - problems with the intestines;
- along the edges of the forehead - a malfunction of the bladder;
- on the temples - problems with the gallbladder and pancreas;
- above the eyebrows - heart problems.
Often the cause of abscesses on the forehead is the contact of dirty hands with it. In this case, dirt gets under the skin and clogs the sebaceous glands, causing inflammation.
In the groin
Internal pimples in the groin can occur both for reasons not related to serious diseases, and in connection with pathological processes in the body.
The causes of groin acne are as follows:
- poor hygiene of the intimate area;
- skin response to epilation of the groin area;
- wearing uncomfortable or poor-quality underwear;
- hypothermia of the body;
- allergic reactions.
Various diseases can provoke ulcers in the groin:
- contact type dermatitis;
- boils;
- seborrheic dermatitis;
- fungal infections;
- psoriasis;
- syphilis.
Video: Useful information
How to treat on the face
Internal acne, the causes of which are associated with hormonal imbalances, is treated with various means.
Comprehensive treatment is used, including:
- ointments;
- cosmetic procedures;
- diet;
- proper skin care.
For the treatment of internal acne, salicylic ointment is most effective. It has a drying property and whitens the area where the skin is affected by acne.
The following types of ointments are also recommended:
- Vishnevsky ointment;
- ichthyol;
- heparin;
- zinc
An effective remedy
Among folk remedies, aloe is the most effective. To do this, you need to apply a cut leaf of the plant to the areas where the skin is affected by acne.
Of the cosmetic procedures that are most effective in the treatment of subcutaneous formations, they are:
- acid peeling, which can be done at home;
- ozone therapy in the form of saturation of the skin with ozone;
- mesotherapy (subcutaneous injections of drugs);
- laser resurfacing in the form of removing the top layer of skin.
Is it possible to squeeze out
In worst cases, squeezing pimples can cause infection to enter the bloodstream, leading to the development of sepsis. When subcutaneous formations are squeezed out, noticeable scars remain, spoiling the aesthetic appearance of the skin.
Diet
Since a common cause of subcutaneous pustules is poor nutrition, it is recommended to follow a diet when treating them.
The diet should include:
- vegetables and fruits and juices based on them;
- dairy products;
- lean meat (beef, rabbit, turkey);
- nuts;
- dried fruits (for better intestinal permeability);
- fish;
- rye bread with bran.
This diet completely excludes the consumption of fatty foods, excessively salty and sweet foods. Spicy foods should be completely excluded from the diet.
Additionally, it is recommended to avoid using:
- carbonated drinks;
- fast food;
- coffee;
- sausages;
- fried foods;
- mayonnaise;
- smoked meats
An important point in treatment is compliance with the drinking regime. It is recommended to drink 2-2.5 liters of clean water every day.
Photos before and after
Proper care
Proper skin care can prevent the appearance of internal pimples on the skin.
Necessary:
- spend more time outdoors;
- stop smoking and drinking alcohol;
- do not frequently touch the skin on your face;
- regularly cleanse the skin of dead debris and dirt using special gels, but not soap;
- use lotions that tighten pores after cleansing the skin;
- Use a white clay mask as a moisturizer, especially for oily skin types.
About the recipe for an acne mask at home. Find out further.
How do internal acne appear on the face? The answer is here.
The appearance of internal acne is mainly associated with problems of internal organs. Most often, the reason lies in hormonal imbalance.
The effectiveness of getting rid of the problem depends on adjusting the diet and proper care for problem skin. If subcutaneous pimples occur, do not squeeze them out.