Pimples that don't go away

Acne or acne vulgaris is a polymorphic disease of the sebaceous glands. Acne is one of the most frequently recurrent dermatoses.

And, despite the evolution of treatment methods, it is one of the most common: 90-100% at the age of 14-17 years, and 60-75% at the age of 25 years.

Causes

Acne is a multifactorial disease. The mechanism of acne formation has been studied in detail, but environmental or behavioral factors that trigger the inflammatory process still require study.

Most Western dermatologists and evidence-based medicine doctors speak in favor of the hormonal theory of the origin of acne.

The mechanism of formation of hormonal acne is as follows:

1. the natural mechanism of hormonal synthesis is disrupted, testosterone production by the adrenal glands and ovaries increases;
2. The skin is an important target organ for sex hormones. Androgen and estrogen receptors are located in the dermal structures. These receptors respond to the production of testosterone and the decrease in estrogen, which plays a key role in maintaining the skin's water balance;
3. to prevent critical moisture loss, androgynous-estrogenic receptors stimulate follicles to actively synthesize sebum;
4. the skin becomes oily, shiny and textured if the thickness of the stratum corneum is normal;
5. if the renewal mechanism in the epidermis is disrupted and the layer of dead cells is thicker, then sebum does not come out, but remains in the pores, forming closed comedones, white or blackheads;
6. Bacteria begin to develop in the oily environment of clogged pores. The addition of pathogenic flora turns the sebaceous plug into an inflamed pimple - a papule.

The following facts support the hormonal theory of acne:

1. acne occurs in 43-55% of women after stopping oral contraceptives;
2. According to statistics, more than 90% of women with hyperadrogenism have oily skin and acne;
3. the first acne occurs in 95% of adolescents during the period of hormonal changes;
4. acne recurs during the climatic period in response to a reduction in estrogen synthesis;
5. Bodybuilders experience acne during cycles of anabolic steroids.

External factors for the appearance of acne include poor diet and bad habits, insufficient hygiene and mechanical damage to the skin.

Poor nutrition

The relationship between diet and acne is still being actively researched. WHO, based on data from American researchers, recommends that patients with acne adhere to their usual balanced diet and avoid individual allergens.

The correlation between intestinal flora and acne has not been proven and has even been partially refuted. No reputable dermatologist speaks positively about the benefits of gut bacteria and probiotics for the skin.

However, it has been proven that the degree of acne correlates with the amount of quickly digestible carbohydrates consumed. The mechanism of the relationship is as follows: insulin is released to break down glucose, with its participation free testosterone is converted into the active form dihydrotestosterone, to which skin receptors react by secreting sebum.

Mechanical impact

Microtraumas of the skin epithelium disrupt the local immunity of the skin and can cause relapses of acne.

Squeezing pimples is a common psychosomatic reaction to acne. A person feels an urgent need to act, to do something to get rid of a pimple.

And the most understandable subconscious reaction is to squeeze out the pus, mechanically remove the defect. But, squeezing pimples leads to damage and subsequent scarring of the epidermis.

It is possible to squeeze out mature purulent papules, but this must be done carefully, using a special sterile spoon or spatula.

The skin must be disinfected before and after the procedure with alcohol-free antiseptics: miramistine or chlorhexidine.

Insufficient hygiene

The skin has a special bacterial flora. The sebaceous ducts of each person are permanently colonized by different groups of microorganisms: bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites.

They cause inflammation only when comfortable conditions for reproduction arise. The fatty environment of the follicle under plugs of dead cells is a very favorable environment.

The leading role in the formation of cysts and papules is played by the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes, staphylococci and streptococci. For complex acne therapy, it is necessary to minimize the possibility of bacteria entering the skin from the external environment.

Hygiene rules that must be followed by people with acne:

1. change bed linen regularly, especially pillowcases (at least once every 5 days), since the skin is in contact with the surface of the pillow for a long time;
2. use only a separate face towel or disposable paper towels;
3. do not touch your face with dirty hands;
4. wipe the case and screen of the mobile phone with alcohol or antiseptic;
5. remove dirty hair from your face. Not only particles of dirt, but also remnants of styling products can cause clogging of pores;
6. maintain hygiene when applying makeup, wash brushes, use disposable applicators for applying cosmetics;
7. monitor the cleanliness of scarves, hats, masks, collars and other wardrobe items that come into contact with problem skin.

What to do and what to anoint

The method of treatment depends on the degree of acne and the extent of the spread of inflammatory elements.

Degrees of acne:

1. enlarged pores, “blackheads”, closed comedones, up to 10 inflamed elements on the face;
2. 2 to 20 pimples on the face, single acne on the back, chest, shoulders;
3. 20-30 pimples on the face, cystic acne, problem skin on the chest and back.
4. more than 40 inflammatory elements on the face, internal acne, acne conglobata, cysts, problematic body skin.

Skin care

To avoid additional clogging of pores and the formation of comedones, it is necessary to use cosmetics without comedogenic components.

Cosmetics ingredients that cause additional acne:

1. talc;
2. oils: coconut, cocoa, castor, burdock, wheat germ, rapeseed;
3. lanolin;
4. petrolatum;
5. alcohol denatured alcohol;
6. paraffin.

Parabens and sulfate salts also have a high threshold of comedogenicity, but they are acceptable in products that do not contact the skin surface for a long time: washes, masks.

The following components have a positive effect on the condition of problem skin:

1. glycolic, citric, lactic, salicylic, azelaic, tartaric acids;
2. enzymes or enzymes: papain, bromelain;
3. aloe;
4. kaolin;
5. panthenol;
6. allantoin;
7. snail extract;
8. extracts of cintella, spirulina, chlorella;
9. essential oils of tea tree, rosemary, bay, peppermint, lavender;
10. minerals: zinc, mica, jezdu clay or Amazonian clay.

Diet for acne

Diet plays a secondary role in acne treatment, but sometimes, without adjusting the diet, it is impossible to completely cure acne.

In Europe and the USA, patients with hyperandrogyny are recommended to consume foods with a low glycemic index.

It is permissible to replace white sugar with sweeteners of natural origin that do not cause fluctuations in insulin levels: stevia or erythritol.

Allergic reactions are sometimes disguised as acne. To confirm or refute the histamine (allergic) nature of the rash, it is necessary to do skin tests.

According to the International Commission on Food Safety (a body of the World Health Organization WHO), severe food hypersensitivity is caused by familiar foods, which for most are part of a balanced diet.

Products that cause the most severe allergic reactions (including acne):

1. gluten-containing grains (wheat, rye, oats);
2. milk and derivatives;
3. eggs;
4. peanuts and tree nuts;
5. mollusks, crustaceans, sea fish;
6. soybeans

The severity of allergic reactions depends on the individual characteristics of the body and the amount of allergens consumed.

Video: Causes of rashes

Acne masks

Masks help to further cleanse the skin, delicately renew and moisturize.

Clay masks are considered universal for problem skin. Clay removes toxins, tightens pores, mattifies the skin, and removes sebum residues from the surface.

Kaolin masks are an understandable remedy with an explainable mechanism of action. Almost every cosmetic brand produces such products. But, a clay mask can be prepared at home.

For problem skin, green or blue clay is optimal.

Recipe for a mask to tighten pores

Green clay 1 tbsp. l. + mineral water 1 tbsp + a few drops of rosemary or peppermint essential oil.

This mask, in addition to the detox effect, disinfects the skin, tightens pores, and stimulates blood circulation in the upper layers of the dermis.

Mask recipe for exfoliation, renewal

0.5 tsp salicylic alcohol + 0.25 l. citric acid + 3 tbsp. l. water or green tea + 2-3 tbsp. l. blue clay.

The mask provides an antibacterial effect, renews the skin, stimulates the regeneration process, dries out inflammation, and cleanses pores.

Apply clay masks to dry, clean facial skin, avoiding the area around the eyes. Keep until completely dry. Rinse off gently with warm water.

After the procedure, the skin should be well moisturized with cream with avocado oil, grape seed oil, hyaluronic acid, aloe gel or snail extract.

Drugs

The abundance of medications and tinctures for acne in every local pharmacy is amazing. But, most remedies provide a weak or short-term effect.

It is not always possible to select the right drug from a dermatologist, due to the specifics of the work and the doctor’s qualifications.

If acne significantly reduces the quality of life, its treatment must be addressed competently and actively. First of all, study the list of drugs approved by WHO for the treatment of acne.

The use of drugs gives the most pronounced effect in the treatment of acne. If, despite proper care and nutrition, acne on the face does not go away, then it is advisable to use specialized products.

But, they have contraindications and side effects. It is necessary to carefully follow the instructions for use to minimize the likelihood of adverse reactions.

How to remove redness from acne? More details here.

AHA and BHA acids

AHA and BHA acids act effectively in several directions:

1. stimulate the process of skin renewal, delicately remove the layer of dead cells, freeing the sebaceous ducts;
2. dissolve sebaceous plugs and comedones;
3. act on microorganisms; in an acidic environment, bacteria, viruses and even mites cannot reproduce.
4. tighten pores, even out skin texture, remove acne spots.

For problem skin, salicylic and azelaic acid are optimal.

An alcohol solution of salicylic acid 2% can be purchased at your nearest pharmacy. This drug is only suitable for precise application to problem areas. When applied to large areas, it can cause burns, peeling and dry skin.

Azelaic acid is an effective anti-acne substance. It forms the basis of the popular drug Skinoren and its analogues: Azik-derm, Azogel.

The use of drugs with azelaic acid is indicated for stages 1–3 of acne. At stage 4, it is effective only in combination with antibiotics.

Benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide has a keratolytic effect and a moderate antibacterial effect, speeds up regeneration, and accelerates the process of epidermal renewal. For stage 3-4 acne, it is used in combination with local and systemic antibiotics.

Preparations based on benzoyl peroxide: Baziron, Duak, Eclaran, Ugresol.

Antibiotics

Considering the active role of microorganisms in the formation of acne, the use of antibiotics to treat inflammation is considered appropriate. External acne therapy is carried out with monocomponent antibiotics (Tetracyclines, Macrolides, Lincosamides).

Local preparations with antibiotics: Syntomycin ointment, Erythromycin liniment, Levomekol, Zinerit.

In severe cases, with an active inflammatory process, which is accompanied by suppuration, cystic clusters, etc. antibiotics are prescribed for internal use (clindamycin, levomycin).

The disadvantage of antibiotics is that they act only on microorganisms, do not affect “blackheads” and comedones, give only a temporary effect, and cause bacterial resistance (most of all erythromycin).

Tretinoin

The most effective preparations for skin treatment are produced based on retinoic acid or tretinoin. If acne on the face does not go away with traditional methods of treatment or with antibiotics, then with a 95% probability they will go away with tretinoin.

Retinoic acid is the active form of vitamin A. It provides a unique therapeutic effect aimed at eliminating a number of skin defects.

Positive effects of tretinoin:

1. many times, better than other drugs, it accelerates skin regeneration and renews the stratum corneum;
2. due to the powerful keratolytic effect, it removes acne themselves, scars and spots after acne, fine wrinkles, and even scars or stretch marks;
3. compacts the base layer – the dermis, which makes it indispensable in anti-aging cosmetics;
4. reduces the sensitivity of skin receptors to androgens;
5. gives a prolonged effect.

Preparations based on tretinoin are the “gold standard” for the treatment of acne in a number of progressive countries.

In Russia, preparations with retinoic acid are not certified, which means they are not sold in pharmacy chains. Cautious dermatologists are in no hurry to recommend them to patients even with severe acne.

As a way out, you can consult with a specialist, discuss the nuances of using this drug and purchase it abroad, in online pharmacies or on international websites.

The original tretinoin preparation is Retin A. Its generics: Tretin A, Retino, Acnelyse, Airol, A-Ret, Renova.

If ointments and gels with tretinoin do not help, it is the turn of isotretinoin preparations for internal use (Roacutane, Acnecutane). They have a long list of side effects, but can cure even stage 4 acne with pimples all over the body.

Why don't acne on my face go away?

You can only hope for regression of acne if you are under the age of 18, and only with stage 1 acne. If acne is not teenage and there are more than 10 inflammatory elements on the face, they cannot go away without specific treatment.

It is necessary to take into account that it is advisable to take cosmetic products only for the care of problem skin, not for the treatment of acne.

Cleansing foams with calendula, tonics with zinc, and aloe creams are excellent for maintenance therapy. But only drugs with azelaic acid, tretinoin or benzoyl peroxide provide a pronounced and stable effect.

If it is not possible to visit a competent dermatologist who will prescribe the correct drug, you can contact a cosmetologist. Acid peels, laser cleansing, yellow peeling with retinol provide a positive therapeutic effect.

Without treatment, acne on the face does not go away for a long time. After all, their appearance is influenced by many factors.

Starting from internal problems in the body, and ending with improper skin care.

What to do if acne has been bothering you for several years, causing more and more discomfort?

1. All information on the site is for informational purposes only and is NOT a guide to action!
2. Can give you an ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS only DOCTOR!
3. We kindly ask you NOT to self-medicate, but make an appointment with a specialist!
4. Health to you and your loved ones!

First, you should find out what methods of treating the disease exist.

After all, to defeat the enemy, one method is often not enough. Only an integrated approach will help solve the problem.

How to treat acne

Acne appears in areas where there are many sebaceous and sweat glands, as well as hair follicles.

On the face, acne is mainly localized in the so-called T-zone:

1. on the forehead and border with hair;
2. on the nose (at the base and on the wings);
3. on the chin, under the lower lip.

Acne treatment should always begin with a visit to a dermatologist.

The doctor will help you understand the causes of the rash and select the right medications.

But home therapy also plays an equally important role.

You should learn how to properly care for your skin, saturate your skin with vitamins and nutrients using masks.

Skin care

There are several simple rules for facial skin care:

1. the covers must be cleaned twice a day - morning and evening. Regular soap is difficult to wash off with water and can clog into pores. Water-soluble foams or gels, as well as products with salicylic acid, are more suitable. Natural tar soap disinfects well and relieves inflammation;

Photo: after cleansing the skin, apply tonic or lotion to the face

1. the second stage - applying an alcohol-free tonic, preferably with panthenol or salicylic acid in the composition;
2. in order for the pores to narrow, you need to apply a mask to them, and then an acne treatment;
3. A scrub made from corn flour (100 g), wheat flour (50 g) and 100 ml of milk will help cleanse the pores. After washing, apply the mass to the face with massage movements and leave for 2 minutes;

Photo: Do ​​not squeeze unripe pimples

1. pimples should not be squeezed! There is a risk of severe tissue damage and rupture of the sebaceous gland. This may leave a scar, red or burgundy stain;
2. You should choose cosmetics that suit your skin type and pay attention to the composition of decorative products. They should not contain preservatives, artificial flavors, or silicone. Choose cosmetics marked “non-comedogenic” and water-based;

Photo: when choosing cosmetics, you need to pay attention to its composition

1. If you have problem skin, you should try to touch your face, rub and scratch as little as possible. Thus, bacteria spread across the skin, causing more and more rashes;
2. manual cleaning in beauty salons is strictly contraindicated: there is a risk of spreading infection;
3. chemical peeling using organic and synthetic acids effectively exfoliates dead cells and cleanses sebaceous plugs.

Diet

If your skin is prone to acne, it may be due to poor diet.

Photo: Some foods cause acne

The following products can increase the activity of the sebaceous glands:

1. sweets and baked goods;
2. fatty meats;
3. fried, salted, refined foods;
4. marinades, mayonnaise;
5. alcoholic drinks, instant coffee, sweet carbonated water.

To make acne go away faster, you need to eat more fruits and vegetables, greens, nuts, lean meat and fish, and cereals. Drink – natural juices, dried fruit compotes, grain coffee and pure mineral water.

Masks

Masks cope very well with acne, help remove compaction and inflammation after unsuccessful squeezing of a pimple, and pigmentation.

Photo: a mask with white clay cleanses and relieves inflammation

1. White clay and bodyaga cleanse well from acne.

Photo: Oatmeal mask soothes skin and opens pores

1. A mask made from ground oatmeal, milk and honey unclogs the pores.
2. Irritation is soothed by a remedy made from yeast, kefir or yogurt in equal proportions and a teaspoon of soda.

Photo: black mask pulls out sebaceous plugs and cleanses the skin

1. A special black film mask that effectively pulls out sebaceous plugs will help you quickly get rid of comedones.

Photo: aspirin fights inflammation

1. Once a week, you can relieve inflammation with crushed aspirin tablets, a spoonful of honey, and diluting the ingredients with jojoba oil.

Why a pimple may not go away for a long time

1. Acne does not go away for a long time when the cause of its formation is not clarified and eliminated.
2. Also, treatment may be chosen incorrectly (inconsistent or too intense).

Photo: if a pimple does not go away for a long time, you should consult a specialist

In this case, an important question arises: what to do if acne does not go away.

1. You need to find a good dermatologist who specializes in acne. He will help you choose adequate therapy.
2. You also need to remember that acne treatment is a long and complex process. To achieve results, several systemic or local courses of antibiotics, physical therapy, and expensive cosmetic procedures may be required.

Under no circumstances should you stop halfway and give up what you started.

Video: “Acne marks”

How to get rid of subcutaneous skin on the face

An internal pimple forms deep under the skin and has no outlet, so it cannot be squeezed out.

Inflammation may begin in the dermis, then a red bump forms on the surface, which hurts, and its contents are filled with pus.

Why does a pimple under my arm hurt? Find out here.

It is quite difficult for drugs to penetrate deep into tissues.

This is why subcutaneous pimple does not go away for a long time.

It can be found not only on the face, but also on the body (usually on the back, chest, buttock or leg).

Photo: subcutaneous acne on the chin

Below is a table showing the most popular remedies for treating rashes.

And also their advantages and disadvantages are described.

Before using any medications, you should consult a dermatologist or cosmetologist.

It is also important to follow the instructions and apply medications to the skin only after cleansing it.

1. gel "Metrogil";
2. ointment "Levomekol";
3. "Zinerit" solution.

1. Relieves inflammation;
2. destroy bacteria;
3. prevent new pimples from forming.

1. Must be used in courses;
2. the period of use is limited to 1–2 months, since bacteria lose susceptibility to the drugs;
3. they help little against closed and open comedones;
4. must be prescribed by a doctor.

1. retinoic ointment;
2. Differin gel;
3. gel "Effezel";
4. Lokacid cream.

1. Reduce the activity of the sebaceous glands, which reduce the production of fatty secretions;
2. cleanse the skin of blackheads and red marks after acne.

1. Have negative effects in the form of burning and irritation;
2. prohibited during pregnancy and lactation;
3. increase skin sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation.

1. cream or gel "Skinoren";
2. gel "Azelik";
3. Aknestop cream;
4. Acne-derm cream;
5. "Azogel".

1. Dissolve exfoliated epidermal cells, reducing the risk of blockage of the sebaceous gland ducts;
2. do not affect skin sensitivity to sunlight;
3. have a detrimental effect on microbes;
4. unclogs pores.

1. May cause itching or burning, dry skin;
2. with prolonged use the skin will peel off.

1. gel "Effezel";
2. gel "Aknacid";
3. emulsion, lotion "Oxy 10";
4. lotion "Ugresol".

1. Available without a prescription;
2. destroy microorganisms from clogged pores;
3. reduce the intensity of inflammation.

1. Irritate skin;
2. cause burning and itching;
3. increase the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation;
4. may leave marks on clothing and bedding.

Questions and answers

Young and mature people who have been bothered by acne for a long time always have many questions about their treatment.

After all, a rash that does not heal for a long time is a big nuisance that can significantly worsen the quality of life. Therefore, I want to get rid of it quickly.

What to do if there is a red spot left

Photo: rubbing the skin with ice cubes

1. Rubbing the skin with ice cubes from frozen decoctions of chamomile, St. John's wort, and string will help remove stains.
2. More intense marks can be removed in the salon using peeling.

Photo: peeling can help you get rid of acne marks

1. Laser skin resurfacing can eliminate deep scars. This procedure is very painful and requires a long recovery. Therefore, it is important to treat acne properly so that it does not leave marks. And the main thing is not to squeeze out the rash.

Photo: you can get rid of acne with a laser

Why do they keep appearing at 30?

Based on data from domestic dermatologists, about 90% of adolescents aged 12–18 years suffer from acne.

This is due to hormonal changes in the body.

Elevated androgen levels affect the functioning of the sebaceous glands, which produce large amounts of sebum.

But specialists from medical clinics and cosmetologists note that recently the number of people suffering from acne at the age of 30–50 has increased sharply.

The reasons for this are different:

1. hereditary predisposition;
2. disruption of the endocrine and digestive systems;
3. unbalanced diet;
4. improper care of face and body;
5. insufficient or, conversely, excessive hygiene of the integument;
6. using cosmetics that are inappropriate for your skin type;
7. demodicosis – increased activity of skin mites;
8. allergies to cold, overheating;
9. intense sweating.

Photo: if rashes appear after 30 years, you should consult a doctor

Most often, there is a combination of reasons that provoke a rash in adulthood.

Therefore, it is sometimes quite difficult to identify them on your own.

If acne bothers you for several weeks, months, or even more so for a year, then you need to seek help from a doctor.

He will prescribe an examination, and if you have health problems, refer you to specialists.

You may need treatment from an endocrinologist, allergist, immunologist or gastroenterologist.

Does mesotherapy help with acne? Find out here.

How to get rid of painful acne on your face? Read on.

Getting rid of concomitant diseases, proper skin care, a healthy lifestyle, diet and giving up bad habits will help the skin defeat the disease faster.

How to get rid of acne

Sometimes it happens that the whole pimple doesn't go away for a year, formed, at first glance, as the most ordinary. Such acne occurs both on the face and on the torso and limbs. Moreover, this is less likely on the face, but only because they begin to fight such acne quickly enough. But people pay less attention to other parts of the body, so acne can persist there for more than a year.

Why does a pimple take so long to go away?

If a formation on the skin remains unchanged for such a long time, then it is clearly worth considering: is it really a pimple? Under certain conditions, swollen pimples can remain on the skin for a long time, but they are often simply confused with other formations. In the case of a pimple, it must be very deep in order to remain under the skin for a year. This means that he himself will no longer come to the surface. In such a pimple, only old dried sebum and, possibly, pus remain. It doesn't hurt and has the color of normal skin. A large formation such as papilloma is very similar to it. It can be distinguished from a pimple by its rough surface, but it can easily be confused with a regular wart. Papilloma causes discomfort in itself, but this is not its main danger. It can transform into a cancerous tumor, and this is a very serious problem.

What to do with acne that hasn't gone away for a year

Of course, such acne is an anomaly. Therefore, if a pimple does not go away for a year, it is better to go to the hospital. This will ensure that there is nothing dangerous in it. You will also need a specialist cosmetologist. Removing such deep pimples without his help is very risky, as it can cause complications. If, as a result of an examination in the hospital, the presence of a malignant formation is confirmed, the fight against it and acne due to hair loss should begin immediately under the supervision of a doctor. Doctors have drugs in their arsenal that can remove papillomas and prevent the possibility of further development of a cancerous tumor. All this will most likely not be cheap, but it will be worth it. Treatment or prevention of cancer cannot be shelved.

A pimple that persists for a year is a clear reason to visit a doctor. This is necessary to avoid possible troubles.