Diverse Types Of Blemishes And How To Treat Them

• Acne

Acne is the most common skin condition affecting people all over the world. Hormonal changes (especially during puberty) or stress can trigger an overproduction of sebum (natural oil). When this excess sebum along with bacteria, dead skin and dirt clogs the pores in your skin, it can lead to:

• Pimples
• Blackheads
• Whiteheads

Acne that heals imperfectly can sometimes leave behind scars, dark spots or pockmarks which are also types of blemishes.

• Scars

A deep wound or a popped pimple can damage the dermis layer of the skin, where the hair follicles, sweat glands, small blood vessels and nerve endings are located. The skin tries to repair this damaged tissue by synthesizing new collagen. However, if there is an overproduction or underproduction of collagen, it can lead to imperfect healing or the appearance of scars.

• Papules

Papules are small skin lesions, appearing individually or in clusters. They’re typically around 1 centimetre in diameter and can vary from pink to brown in colour. Examples are:

• Pimples
• Chickenpox Rashes
• Eczema
• Dermatitis
• Psoriasis
• Shingles

• Nodules

Nodules are a collection of tissue, usually firm to the touch. They are typically 1 to 2 centimetres in diameter and range in colour from flesh-toned to red. Examples are:

• Skin Tags
• Warts

• Pustules

Pustules are bumps filled with fluid or pus. Examples include:

• Whiteheads
• Chickenpox blisters
• Scabies blisters
• Rosacea blisters

• Cold Sores

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). These itchy, painful, fluid-filled blisters are found on or near the mouth. Once the blisters burst and drain, you will notice a red or yellow scab until it fully heals.

• Cysts

Cysts are round, benign (non-carcinogenic) sacs that are often filled with fluid. They may be visible as bumps of different sizes on or underneath the skin. Examples include:

• Epidermoid Cysts
• Ganglion Cysts
• Sebaceous Cysts

• Ingrown Hair

Hair that curls back and grows inside the skin is known as ingrown hair. It is often a result of hair removal techniques like tweezing, waxing or shaving. Ingrown hair is more common in people with curly hair than in those with straight hair. The ingrowth can cause red bumps on the skin where the hair should have grown out. These bumps can also become large, painful, fluid-filled cysts that are either red, yellow or white in colour.

• Birthmarks

Birthmarks range in appearance, size, shape and colour. They typically arise at birth or shortly afterward, and can last for life or fade over time. Commonly seen birthmarks include:

• Moles
• Port-Wine Stains
• Hemangiomas
• Salmon Patches

• Hyperpigmentation

An overproduction of melanin can result in an uneven skin tone or dark patches. Hyperpigmentation is caused by:

• Sun exposure
• Acne scarring
• Hormonal changes (such as during pregnancy)

• Age Spots (Liver Spots)

Age spots are a type of hyperpigmentation. These small, dark spots can show up on any part of the body that’s been exposed to the sun and mostly appears in people over the age of 50. However, younger people can also be affected.

• Melasma

Melasma is identified by brown patches that can arise due to sun exposure and hormonal changes, such as those commonly experienced during pregnancy.

• Skin Cancer

If you ever notice irregular, dark moles, strange yellow scabs or weird red bumps, visit a dermatologist. For all you know, it could be harmless. But it’s best to not take that risk and let the doctor identify if a blemish is actually skin cancer. This is because most skin cancers vary in appearance and colour. Some of the types of skin cancers include:

• Basal Cell Carcinoma
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma
• Malignant Melanoma

• Natural Remedies

You can soothe and treat minor blemishes using natural home remedies like:

• Witch Hazel
• Aloe Vera
• Apple Cider Vinegar

• Healthy Skin Care Routine

Cleansing your face, body and hair regularly can help get rid of excess oil, dirt, pollutants and bacteria. Daily care and hygiene are vital for healthy, clear skin.

• Clean Diet

Often, the food you eat may be the culprit behind an acne breakout, allergic reaction or skin inflammation. Pay attention to what you put on your plate and try to cut out processed and highly allergenic items. Include foods that are rich in vitamins C and E to keep your skin clear and glowing.

• Acne Solutions

OTC products like anti-acne facial cleansers, scrubs, astringents and topical gels can help treat pimples, whiteheads and blackheads. If you find that OTC solutions are not working, your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics or topical medication.

• Salicylic Acid

Facial cleansers, scrubs or gels containing salicylic acid can slough away excess oil, dirt and dead skin and help clear blocked pores.

• Hydrocortisone Cream

Topical creams can prevent and treat allergic reactions and inflammation caused by ingrown hair. It’s advisable to put a hold on hair removal techniques while you’re treating ingrown hair.

• Sun Protection

Broad-spectrum sunscreen, sun-protective clothing and sun-protective gear like sunglasses, hats and caps can shield your skin and eyes from the damaging effects of the sun’s UVA/UVB radiation.

• Creams For Hyperpigmentation

Your dermatologist may prescribe topical creams with hydroquinone, which is known to slow down the production of melanin and help lighten age spots, acne scars and melasma.

• Procedures For Hyperpigmentation

Dermatological procedures that can help fade age spots include:

• Microdermabrasion
• Laser Therapy
• Chemical Peels
• Cryotherapy