Cystic acne is the most severe form of acne, where pimples become large and pus-filled. This form of acne is more likely to cause scarring. Unlike a standard pimple, infected pimples can run deep into the skin and create a bigger, more painful bump. A pimple infected with S. Boils are contagious, and although the infections are usually minor, a person might experience the following symptoms:.
Staph infections may also cause impetigo, which is a highly contagious skin infection. Small, itchy or painful blisters or sores usually appear on the hands or face first but can spread to other parts of the body. With treatment, impetigo usually clears up within 10 days. It is common in children. Rosacea can also cause infected pimples.
Rosacea is a long-term condition that usually causes pimples and redness on the face, sometimes with a burning or stinging sensation. Anyone who is unsure what the infected bump on their skin is should see a doctor or a dermatologist, skin doctor for diagnosis.
Treating an infected pimple involves killing the bacteria that causes the infection. Medications to treat regular pimples will not treat infected pimples, although they can help reduce the spread to other areas.
When an infection is severe, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics , which can help reduce bacteria and inflammation. However, they may be less effective if a person takes them lots of times. Human skin has pores that connect to oil glands under the skin.
Follicles connect the glands to the pores. Follicles are small sacs that produce and secrete liquid. The glands produce an oily liquid called sebum. Sebum carries dead skin cells through the follicles to the surface of the skin. A small hair grows through the follicle out of the skin. Skin cells, sebum, and hair can clump together into a plug. This plug gets infected with bacteria, and swelling results. A pimple starts to develop when the plug begins to break down.
Propionibacterium acnes P. Research suggests that the severity and frequency of acne depend on the strain of bacteria. Not all acne bacteria trigger pimples. One strain helps to keep the skin pimple-free. Androgen is a type of hormone, the levels of which rise when adolescence begins.
In women, it gets converted into estrogen. Rising androgen levels cause the oil glands under the skin to grow. The enlarged gland produces more sebum.
Excessive sebum can break down cellular walls in the pores, causing bacteria to grow. Some studies suggest that genetic factors may increase the risk. Other causes include :. Mild acne can be treated with over-the-counter OTC medications, such as gels, soaps, pads, creams, and lotions, that are applied to the skin. Creams and lotions are best for sensitive skin. Alcohol-based gels dry the skin and are better for oily skin.
OTC acne remedies may contain the following active ingredients:. It tends to run in families. Outbreaks can be triggered by alcohol, smoking, heat, sun, and stress.
Treatments include topical creams, sometimes containing low-dose antibiotics. Large, painful bumps that look like acne can sometimes be caused by staph bacteria. This bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, is around us all the time: on our skin, in our noses, on surfaces, and on the ground. Inflamed skin blemishes are the most common type of staph infection. These infections are usually relatively minor and treatable with antibiotics.
If they get into the bloodstream, bones, joints, or organs, the infections become far more serious. If a blemish is painful or persists, have your doctor check it out.
Learn more about the latest breakthroughs in rosacea…. If you live with rosacea, you may be looking for options to limit your symptoms as much as possible. Learn more about treatments, light therapy…. Olivia Biermann — founder of the Liv B YouTube channel, Instagram, and blog — shares her experience with managing rosacea. Learn about how she found…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Infected Pimple: Is it Infected? Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. Symptoms of an infected pimple.
Treating an infected pimple. Potential complications. Tips for prevention. Pimple on Your Elbow?
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