What are pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, nodules and cysts?
Pimples are formed when the follicle wall breaks down and allows oil and bacteria to spill into your tissue. This results in redness, swelling, and pus. A whitehead is a firm white bump that appears because your pores are clogged with oil as well as sebum that cannot reach your skin’s surface. A blackhead is a darkened duct opening that is plugged with dead cells and bacteria. When this material gains pigmentation and is exposed to air, it will oxidize and turn dark. It is important to remember that a blackhead is not caused by dirt, so do not panic by scrubbing your face. Rigorous scrubbing will only cause more irritation. A nodule is a large, painful, solid lesion that is lodged deep within the skin. A cyst is a deep, painful pus-filled lesion that can cause scarring. Nodules or cysts appear when there are large amounts of oil, bacteria, and pus embedded in the skin layers.
