Difference Between Pimples and Acne

Pimples vs Acne

A pimple emerges due to a specific blockage in the skin pores. It is more or less like a skin lesion taking a rounded bumpy shape. Sebaceous glands and hair follicles may often lead to the formation of pimples. It can also be termed as one of the direct results of conditions of severe acne. On the other hand, Acne vulgaris, often termed as just Acne is a familiar skin condition resulting from transformation in pilosebaceous units due to androgen stimulation. Acne gives rise to unprovoking follicular comedones and papules or at times inflammatory nodules and pustules when in the extreme stage.

As already said earlier, pimples are often caused by blockage in the skin pore. There are sebaceous glands present inside every skin pore which produce sebum during skin shedding. Often during such a process bits and pieces of the shedding dead cells are held back by the gluey sebum causing blockage of the skin pores. This is a common symptom during the puberty stage when the skin starts to thicken. As the sebaceous glands keep on secreting sebum the blockage builds up harboring various bacteria including the most common Propionibacterium acnes. On the other hand, Acne occurs when there is a blockage of the follicles. As sebum and keratin plugs start growing through a process of hyperkeratinization, the first signs of acne become visible. Thereon as enlarged sebaceous glands start secreting more and more sebum, there is also a boost in androgen production forming both black heads and whiteheads (open and closed comedones). Some of the precise primary causes of Acne are,

• Genetic syndrome in the family
• Activation of inflammation through scratching
• Hormonal activities
• Bacteria infection
• Anabolic steroids
• Extreme stress
• Restless sebaceous glands
• Exposure to harmful chemicals

Pimples can be successfully treated by applying over-the-counter medicines, application of prescription medicine and popping. Some of the common over-the-counter medicines that are effective are salicylic acid, benzyol peroxide and Triclosan. Some of the prescription medicines that may be suggested are isotretinoin, erythromycin and tetracyclines. Finally, though popping pimples is forbidden by doctors but still it is a commonly popular practice of relieving the pain and discomfort that pimples cause. On the other hand any treatment for Acne to render effect takes a minimum period of two and a half to three weeks. Some of the common modes of treatment used for Acne control are topical bactericidals, topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics, hormonal treatments, topical retinoids, oral retinoids, sulfur, dermabrasion, photo-therapy, photodynamic therapy, subcision, laser treatment, etc.

You doctor will be able to guide you on the treatment. He will evaluate your condition and prescribe the medication that is most suitable for you.

Summary:
1. Pimple emerges due to a specific blockage in the skin pores whereas Acne results from transformation in pilosebaceous units due to androgen stimulation.
2. Pimples are not necessarily genetic whereas Acne can be caused due to genetic factors.
3. Pimples can be treated with prescribed and over the counter medicines. On the other hand, treating Acne often includes hormonal treatments.
4. In case of pimples it is the skin pore that gets affected, but in acne the hair follicles get affected.

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