About Zits

Nobody likes a zit. Even its name is ugly. And the little, ugly blemishes have a way of popping up just in time for a big day, like graduation or a wedding. For such a little blemish, zits certainly have a large amount of myths surrounding them. The more folks understand these ugly little things, the better they will be able to perhaps control or even prevent them.

Types

A zit by any other name may be called a pimple, a whitehead, a blackhead or full-fledged acne. The simple pimple is a build-up and oil and bacteria beneath the skin that results in a red, often angry, bump. A blackheads or whitehead is technically known as a comedone and results from oily and dead skin flakes jammed in a hair follicle. When the follicle is open, it's a blackhead, when the follicle is nearly closed, it's a whitehead. Acne is recurring, frequent patches of zits.

Cause

Zits, and even full-fledged acne, are often caused by a combination of factors. Puberty is a high time for zits, when the hormone-stimulated sebaceous glands start secreting oil. Some skin cells may block the oil from being secreted, resulting in oil trapped beneath the skin that builds up, mingles with bacteria and creates a zit. Those not undergoing puberty can still get zits, thanks to factors such tight clothing constricting the skin, a working environment filled with greasy and oily substances and increased hormonal levels during women's monthly cycles.

Misconceptions

While many myths abound about the cause of zits, some of those myths should be smashed. Pimples are not caused solely from eating chocolate, pizza or greasy foods. Nor are pimples hereditary: just because parents were plagued by zit-filled skin doesn't mean the offspring will be. Dirty skin won't do it either, as it's the oils that cause the zits, not dirt on the skin's surface. Stress alone won't cause pimples, but some people will get so freaked out and stressed by their pimples they may pick at them, creating an all-around inflamed area where the oils and bacteria like to spread.

Imposters

Some skin conditions may look like zits or acne but actually be something else. Rosacea hits the middle strip of the face and includes pimples accompanied by a flushed, red appearance and blood vessels apparent on the skin's surface. Razor rash, known as pseudofolliculitis, results in pimples caused by freshly-shorn neck hairs bending and lodging beneath the skin. Pimples that pop up on the stomach, legs and buttocks are usually the result of inflamed follicles, or folliculitis.

Treatment

The best way to keep skin clear is to keep skin clean. A helpful daily skin cleansing routine can help control, get rid of and even prevent future outbreaks. Wash the face twice a day with a 5 percent benzoyl peroxide wash or, if allergic, use a 2 percent salicylic acid product. Apply a cream or gel, also containing 5 percent benzyoyl peroxide or sulfur, to the affected area. Before going to bed, apply another dabble of the cream. Only use light moisturizers and makeup that is oil free. If the home regimen doesn't seem to help, consult a dermatologist who can prescribe a stronger topical ointment or medication.