How Does a Zit Form?

General Overview

A zit, also called a pimple, blemish or acne, in general, is the result of a bacterial infection caused by P. acnes bacteria. Acne-prone skin tends to produce more sebum, which is the natural oil that keeps your skin smooth and supple. However, excessive production of oil mixed in with dirt and bacteria leads to the formation of zits, blackheads and other types of acne. Although, there is no cure for acne at this time, it can be treated successfully with both over-the-counter and prescription medications.

Causes

A zit forms when dirt, oil, dead skin cells and bacteria become clogged in the skin's pores. In normal skin, the layer of dead skin cells is shed every day, but in acne-prone skin, the dead skin cells are trapped in the pores by the excessive oil present in the skin glands. Then, the pimple-causing bacteria known as propionibacterium acnes turns the dead skin cells into irritating fatty acids. Thus, the pore becomes infected, which in turn causes blood cells to rush to that area. This accounts for the typically "red" appearance of a zit. Your body senses this infection, and its natural response is to send white blood cells to fight off the infection, and this causes the area to become inflamed. As a result, a zit is formed.

Treatments

Depending on the type of zit you are prone to get, there are numerous treatments available. Large cystic zits, which are painful to the touch and last several days or weeks, are best treated with prescription acne medicine prescribed by a dermatologist. Pustules, which are pimples with a white tip, can be treated with at-home remedies and over-the-counter medications. The best treatments for moderate pimples are benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. These ingredients are often present in over-the-counter acne medications. Benzoyl peroxide works by destroying the P. acnes bacteria that causes pimples, while salicylic acid enables the dead skin cells that clog pores to shed more readily and prevent them from being trapped inside the pores.