Does acne cause pimples?

Acne begins when oil, dead skin cells, and changes inside a hair follicle block a pore. The blockage may stay small, or the surrounding skin may react with redness, swelling, and tenderness. A pimple can look like a red bump, a spot with a white centre, or a deeper sore lump. Pimples commonly appear on the face, chest, shoulders, or back. The number and appearance of spots can change over time, and not every bump has the same cause.

Wash gently with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser, then pat the skin dry. Avoid squeezing or scraping spots, since this can worsen inflammation and leave marks. Choose products labelled non-comedogenic when possible, and keep heavy hair or skin products away from areas that break out. A pharmacist or dermatologist can help select an acne treatment based on whether your spots are mainly blocked pores, inflamed pimples, or deeper lesions. Give a new routine time to work and stop any product that causes marked burning, swelling, or a rash.

Arrange a medical review if pimples are deep or painful, are leaving scars or persistent dark marks, or are affecting your mood. Seek prompt care for rapidly spreading redness, severe swelling, fever, or eye involvement. A clinician can check whether another skin condition is causing bumps and can adjust treatment when pharmacy products have not helped.

Which type of acne lesions do I have? Could any product, medicine, or hair-care habit be contributing? What treatment should I use first, and how should I handle irritation? How can I reduce the chance of scars or dark marks?