FAN MAIL FRIDAYS: The Difference Between Cystic Pimples and White- Eyed Pimples (And All About Pimples!)

Hello! I hope you're not eating while reading this post because it contains pretty graphic photos featuring acne. Maybe you should finish that up before proceeding or set it aside for a while because this will help you understand your zits better. Thanks, Stella for sending this question!

Hi Martha! 

What's the difference between Cystic zits and zits filled with pus? What causes each type of zit? Thank you in advance for your reply! 

Stella

Photo Credit: taraskyegoldin.com

Hi Stella!

Thanks for the question. There are actually more types of acne, but the most common ones are the ones that you've mentioned: Cystic Zits and Pustules (White- Eyed monster). Click READ MORE and I'll briefly explain what causes the two, the different ways to treat them, and a brief run down of the different types of acne. :)

So these are the types of acne that plague men and women:

Photos sourced from Google

1. Whitehead- whiteheads are actually considered as a type of Acne-they are tiny, white protruding spots and a little bit like Pustules, which I will discuss later on. If not treated early on, it may lead to Pustules, Nodules, or Cysts. Whitehead is normally caused by external factors such as dirt, oil, and bacteria. To get rid of Whiteheads, they have to be extracted or pricked.

2. Blackhead- blackheads are considered as a type of Acne too. The opposite of Whiteheads, these are black spots that are flat- looking on the surface, but are deep. If not treated properly, it can develop into graver types of Acne or it can worsen on its own as a Blackhead (have you seen those Blackhead extraction videos? They're so sick. You've been warned. :p). Blackhead is normally caused by dirt, dead skin cells, and oil. To heal /get rid of Blackheads, they have to be extracted.

3. Papules- characterized as tiny, pink spots that are oftentimes tender to touch-these look like skin hives. Papules may or may not come in clusters and are normally caused by a bacterial infection or increased sebum production. To heal Papules, a topical spot solution or Acne injection are advisable.

4. Nodules- the big, bad boys of Acne. Nodules are elevated, hard, and really painful spots on the skin. Nodules are caused by pore blockages under the skin, making it hard to treat and they're caused by both hormonal and bacterial factors. Nodules can be treated with a combination of exfoliants such as BHA and AHA, Vitamin Supplements, and Acne injections. Severe cases of Nodular Acne may require all the previously mentioned treatments plus medications.

Photo sourced from Google

Pustules or White- Eyed zits (or simply Pimples) are the most common type that plague men and women. It is caused by a bacterial infection, when hair walls break down, allowing bacteria to enter. The inflammation and pus are ways for your body to combat the infection. Pustules are pretty easy to treat: Just grab a sanitized needle and pierce the Pustule sideways specifically on the white part-this will not hurt as the skin surrounding the Pustule is dead already so you won't feel any pain as long as you pierce the white part only (and make sure that the white part is really visible before doing so). Afterwards, dab a spot treatment on the ruptured Pustule to aid your body in the healing process. DO NOT SQUEEZE YOUR PIMPLE-this will just create more damage to the surrounding, healthy skin.

Photo sourced from Google

Cystic zits are a little bit like Nodules, but they're softer and smaller in size, and they sometimes come with the white eye like Pustules. Cystic zits are caused by hormonal changes in the body such as increased oil production, menstruation cycle, and even food reactions. Cystic zits take a while to heal and they may even worsen just when you think they're almost healed already. I was told that Cystic zits cannot be healed by topical spot treatments alone: it's either they have to be ruptured (which is not advisable as it will lead to scarring) or be treated from within using Acne medicine or Acne Injections. There are also topical treatments that claim to treat such Acne like Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion, which I am trying out at the moment.

Hope you got to know your Pimple today (and use this info to your advantage :D). Happy weekend!

**Got a burning question about makeups, skin care products, beauty, dieting, and health tips, relationships, and whatever? Just send them to martha.stabarbara@yahoo.com or shoot 'em up at The Beauty Junkee's FB Fan Page via the MESSAGE button and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. (Please, do not send me Math- related queries. :D)