Dermatologist reveals the cause of pimples based on their location… and how to treat each spot

Tens of millions of people suffer from acne every day, where pimples and blemishes appear all over their faces and bodies, affecting their appearance and lowering self-confidence.

While some turn to home remedies for quick fixes or visit their dermatologist for more severe cases, the location of pimples can reveal the best treatment for clearing up embarrassing acne blemishes.

Dr. Charles Puza, a New York City-based dermatologist, has posted several videos to his nearly 2 million TikTok followers breaking down the causes of acne based on where it occurs on the body — and how to clear things up.

Two common places where pimples can appear are the jawline and chin. Dr. Puza explains that this acne is likely hormonal. Hormonal acne is when pimples occur in adulthood. These can range from blackheads and whiteheads to more painful cysts.

Acne cysts are large pus-filled pimples deep under the skin that can lead to permanent scarring.

Hormonal acne is related to the overproduction of sebum, an oily substance present in the skin glands that clogs pores and causes breakouts.

It is often treated with antibiotics and prescription skin creams. Dr. Puza recommended spironolactone, a doctor-prescribed medication that helps reduce hormones that produce pore-clogging sebum.

One over-the-counter option is spearmint tea, Dr. Puza added, explaining that the drink has antihormonal properties that can help clear the skin.

If you suffer from pimples on your cheeks, your pillowcase could be the cause. Acne here can be the result of inflammation, requiring anti-inflammatory treatments such as creams and facial cleansers containing benzoyl peroxide.

In addition to anti-inflammatory treatments, Dr. Puza recommends that you wash your pillowcase often to remove germs and bacteria.

Overactive oil glands are probably the cause of annoying nasal pimples. Products containing zinc and salicylic acid can help clear these blemishes.

For pimples outside the face, Dr. Puza said that tight and sweaty clothing can lead to acne on the back and other parts of the body. In addition, the dermatologist suggests limiting whey protein intake for back acne, as this can cause back problems to flare up.

And for people who suffer from pimples or rough skin on the arms, it’s probably not acne at all, but a condition called keratosis pilaris, a benign skin condition that causes rough patches and small bumps on the upper arms, cheeks or buttocks.

For smooth skin, Dr. Puza offers soaps and body lotions containing urea, glycolic acid and lactic acid, which slowly exfoliate the skin to remove blemishes.

Acne is the most common skin condition in the US, with tens of millions of people affected each year.

It normally first occurs during puberty and affects adolescents and young adults, causing them to develop small or large pimples and cysts with white or blackheads.

The condition is caused by the hair follicles becoming clogged with oil or dead skin cells, which can be a result of shifts in hormones such as testosterone, some cosmetic products and certain medications.

Treatment includes various creams and antibiotics, as well as injections and lifestyle changes.

However, some patients may remain with the condition for years.

In severe cases, patients may develop scarring.

And studies have shown that people with acne suffer certain social consequences: they are less likely to be hired, dated, or make friends easily than people with fair skin.

Researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Massachusetts also found that people were less likely to post photos with them online.

For the studyresearchers recruited 1,300 people and showed them an image of someone with clear skin, mild or severe acne before asking them a series of questions.

Researchers said people stigmatize those suffering from acne and urged health insurers to cover treatment for it. Currently, most consider it a ‘cosmetic problem’ and patients must pay full price for treatments.