Inflamed spine: causes, treatments and prevention

Who doesn’t like to look in the mirror and feel good about what they see?! It is in this sense that, at times, a pimple – even more so with that very inflamed appearance – becomes one of the great villains of women!

Many people believe that the problem occurs exclusively in adolescence. But that’s not true. The acne framework, in general, develops – due to a number of factors – at this stage, but in some people it remains in adult life.

But anyway, what causes an inflamed pimple? Why are some people more prone to acne than others? How to handle the problem? How to prevent the appearance of pimples? Questions like these are common, as many people still have doubts about the subject. Therefore, below you can find the answers to these and other questions.

What is pimple?

Before talking about treatment, prevention, it is essential to understand what pimples are.

The sebaceous glands naturally manufacture a type of fat that protects the skin. But when production is excessive – which happens for genetic or hormonal reasons – part of the sebum is retained, clogging the pores.

The accumulation of this fatty secretion retained by the obstruction favors infection by bacteria, especially by Propionibacterium acnes.

With this, the defense cells come into play and the “confrontation” between them and the bacteria results in inflammation with pus. Upon reaching the surface, the secretion gives rise to the pustule, better known as a pimple.

Causes of acne

Carolina Marçon, dermatologist and member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology, reinforces that acne is caused by a series of factors (hormonal, genetic issues) and that some people are more prone to clogged pores.

In some cases, even emotional stress can be considered a risk factor for the manifestation of the problem or aggravation of the condition. “This is because, with stress, there is a greater release of cortisol, which increases the oiliness of the skin”, explains the doctor.

Symptoms and severity of pimples

Pimples usually appear on the face, but in some cases they can appear on the shoulders or back. In the case of adult women, the lesions are installed especially in the jaw region and may be related to the menstrual cycle.

Regarding the severity of pimples, acne can be classified in different ways (in different degrees). This is exactly why some people often suffer from the emergence and persistence of very inflamed pimples (while in other people, inflammation is not always so intense and visible).

Carolina Marçon explains that some patients, due to genetic conditions and predisposition to the problem, have, for example, grade III acne (cystic nodule), which causes deeper, inflamed and painful lesions. This type of problem is often popularly called “inflamed spine”.

The relationship of pimples with food

You must have heard that eating chocolate gives you pimples, right?! But is this statement really true?

Dermatologist Carolina highlights that the matter still generates a lot of controversy. But, it is believed that some foods can worsen acne in a patient who is already predisposed to this problem. “In general, it is foods with a high glycemic index that generate a spike in insulin, and this increase stimulates the production of oil by the cell, contributing to an increase in the oiliness of the skin; very fatty foods, fast foods, chocolates and sweets in general, nuts, in addition to milk and its derivatives”, she says.

Thus, although there is no evidence on the relationship of diet with the appearance of pimples, if the patient notices that certain fatty foods worsen the condition, he should avoid them.

Why not squeeze the inflamed pimple

Carolina Marçon emphasizes that the person should never “move” (poke, try to squeeze, put a hand) on the spine. This tip applies to both teenagers and adults.

“You have to understand that, in the case of a pimple, there is inflammation, and the body will solve the problem, no matter how many days it takes. But if the person pokes the pimple, it hinders this process. Even if you do it with a clean hand, it takes bacteria to the place, which will certainly worsen the situation”, explains the doctor.

When to seek medical help?

The big question is: when to seek medical help? After all, acne is hardly seen as a serious problem and concern usually only arises when the person has very inflamed pimples.

However, Carolina Marçon highlights that it is very important, at any sign of injury, to look for a dermatologist. “Acne can start in adolescence and then remain or not… But the sequelae left by it are usually permanent, they can become scars that are difficult to treat. So it’s much better to treat the problem early on,” she says.

Treatment

Acne treatment takes into account, among other factors, the type and severity of the lesions. “It can be done, for example, with the use of keratolytic products (orally or topically), which reduce the production of sebum by the skin; antibacterial products (orally); between others; even the use of Isotretinoin (Roaccutane)… Anyway, it all depends on the acne characteristics”, says dermatologist Carolina.

The doctor also adds that, in some cases, the dermatologist may even order some tests, for example, hormonal, to detect and treat the cause of the problem.

Thus, the need to seek medical help as soon as possible is reinforced so that the professional can indicate the appropriate treatment for each patient.

Home remedies to soothe an inflamed pimple

Is there any homemade recipe that can help “improve” the appearance of an inflamed pimple?

Some people believe, for example, that soaking a piece of cotton in warm water and “compressing” the spot for a few minutes can help to deflate the pimple. Others say that, to “dry” the pimple in a few hours, it is good to put two aspirins in a saucer with a little water and let them soften, then just apply a layer of this “paste” on the inflamed area and let it act. for 15 minutes.

But it is worth mentioning that these “recipes” have no proof.

Carolina Marçon highlights that she is “against” homemade recipes and that people with acne should be very careful with this. “I think generally speaking, they create more problems than they solve,” she says.

The dermatologist says that using (in moderation) a suitable soap at home (astringent, for example), passing cold water on the spot, are measures that can be done, but does not indicate anything else. “It is worth mentioning that it is necessary to avoid washing your face several times (especially with hot water), because, contrary to what many people think, this can stimulate a greater oiliness of the skin”, she says.

Prevention and important guidelines

Anyone who has had, skin at least once, an inflamed pimple knows how unpleasant the problem is. In this sense, it is interesting to adopt some tips that help to prevent the emergence of acne.

“In general, it is worth noting that a healthy and complete diet is important for everything – not just for the skin (and for the prevention of pimples). Drinking plenty of water (at least two liters a day) also makes all the difference”, highlights Carolina Marçon.

Also, if the patient actually notices that the appearance of pimples is related to the consumption of a certain food, it is important to avoid it.

“Physical activity is also important and can indirectly influence prevention, after all, it reduces stress, which is often related to the appearance of pimples”, explains dermatologist Carolina.

It is important to note that, contrary to what many people think, exposing the face to the sun’s rays does not have a curative effect on the lesions caused by acne. “In excess it will attack the skin and increase oiliness”, says the professional.

Carolina highlights that it is essential that people always use products suitable for their skin type, which do not clog pores. “This is especially true for women who use make-up, as if the products are used inappropriately, they can cause so-called cosmetic acne. They should also never sleep without removing all their makeup,” she says.

Seeking psychological help can be an important resource for people who have lost self-esteem due to acne problems.

And, finally, the guideline is to look for a dermatologist as soon as a lesion appears, so that the problem is treated as soon as possible, without causing great damage to the skin and also to the person’s social life.