Acne is the most common skin condition that affects around 85% of people between 12 and 24. Approximately 15% of people in their adult ages (the 30s and 40s) also get affected by some form of acne. In my recent post, I wrote about the main six types of acne, and today I will go a little bit more in-depth about one specific sort of acne – papules.
What are papules
Papules fall into an inflammatory category of acne. They are small, solid, raised areas of skin tissue, and they are usually less than 1 cm in diameter. They can have either a distinct or indistinct border.
According to DermNet NZ, papule may be of many different shapes:
- Acuminate (pointed)
- Dome-shaped (rounded)
- Filiform (thread-like)
- Flat-topped
- Oval or round
- Pedunculated (with a stalk)
- Sessile (without a stalk)
- Umbilicated (with a central depression)
- Verrucous (warty)
Why do papules appear
We all have a type of bacteria called P. acnes that lies on the surface of our skin. We all also have sebaceous glands under the surface of our skin. Their primary purpose is to produce oil (sebum) which moisturises and maintains our skin.
The problem arises when due to hormonal imbalances, vitamin/mineral deficiencies or lifestyle factors, our sebaceous glands produce too much sebum. Sometimes our pores get clogged with excess sebum, dirt, or dead skin cells and form a comedo.
Papules form when the bacteria from the comedo disperses into the skin tissue rather than onto the skin’s surface. It makes a ‘bump’ in the skin that isn’t filled with pus but is hard and solid tissue.
Usually, after a few days, papules accumulate white or yellow pus on the skin’s surface. So, from papules, they become pustules.
It’s essential not to pop the pustule, even though it looks very tempting. By popping it – you can only spread bacteria further and cause more papules or pustules.
It is also worth noting that when the excess sebum gets mixed with (usually harmless) P. Acnes bacteria, it causes inflammation in the skin. This inflammation is the way that our body fights bacteria. And it’s best to let it do its thing. Allow your body to fix itself.
How to recognise
We can easily identify papules by not having any pus or visible openings. They are small solid bumps that can be pink or red in colour. They are also usually quite sensitive to the touch.
Treatment
The best thing you can do to help is to stop picking at papules and touch your face. Picking at them (or any other type of acne) will only make them angry. It will just help bacteria get to the different areas of the face and cause more inflammation.
Otherwise, there is plenty of products to treat papules, but that depends on how severe they are.
For a mild case, wash your face twice a day with a face wash with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. That should help exfoliate the dead skin cells and help get rid of the blockages.
Make sure that you also use a good, non-comedogenic moisturiser to bring moisture back to the skin.
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You can also use a spot treatment. Look for one with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide for the best results.
If the case is more severe, visiting a dermatologist would be the best option. According to Healthline, a dermatologist can prescribe some of the following:
- Retinoid (and retinoid-like) drugs – include adapalene (Differin), tretinoin (Retin-A), and tazarotene (Tazorac).
- Antibiotics. Topical antibiotics can kill excess bacteria on the skin and reduce redness. Sometimes antibiotics are used with retinoids.
Dermatologists could also prescribe oral medication in case of very severe acne:
- antibiotics
- contraceptive pill
- anti-androgen agents
It is always the best idea to do your research about these options. Some of them may have side effects that you might not know about.
Have you ever had papules? Did you know they were papules and how did you treat them?
