A pimple is a clogged skin pore that gets infected with bacteria.
Pimples look red and often are raised above the level of the skin.
- A pimple that bursts under the skin and
releases bacteria into the surrounding tissue is called a papule. The skin
around the area of a papule looks red.
- A papule that is deeper
under the skin is called a pustule. A pustule may not look as red as other
pimples and may have a white cap in its center. It may be very sore.
Cleaning facial skin gently once or twice a day with a mild,
non-drying soap and shampooing hair daily may help prevent new pimples.
Over-the-counter medicine may help to dry up pimples. Squeezing or picking
pimples may cause a skin infection.