Types of Skin Blemishes: Diagnosis and Solutions

Your skin is an essential part of your appearance, so when pimples, discoloration, or red patches appear it’s not uncommon to be concerned. Several different factors can lead to skin blemishes, and to get rid of them you have to first understand what they are and why they develop. In this article, we’ll examine each possible cause, discuss the different types, and provide you with some highly effective strategies for eliminating blemishes for good.

What Are Skin Blemishes?

Let’s begin by answering the question, “What are blemishes?” so you know exactly what we’re discussing. First of all, it’s important to note that ‘blemish’ is a very broad term that can refer to several different types of marks on your skin. Most of the time blemishes are temporary, either healing on their own or with the help of a serum or medication.

However, some blemishes are accompanied by other issues like redness or itchy, sensitive skin in the surrounding area. Over time, you may also develop whiteheads or blackheads if a blemish is slow to heal.

Types of Skin Blemishes

As we’ve discussed, the word ‘blemish’ is a loose term that can refer to several different marks on your skin. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of blemishes that can develop.

• Acne: One of the most common types of skin blemishes, acne ^[1] pimples leave red marks on your skin. While usually temporary many people still find them bothersome, and serious acne could lead to scarring.

• Skin Lesions: Lesions are patches that appear different from the rest of the skin, and they have several possible causes. While they could be a sign of an underlying health problem, this is not always the case.

• Nodules: This is another broad term that can refer to moles, rashes, blisters, or other similar issues. Generally speaking, nodules include any type of bump on your skin.

• Discoloration: If your skin is regularly exposed to the sun or you have certain genetic traits, you may develop age spots or discoloration that can be considered blemishes.

• Ingrown Hairs: Another common type of skin blemish can occur when you develop an ingrown hair, causing the area around the follicle to become red, inflamed, and painful.

• Cysts: Similar to acne, cysts are nodules on the skin’s surface and they also fall into the category of skin blemishes.

• Scars: If you injure your skin, it may leave a scar after healing. In addition, scars can be caused by acne and other skin conditions.

Causes of Skin Blemishes

Before we tell you how to get rid of blemishes, let’s take a moment to consider what causes them in the first place.

• Genetics: Your genetic makeup may increase your risk of developing certain skin conditions, some of which can lead to blemishes.

• Sun Exposure: Excess sun exposure regularly without applying a strong SPF moisturizer or sunscreen can increase your risk of developing sun spots.

• Excess Oil Production: People with oily skin are more prone to acne breakouts, which naturally increases the risk of developing blemishes.

• Hormones: Hormonal imbalance can also cause skin problems, including acne ^[2], which can lead to pimples and other blemishes.

• Diet: Excess consumption of fatty foods and sugary drinks over time can lead to several skin problems that result in blemishes.

• Certain Medications: Some medications may contribute to the development of blemishes. For example, birth control pills cause changes in hormones, which could lead to acne breakouts.

• Allergies: If you’re allergic to certain ingredients, using products that include them may cause a skin rash or bumps. Remember to check the label carefully before buying any skincare or food item.

• Improper Skincare Routine: Take a good look at your skincare routine, because using the wrong products for your type may damage your skin and increase your risk of developing blemishes.

How To Know If You Have Skin Blemish?

Now that you know more about these temporary marks on your skin, let’s discuss how you can tell if you have a blemish. Naturally, the first indicator will be its appearance, but other signs include:

• Uneven Skin Tone and Discoloration: If your skin tone is uneven, you may also have age spots or areas of hyperpigmentation which are classed as blemishes.

• Itchy Skin: Itchiness is a common problem that often occurs alongside blemishes.

• Skin Irritation: Apart from itchy skin, you may also experience irritation in the specific area where you have a blemish.

• Brown or Reddish Patches: Blemishes sometimes cause brown or reddish patches in the area surrounding the original mark.

• Inflammation: Depending on the cause, you may also notice that the skin around the blemish is inflamed. This is very common with acne blemishes.

• Painful, Swollen Pustules: Pustules are swollen, inflamed sacks of pus that may cause the color of the surrounding skin to change.

• Dryness: While not a blemish itself, dry skin can be a sign that you are prone to developing blemishes.

• Changes in Skin Texture: In some cases, blemishes can cause your skin texture to become rougher in the affected area.

Blemish Color Guide

Blemished skin can appear in various colors, and if you take a closer look at your marks you can use their hue as a clue to determine why you have them. Red blemishes are usually linked to cold sores, ingrown hairs, allergies, pustules, and pimples. If you have a brown blemish, it may be either a birthmark or melasma. Black blemishes are often associated with blackheads, and white marks may be caused by whiteheads or certain fungal infections.

How to Prevent Skin Blemishes?

If you’re concerned about skin blemishes, you should know that there are several ways to prevent them from forming. In addition to prevention, you can also use these tips to help reduce the appearance of existing marks.

• Apply Cleanser: Using a high-quality formula like Rejuvoderm Clarifying Cleanser on a twice-daily basis can help gently remove dead cells and dirt from your skin. This can decrease acne breakouts, as the debris that collects on your skin can clog your pores.

• Change Your Diet: Even small changes in your diet can help enhance skin health and reduce your risk of developing blemishes. For example, decrease your intake of saturated fats and refined sugar to reduce your risk of breakouts.

• Apply Sun Protection: Apply Dermaxsol Hydrating SPF Daily Moisturizer daily, even when it’s cloudy outside, to protect your skin from sun damage.

• Use Gentle Skincare Products: Avoid using products with harsh ingredients that could irritate your skin. Zeroblem Blemish Treatment Serum is a gentle bioactive formula that can help reduce the appearance of blemishes without being abrasive.

• Exfoliate Regularly: We recommend that you exfoliate 2-3 times a week to rejuvenate the complexion and unclog the pores, reducing the risk of acne breakouts and blemishes.

• Stay Hydrated: Keeping adequately hydrated is another great way to prevent blemishes, as your skin relies on water ^[3] to retain moisture and prevent dryness. Aim to drink at least 7-8 glasses of water daily.

• Avoid Touching Your Skin: While it may be tempting to “pop” your pimples or peel blemishes, you should avoid this as it can damage the skin and worsen the marks.

The Difference Between Hyperpigmentation and Blemishes

Blemishes result from damage to your skin, for example, if you regularly have acne breakouts these pimples and the marks they leave behind are considered blemishes. On the other hand, hyperpigmentation is caused by an excess release of the pigment melanin at the cellular level causing a dark area on the surface.

FAQs

Are acne and blemishes the same?

Acne is a specific skin condition, however, the term “blemish” is a broad term that can be used to describe a variety of abrasions on the skin. Acne can lead to pimples and other marks that are considered blemishes.

Are skin blemishes permanent?

It’s important to understand that skin blemishes are not harmful in most cases, however, they could hurt your confidence. Luckily, no, they’re usually not permanent, as there are methods you can use to fade blemishes.

Can normal skin have blemishes?

Yes, anyone can have blemishes regardless of skin type, because they develop for several reasons that can impact any complexion like excess sun exposure, injury, and acne.

Are skin blemishes treatable?

The good news is that, yes, you can treat blemishes, but the best method depends on the type of mark and its cause. That’s why we recommend taking a personalized approach when trying to eliminate skin blemishes.

Conclusion

Skin blemishes can be unpleasant because they affect your appearance, however, they’re usually not harmful. If you want to get rid of a blemish, begin by trying to figure out the root cause. Once you understand the reason it has developed, you can come up with a plan of action for treatment. The information and guidance we have provided in this article should help you eliminate existing blemishes and prevent future ones from developing.

References

1] ↑https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459173
2] ↑https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5015761/
3] ↑https://www.researchgate.net/publication/6308986_Skin_hydration_A_review_on_its_molecular_mechanisms/p>

Dr. Ahmed Zayad

Dr. Zayed, has years of experience in the field and has been contributing to public health awareness. Dr. Ahmed Zayed holds a baccalaureate of Medicine and Surgery. Egypt. Dr. Zayed believes in providing knowledgeable information to readers. His articles were featured on many websites like HuffingtonPost, Chicagotribune . Other than his passion for writing, Dr. Zayed spends his time outside the hospital, either reading or at the gym.