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What exactly are those annoying white pimples that grow on the skin? Is it an infection or merely just a “natural” thing that everyone gets? This page is dedicated to providing for you with more answers to what exactly are those white pimples that grow on your skin and how you can get rid of them.
The term “White Pimples” is too general. The truth is there can be different types of white bump like structures that grow on the skin and many people often mistaken them to be simply “White Pimples”. So what is really going on? There are 4 common possibilities:
- Pimple with white “pus” – These are pimples with a white substance called pus that can be seen in the middle of the pimple. The pus is accumulated dirt, oil and bacteria which could infect your skin.
- White pimple like bumps called Milia
- Hard Big White Pimple Bumps called Sebaceous Cyst – This is a closed sac below the surface of the skin that is filled with a fatty white, semi-solid material called sebum. Sebum is produced by sebaceous glands.
- White Pimples that grow on the penis are called Hirsuties papillaris genitalis
What are those White Pimples with “pus”?
These white pimples are plugged pores that occur on the face, neck, chest, back and sometimes shoulders. White pimples with pus are caused by sebum that is produced by oil glands underneath the skin. Oil or sebum that is produced in the glands flows through follicles to the surface of the skin. When the outer layers of skin shed, the dead skin cells left behind may become ‘glued’ together by the sebum. This causes a blockage in the pore. The oil glands produce more sebum which builds up behind the blockage. As a result, this sebum can collect bacteria and become infected. The term white “pus” is the white, glue like substance that is seen at the tip of the pimple. This “pus’ is actually trapped sebum from under the skin.
How to treat White Pimples with “pus” ?
Begin by following a regular skin cleansing schedule to clean your pores from particles and dirt. The cleaner your pores, the fewer problems will occur.
- If you have an existing skin condition, here are some advice for you:
- Popping the pimple yourself is not advised as this could lead to infection and scarring.
- Avoid touching your face often. Increased friction on the pimple will cause it to close up further.
- Purchase oil-free and antibacterial cleansers made especially to control pimple outbreaks. Be careful not to over scrub. Cleanse deeply and moderately.
- If you do not like to use pimple cleansers, try to wash only with water and mild soap.
- Do not to switch cleansing products too often. This may cause allergies and other skin problems.
- Popping pimples can be a simple problem to the solution, if none of the above points improve your skin condition and you must remove the pimple by popping it, then be sure to do so under extremely sanitary conditions. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after extraction.
- An injection is available from dermatologists called kenalog. This is a steroid that helps to clear the breakout within 20 hours. This may be the only solution in serve cases and uncontrollable situations.
- It may be best to consult a doctor for treatment if your breakouts occur often.
Sebaceous Cyct – White Pimples that appear as big white bumps
Sebaceous Cyct Causes
Blocked sebaceous glands, swollen hair follicles and an excess of testosterone production can cause Sebaceous Cyct. A protein called keratin is often secreted. These cysts are usually found on the face, neck, and trunk. They are usually slow-growing and painless lumps that grow beneath the skin.
How to Treat Sebaceous Cyct
Sebaceous Cyst most often will disappear on their own. Occasionally, they may become inflamed and tender. In some cases, sebaceous cysts may grow large and if left untreated, a Sebaceous Cyct will continue to grow and may become painful and infected. In this case, they will need to be removed surgically. Steroid medications or antibiotics can be used to treat small inflamed cysts.
An effective method of treatment involves placing a heating pad on the cyst for about 15 minutes, 2 times daily, for about 10 days (these numbers will vary depending on size and location of the cyst). The temperature of the heating pad should be reasonable; this means when placed over the cyct, the pad should not cause any pain or burning sensation. Also the heating pad must be cleaned by rubbing alcohol before placing over the cyst. Improper use of the heat pad can cause infection.
The heating pad works by melting the wax-like material inside of the cyst. The melted materials can be reabsorbed and processed by the body. Popping the pimple-like cyst can lead to infection of the surrounding tissue. The neck is a particularly dangerous region, because the cyst may be close to glands and blood vessels.
White Pimples on the Penis – Hirsuties papillaris genitalis
Hirsuties papillaris genitalis (aka Pearly Penile Papules - WARNING: do not click if you don’t want to see pictures of the male genital) are small white coloured skin domes that form around the penis gland. They appear in rows around the rim of the penis head and may also appear on either side of the frenulum.
These white pimples like structures are quite common. They are completely harmless and not contagious. They can sometimes be mistaken for a sexually transmitted disease, such as genital warts. However, they are not a STD therefore they are not caused by sexual contact nor is there a risk of passing it to your sexual partner.
Hirsuties papillaris genitalis should not itch or cause any irritation.
Cause of Hirsuties papillaris genitalis
The cause of hirsuties papillaris genitalis are in no way related to sexual activity or bad hygiene. They commonly appear in men ages between 20 and 40. The actual cause is unknown.
Treating Hirsuties papillaris genitalis
Hirsuties Papillaris Genitalis appear as small white bumps when it first starts and may take up to 4 years for them to grow to full size. Hirsuties Papillaris Genitalis will remain throughout your life. They may diminish in size but will never completely disappear.
Most dermatologists advise that no treatment is required. There is no known cream or topical application that is effective in removing hirsuties papillaris genitalis.
However if you would like to remove them, the only known treatment is the CO2 laser treatment. This method has been documented as effective. Product : NoMorePapules.com
What are those White Pimples called Milia??
While pimple like bumps called Milia, also known as milk spots or oil seeds, are benign, keratin-filled cysts that can grow just under the epidermis ,on the top of the mouth, or around the eyes and nose. They are commonly found on newborn babies but can also affect anyone of any age. Milia that grow on the genitalia are often mistaken by those infected as warts or other STDs.
What causes Milia?
Milia often occur in infant stages that last for a few days. They can be inherited from parents. Excessive exposure to the sun may also cause Milia.
Some people experience Fluoride irritation from toothpaste and may cause Milia to grow around the mouth.
How to treat Milia
There are 2 effective ways to treat Milia:
- limit sun exposure
- avoid cleaning affected area with harsh chemicals
Milia around the eyes: use eye creams with little ingredients to avoid irritation. Avoid rubbing the eyes so as not to damage the skin.
Milia around the mouth: Try to keep the foam from staying around your mouth for long periods of time. This limits fluoride irritation to the skin.
Milia due to sun exposure: Use sunscreen with the least amount of ingredients. and look for sunscreens that offer physical sun blockage and contain active ingredients such as titanium oxide or zinc oxide.
For serious cases of Milia, please contact a dermatologist or aesthetician to extract them.