What your SPOTS reveal about your health – when you should and SHOULDN’T squeeze and how to fix it fast
THEY come in all shapes and sizes – and now spots are more common than ever before.
The British Journal of Dermatology shows that in 2021, 14.6 per cent of adolescents and young people were diagnosed with acne — a 7.4 per cent increase from 1990.
More realistically, top experts believe closer to a staggering 95 per cent of youngsters have acne when accounting for those who self-manage their treatment.
While spots are something we typically associate with adolescence, they can strike throughout life.
Around three per cent of adults over the age of 35 have acne, the NHS says.
It is normal to feel self-conscious of spots — after all, they are on our face.
And only in recent years have skin imperfections been more openly discussed.
Kendall Jenner, Florence Pugh and Justin Bieber have publicly acknowledged their pimples — yes, celebrities are just like us (sometimes)!
Pimples can be triggered by hormonal imbalances, diet, smoking and some beauty products, the NHS says.
But the type of spot can give an indication of its cause, too, says Dr David Jack, dermatologist and founder of Dr David Jack clinics.
Here he reveals the most common types of spots, their causes and how best to treat them . . .
WHITEHEADS AND BLACKHEADS
WHAT looks like small, skin-coloured or white bumps – that almost need a magnifying glass to see – are in fact a type of spot.
Dr Jack says: “Whiteheads are a type of acne that are caused by blocked pores.
“They occur when dead skin cells, oil and bacteria become trapped under the skin.
“They are typically associated with excess sebum production and are common in areas with more active oil glands, such as the forehead and nose.”
But they can occur on the cheeks too, as a result of dead skin build-up.
This may be more likely to occur with those prone to dry skin.
If you try to squeeze a whitehead, it won’t typically “pop” because it is medically known as a “closed comedone”.
Meanwhile, blackheads turn dark because they have been exposed to the air.
FIX: WHAT prevents these tiny spots can also be used to gently eliminate them once they have developed.
Dr Jack says: “They tend to occur more commonly when the skin isn’t exfoliated regularly, so some gentle exfoliation can help to prevent these blockages.
“Salicylic acid-based products are useful as they exfoliate and regulate oil production.”
Check if your products are “non-comedogenic,” which means they are designed to minimise pore blockages.
Some brands are exclusively non-comedogenic, such as Avène.
INFLAMED BREAKOUTS
EVER had a spot that pulsates under the skin but never amounted to a head?
They are formally known as papules or cysts, Dr Jack says, and are deeper lesions in the skin.
Dr Jack says: “These are more severe forms of acne and can result from clogged pores that become irritated and infected.
“They tend to be quite painful.”
Cystic acne is considered a severe form of acne, and is the most likely to cause scarring.
Dr Jack says: “Inflammation can be linked to hormonal changes.”
Sudden acne in women can be a sign of hormonal imbalance, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, especially if there are accompanying symptoms like excessive body hair.
Dr Jack says: “If inflammation is more widespread across the face, it may indicate a condition like rosacea.”
Rosacea can sometimes be mistaken for acne but the two conditions are different.
In rosacea, the skin is not greasy and the spots do not cause scarring.
Instead, the skin may be dry, peeling and red, the NHS says.
There may be thickened skin, usually around the nose.
FIX: DR JACK says: “In cases of persistent inflammation, it’s crucial to avoid harsh scrubs or products that could further irritate the skin, and instead try anti-inflammatory treatments like niacinamide or azelaic acid.”
For conditions such as cystic acne and rosacea, see your GP.
PERSISTENT SPOTS
ANY spot that doesn’t seem to go away might not be a spot at all.
Skin cancer can present in more ways than one.
And while a dodgy mole is the most recognisable sign, there are others to look out for.
Basal cell skin cancers may cause a sore area of the skin that doesn’t heal, and it may look waxy or have small blood vessels.
It can also cause a shiny, pearly and hard lump.
Squamous cell cancers vary in their appearance but may also be an open sore, as well as a wart-like and raised area of skin.
Skin cancers can be itchy, painful, bleed or scab over and will generally feel scaly or rough in texture compared to a spot, which is more soft.
Spots tend to go away after around one week.
Dr Jack says: “It’s important to be vigilant about any changes or new spots that appear.
“This is particularly the case if you have had a long history of sun exposure, or family history of skin cancers.”
FIX: GO to your GP for any lumps and bumps that you are concerned about.
Skin cancer, of which there are several types, can be treated.
But as with any cancer, “early detection can dramatically improve outcomes”, Dr Jack says.
If it’s persistent acne or other skin complaints that are not improving despite trying yourself, see your GP.
They may prescribe antibiotics or the contraceptive pill to women.
The GP might refer you to a dermatologist if the condition is severe or no other treatments have worked.
SPOTS FILLED
WITH PUS
YELLOW-headed spots that contain pus are typical of acne.
Dr Jack says: “Pus-filled spots, or pustules, form when white blood cells rush to the site of a blocked pore to fight off bacterial infections.
“These are generally a sign of more inflammatory acne and can be triggered by an overgrowth of bacteria within a clogged pore.
“They can be exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations, stress, or irritation from products.”
FIX: WHATEVER you do, don’t squeeze these spots.
Instead, wait and let the pus come out naturally.
Squeezing spots can cause harm to the surrounding skin and lead to scarring.
Look for treatments containing benzoyl peroxide or retinoids.
Dr Jack says: “These are helpful for killing bacteria and preventing future outbreaks.
“In-clinic treatments such as Theraclear or AviClear can help with these by reducing the bacterial load on the skin.”
RANDOM SPOTS
SPOTS can occur when we least expect them – and usually at the worst time.
But Dr Jack says: “There are usually underlying factors such as stress, poor diet – including high- sugar diets, dairy products and inflammatory processed foods – or hormonal imbalances.
“Sometimes these ‘random’ spots are the result of repeated touching of your face, or an allergic reaction to skincare products.”
Even when we think that we are doing something helpful for our skin, such as applying a new, fancy product, it can in fact upset the skin.
FIX: GO steady when introducing new skincare products.
The occasional spot is nothing to worry about, unless it is frequent enough to cause you embarrassment.
Dr Jack says: “The key to managing these spots is maintaining a consistent skincare routine that includes proper cleansing and hydration, while also considering any lifestyle factors like stress or diet that might be contributing to the random breakouts.”