Pimples Itch – Whats That All About?
Author: Sheryl Henrybr
Source: ezinearticles.combr
br
Bad enough you have ugly red eruptions all over your face (and/or neck, shoulders, arms, back, etc.) for everyone to see. But pimples itch, as well as ache and burn, so you have to feel them, too. Why does this happen and what can you do about it?
Pimples are actually an accumulation of sweat, dead skin cells, dust and bacteria-anything and everything that is in and on your skin-all intermixed and jammed together into a cocktail inside your hair follicles. As the concoction wrestles for position in such confined spaces, the skin becomes irritated and inflamed. As a result, youve got pimples. And being pimples, theyre very likely infected and, therefore, filled with pus.
Pus is a thick, gooey substance, usually about the consistency of heavy (unwhipped) whipping cream, and most often white in color (although it can be yellow or even green). You no doubt, detest the stuff right now because its what causes the itch in your pimples. But pus is also really a good thing because its what fights the infection caused by all that commotion inside your follicles.
Neutrophils, or white blood cells, are the main components of pus, as well as what give it its color. These neutrophils are jettisoned to the site of your pimple within an hour of the onset of an infection. Once there, they ingest and kill the infected cells in a process called chemotaxis. This is the bodys natural healing process.
However, this is also what causes all that itching.
Its often a temptation to scratch or pick at a pimple. But try to resist: Not only will this stop your body from fighting the infection, but it will also spread the infection to other areas of your skin. In addition, you will increase the likelihood of developing scars when the skin does heal.
Compresses are helpful to assist pimples in draining properly and reducing the itching sensation. Fill a washcloth with hot water (and wring it to remove the excess water), then apply it to the itchy area. Leave the compress on your skin until it feels cool. Follow this by wiping skin with an antiseptic liquid or to keep the area clear of new bacteria.
In most cases, its adequate to wait for the pimples to heal on their own. However, if there is a great deal of pus or the pimples are hard, hot to the touch, and red in color, your bodys immune system may not be adequately controlling the infection. If you have these symptoms, or if your condition persists, you may need to see a doctor to determine whether your pimples should be treated with antibiotics.
Pimples itch. You may not be able to avoid that simple fact. But you can take action to reduce the agony-and help your body to heal at the same time.
br
br
pHelpful Link – a target=_new href=http://www.AcneMd.info rel=nofollowhttp://www.AcneMd.info/a/pbr
br