Pimples on the body: what does it mean?

“The term “button” is not generally used in dermatology because it does not correspond to a sufficient description of a skin lesion. On the other hand, it is commonly used whenever a small inflamed blister. This recalls the etymology of the word which comes from “kick“that is to say, to push. We also say in vulgar terms that acne pimples bud! Like flower buds! Thus, under the term pimple, we group together many lesions that are very different from each other. others”, notes Dr. Paul Dupont, dermatologist. What are the different types of button? What causes pimples? When to worry? In case of pregnancy?

What are the different types of button?

“There is no single cause for pimples and it all depends on their appearance, their nature and the context in which they appear. Thus, we will distinguish, for example, a simple papule : a red highlight – which is different from a vesicle : a liquid appears inside the button – or even the folliculitis : when the pimple surrounds the orifice with a hair that ignites – and finally pustule in which the pimple forms a pus-filled white spot”continues the specialist.

► A pustule refers to a skin lesion on the surface of the epidermis that contains purulent fluid (pus). Several causes can be responsible for a pustule, for example acne, psoriasis generalized pustular (skin disease), an abscess, impetigo (skin infection caused by bacteria), smallpox or pustulosis (disease accompanied by pustules).

► The papule means a skin lesion from which no liquid substance flows. Characterized by a raised shape of variable size, the papule ranks among the skin diseases, i.e. skin diseases. There are several kinds of papules among which we can cite the fibrous papulosis of the nose, the bowenoid papulosis which is located on the mucous membranes of the genital tract or the malignant atrophic papulosis, which is much rarer. In the vast majority of cases, this skin infiltration disappears on its own without leaving a trace.

On which areas of the body can you have pimples?

“Depending on its location, the button can have several origins and several meanings, depending on whether it is located at the face, hands, body, feet and sometimes even in the mouth“continues Dr. Paul Dupont.

Abscesses and Boils

Abscesses and boils are caused by bacterial infections and are characterized by buildup of pus. Boils most often appear at the root of a hair.

Acne

Acne manifests on the face during teenagehood, but lesions can also appear in adulthood on the back, neck and torso. Pimples do not cause no itching.

heat buttons

Benign and small in size, heat rashes usually appear in areas where perspiration wicks away (the groin and the neckline for example). They result from a accumulation of sweat at the pore level. Infants are also affected by this phenomenon due to the immaturity of their sweat glands.

Stings

“Various biting insects can lead to irritating, itchy bumps. Everyone knows the bite-related pimples of mosquitoes. But there are other biting insects and any lesion that appears around a pimple and tends to spread should lead to an infectious disease, including Lyme disease“, warns Dr. Paul Dupont.

Eczema

Eczema, which manifests as severe itching and red rashes, is very common in children. The skin is usually very dry.

Urticaria

Urticaria pimples appear as swollen plaques (papules), similar to those caused by nettles. In its acute form, urticaria is often of allergic origin. Chronic urticaria, which lasts at least for more than 6 weeks or even months, can be caused in particular by heat or the sun. The search for its cause requires numerous examinations by a professional familiar with this problem, such as a dermatologist, an internal medicine doctor or an allergist.

Varicella

The presence of many small painful red pimples and the origin of itching is often synonymous with chickenpox. This disease is often accompanied by fever and manifests itself in children. Adults who have never had chickenpox can also be affected after contact with an infectious person.

Shingles

Caused by the same virus as chickenpox, shingles manifests as blisters and more often in adults. Some forms affect the face, while others develop in the chest. A burning sensation may also accompany the rash.

Hands-feet-mouth

“This syndrome of viral origin associates papulo-vesicular lesions at the level of the extremities and in the mouth. It is an eruptive disease, like the contagious diseases of childhood, which generally evolves towards healing in ten days, reassures the dermatologist.

What are the causes of pimples on the body that do not scratch?

“We often mistake for pimples small reddish elevations located at the orifice of the hairs. They can have two origins. After waxingit may be a PILI TORTI : A hair that retracts and grows, in part, under the skin, irritating the epidermis. In other cases, the spontaneous appearance of such small pimples suggests a fat imbalance and should lead to a search for a elevated triglycerides or the blood sugar“, observes the dermatologist.

When to worry about pimples on the body when pregnant?

“During pregnancy, there may be an eruption of pimples characterized either by small itchy red papules, or by vesicles, or even bubbles scattered over the body: this is calledgestational herpes. The appearance of such lesions should lead the pregnant woman to urgent consultation. Just like an outbreak of genital herpes that could infect the baby at birth”warns the specialist.

If in doubt, it is advisable to seek the advice of a doctor.

When to consult for pimples on the body?

“Any button that lasts or whose etiology we do not have should lead to consultation with a dermatologist. Indeed, as we have seen, a pimple can have many origins and it can sometimes require rapid treatment”, comments Dr. Paul Dupont.

All forms of pimples on the body do not necessarily require treatment: heat pimples usually regress on their own after a few days. On the other hand, conditions such as shingles or chicken pox require specific treatments to avoid superinfection. Acne requires a local treatment, combined with oral treatment According to the case.
If in doubt, it is advisable to seek the advice of a doctor.

Thank you to Dr. Paul Dupont, dermatologist and author of the book “Natural skin care” published by Eyrolles.