A pimple is a clogged skin pore that gets infected with bacteria. Pimples look red and often are raised above the level of the skin.
- A pimple that bursts under the skin and releases bacteria into the surrounding tissue is called a papule. The skin around the area of a papule looks red.
- A papule that is deeper under the skin is called a pustule. A pustule may not look as red as other pimples and may have a white cap in its center. It may be very sore.
Cleaning facial skin gently once or twice a day with a mild, non-drying soap and shampooing hair daily may help prevent new pimples. Over-the-counter medicine may help to dry up pimples. Squeezing or picking pimples may cause a skin infection.
| By | Healthwise Staff |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology |
| Last Revised | February 3, 2011 |
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