Acne

The redness of a pimple is due to inflammation below the skin’s surface. The inflammation is the result of the immune system responding to a build up of pus and bacteria. Watch the animation to see how pimples form. Full Answer

It's not your imagination -- feeling stressed does seem to cause some people to have acne flare-ups. The reason appears to be that stress causes your body to undergo changes in levels of certain hormones, which for some people may promote acne. One study... Full Answer

A pimple is a type of small local infection. When a hair follicle is blocked by oil and dead skin cells, local bacteria can multiply, which causes the immune system to respond. A pimple is the visible result of this response. Watch the animation to learn... Full Answer

If your menstrual periods are a bit quirky (that is, not arriving like clockwork every 28 to 32 days), or if you have a disorder called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), you may notice what you think is a rash along your chin and jaw line. That and... Full Answer

Acne is an inflammatory condition of the skin partially caused by increased sebum production and an abnormality of the bacteria found normally on the skin. The result can be red and enlarged areas on the skin, whiteheads or blackheads.   Full Answer

Consciously or unconsciously, people often judge each other by appearance. Because of this, acne can cause feelings of anxiety, embarrassment, and even anger. Many people with acne suffer loss of self-esteem and even depression, particularly... Full Answer

Each hair follicle is connected to a gland that produces oil, which moves up the follicle. The oil can mix with dead skin cells and block the opening of the follicle, attracting bacteria and leading to formation of a pimple. Watch the process in this... Full Answer

Dead skin cells contribute to pimples when they mix with skin oil emerging from a hair follicle onto the surface of the skin and form a gluey plug.  Watch the animation to see how this happens. Full Answer

Staph, which is short for Staphylococcus bacteria, can be stimulated to reproduce when oil and dead skin cells build up in hair follicle. The immune system responds to the increased bacteria. A pimple is the visible result. Watch the animation to learn... Full Answer

Staphylococcus bacteria, or “Staph” for short, are a common type of germ that lives on the surface of the skin and can contribute to pimples, under the right conditions.  Watch the animation to learn more. Full Answer