Symptoms, Causes & Treatment For Papule-affected Skin

Papules have two direct causes: clogged pores and swelling. If your sebaceous glands are in overdrive, a proliferation of oil and dead skin cells will become trapped in your epidermis. Bacteria love oxygen-deprived, oily settings, so your immune system will react by inflaming the area. Papules aren't solely caused by acne, though. They pop up in a wide array of conditions from psoriasis to HPV. A large papule can be a scarring risk, so we recommend gentle treatment.

Papules tend to be itchy or painful. There might not be any visible pus on the surface, but the inflamed tissue puts pressure on nerve endings, causing pain. This doesn't tell us how the journey ends, though. Ultimately, papules can send pus to the surface of your skin, transforming into pustules. If a surface lesion reaches deeper tissue, it will become a firm nodule before worsening into a cyst. Papules can also evolve to become macules -- surface points of discolouration that can last years. If you can treat a papule early, you can prevent deep and lasting consequences.

There are several types of skin papules, and each one has its own unique cause. The most common types are:

• Acne-related papules: Red or brown bumps caused by excess sebum and swelling.

• Seborrheic keratosis: A harmless, scaly bump that resembles a wart. Age is the culprit for these particular papules. People often develop them after the age of 50.

• Keratosis pilaris: A collection of harmless, skin-coloured papules that resemble goosebumps. If you have a rash that feels like sandpaper, your skin might be manufacturing too much keratin--the protein that usually protects your skin.

• Molluscum contagiosum: A viral infection spread through skin contact. It usually disappears of its own accord, but in some cases, cryotherapy might be needed.

• Eczema: An over-enthusiastic immune response can lead to atopic dermatitis and patches of intense inflammation at the skin's surface. This is known as papular eczema, and it tends to appear in clusters.

• Insect bites: When skin is exposed to insect or spider saliva, bite-sites often develop an allergic reaction replete with swollen pores.

• An overgrowth of tissue: A fibrous papule or nodule might form sporadically from ageing, sun exposure, or repeated friction and contact dermatitis. Some fibrous papules have no known cause.

An experienced dermatologist can usually form a diagnosis of a papule through sight alone. They'll decide on a cause by evaluating the size, shape, and colour of the bump and follicle with a dermatoscope. In some individuals, though, a doctor will need to perform a deeper assessment by taking your medical history and performing skin scrapings to form a differential diagnosis. They might even perform a biopsy and allergy test to rule out skin disease and other causes.

The severity of your papule diagnosis will determine whether you choose over-the-counter creams and serums or prescription treatments.

Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are often the first port of call in the battle against acne. The trick to winning lies in managing cell turnover and preventing clogged pores, so adapalene gel is another common option.

• Benzoyl peroxide and adapalene gel are harsh topical therapies that can lead to sun sensitivity and dehydration.

• Salicylic acid improves cell turnover gently without drying your skin. At Caudalie, a natural version is used to suit all skin types, even the most sensitive.

Prescription-strength retinoids and antibiotics can soothe inflammation while triggering cell rejuvenation. If you often develop pustules, your dermatologist might prescribe a topical broad-spectrum antibiotic or anti-bacterial cream. An anti-inflammatory cream might relieve itching, redness, and pain.

Caudalie has designed the exceptional Vinopure collection to tackle breakouts and clogged pores. Salicylic acid acts as the core of the entire range. As an oft-preferred BHA, it rejuvenates skin by helping it to shed dead cells. This process keeps your pores squeaky clean while boosting cell turnover. In response, your skin will heal itself faster, which will, in turn, reduce your risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Our favourite products from the collection are:

• Gel Facial Cleanser with Salicylic Acid: Caudalie's acne- prone skincare product brings you the gentle blemish-fighting powers of natural salicylic acid and six purifying essential oils. The product is soap-free and envelopes you in a fresh, natural scent.

• Salicylic Acid Toner: Organic grape water and natural salicylic acid are the perfect partners, tightening pores while preparing your skin for the treatment phase of the Vinopure collection. This vegan formula slows down sebum production while giving you a radiant, dewy complexion. Now your skin is free of product and ready to absorb your serum.

• Salicylic Acid Serum: We bring you nourishing niacinamides, collagen-stimulating grape polyphenols, and your favourite BHA. Results: 86% saw blemishes reduced after 7 days*.

• Mattifying Moisturiser: Oily skin needs as much hydration as normal skin, but we've gone beyond mere moisture. Enjoy the mattifying talents of silica powder and the intense hydration of plant-derived squalane.