Pimples on the chin occur as a result of hormonal changes that usually occur during the menstrual cycle or puberty. However, we can all get pimples on our chins at any age – both male and female.
For mild symptoms, you can manage pimples at home using basic over-the-counter products and self-care. For more extreme cases, you may want to obtain a prescription from a dermatologist for medications or other treatment options.
Causes of Pimples on the Chin
Pimples on the chin are not so much different from those on other parts of the body – face, chest, neck, and back. Oil traps dead skin cells, bacteria, and debris in one or more pores of the skin. This is the main cause of pimple formation.
Pimples on the chin occur frequently due to fluctuations in hormones. This is seen commonly in females and teenagers, as both experiences heightened hormone fluctuations in distinct phases of their lives.
‘Androgens’ are hormones that enhance the production of sebum. On the other hand, sebum is the oil that clogs pores, creating pimples. Since hormones do fluctuate till adulthood, pimples on the chin can be present at any time.
Prevention of Pimple on the Chin
It is not always feasible to prevent the formation of pimples on the chin. However, there are several tips a person follows to aid in preventing them, this includes:
- Wash the chin and all other parts of the face with a mild soap (twice or more) daily
- Avoid oily foods and those with too much sugar
- Minimize stress and other hormone triggers
- Avoid touching the face excessively with your hands and fingers
- Using oil-free sunscreen frequently
- Keep bed sheets and other bedding clean at all times
- Avoid skin products that contain oils that can easily clog your pores
- Keep your hair away from the chin and clean it regularly
Treatment of Pimples on the Chin
1. In-office Procedures
A. Laser Therapy
Laser therapy has become a well-known method of treating inflammatory pimples. Your dermatologist may sometimes recommend laser treatments to address your pimple concerns. It slows down sebaceous gland production, which in turn lowers inflammation.
B. Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are used to exfoliate and remove the topmost part of the skin. There are 3 types of these peels – superficial peels, medium peels, and deep peels.
Salicylic acid peels are now popular in treating inflammatory pimples. Your dermatologist may prescribe a chemical peel based on your skin and the depth of each pimple.
2. Over-The-Counter Treatment
A. Benzoyl Peroxide
Researchers suggest that products with 10% benzoyl peroxide work effectively in treating pimples. Benzoyl peroxide has special anti-inflammatory properties that aid in reducing your symptoms.
The side effects of Benzoyl peroxide include tingling, dryness, and sun sensitivity.
B. Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid works as a peeling agent. It is also used in dermatology to reduce pimples. It has anti-inflammatory functions and works by lowering skin lipids that eventually reduce pimples.
C. Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid lowers swelling by killing bacteria-causing pimples. It is bought in topical form and is very useful in the treatment of pimples.
Azelaic acid can have intense adverse effects including itching, dryness, burning sensations, and tenderness. Endeavor to talk to your dermatologist before using this acid to treat your pimples.
D. Topical Retinoids
Topical retinoids are also useful in reducing inflammation and are widely used in treating pimples; they are called the “center of topical therapy.”
Some minor side effects of using these retinoids include itching, dryness, and redness of the skin.
3. Draining
Big-sized pimples can be painful. The urge to pop them increases because of how they look and feel.
Draining involves making a minor cut and squeezing out the contents. Draining is done by a dermatologist because he uses sterilized tools and knows how to handle the process.
If you attempt to squeeze the pimple on your own, you may end up causing an infection. You may also push back some of the bacteria further down into the skin. This can cause more scarring and inflammation.
4. Oral Medication
Isotretinoin is derived from Vitamin A. It is used to treat severe cases of inflammatory pimples. It has anti-inflammatory functions and helps reduce sebum production.
Isotretinoin often results in dry skin, cracked lips, hair loss, nausea, weight loss, and nail and skin changes. It can also cause some serious side effects including depression, inflammatory changes of the liver or pancreas, and osteomalacia.
If you are pregnant or intend to conceive, do not use Isotretinoin. Your dermatologist would most likely recommend some other antibiotics to help treat the pimples.
5. Home Remedies
A. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil fights bacteria and has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pimples. It is a well-known ingredient in anti-pimple products.
B. Honey
Honey is a recommended home remedy to manage a variety of skin disorders. It has antibacterial functions that help in treating pimples. Honey also keeps the skin soft and hydrated.
C. Turmeric
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial functions too. It is a widely used measure in the skin-care industry.
How to Heal a Big Pimple on the Chin
There are a few reasons a pimple would not go away. It is normal for pimples—especially deep and large pimples—to take a bit of time to go away. You might also have pimples that are persistent if you
- Do not have adequate self-care routine
- Take some medications
- Have certain health impairments
In addition to the differing nature of pimples, they may persist because of:
- Insufficient washing of the face
- Excessive sweating
- Over-the-counter products that are not effective enough
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Certain medications, including birth control pills; While sometimes helpful for pimples, can also cause severe breakouts in others and some health conditions, like PCOS.
You can heal big pimples by:
- Resisting the urge to pop it open
- Using a pimple treatment
- Applying a warm compress regularly
- Using prescribed injections like cortisone
- Seeing a skin surgeon
Diagnosing Pimples on the Chin
Your doctor should be able to diagnose most pimples from basic inspection during physical examination, differentiating it from other skin bumps that could appear on the skin.
Your dermatologist may ask some questions about pimple patterns and general medical history to find out what causes the pimples.
FAQ – Pimples on the Chin
Q: Are chin pimples due to stress?
A: Stress pimples usually pop up in the oiliest part of the face, like the chin, forehead, and nose. The T-zone of your face might look oily and more congested too. Dermatologists say that if you are getting clusters of pimples at once, stress can be a causative factor because hormonal pimples appear one at a time.
Q: Why do I have pimples on my chin as a female?
A: Pimples around the chin and jawline indicate hormonal changes, which are mostly triggered by hormones secreted around the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.
Conclusion
Chin pimples commonly occur throughout adulthood, especially in females. If you have a pimple that reoccurs in the same spot, it could be cystic acne due to hormonal breakouts and the use of pore-clogging products.
Hormones typically cause the production of extra oil on the face, which traps skin cells, dirt, bacteria, or debris; this causes pimple formation. You can often prevent pimple development by practicing effective skin hygiene and self-care.
Take good care of your skin and visit your dermatologist frequently!
