So, if you are fed up with some pimples or are really struggling with acne, it can be helpful to know that not all pimples are created equal and therefore require a different treatment to get rid of them. Celebrity cosmetologist Dr Ginny Mansberg, who is best known as the resident doctor on Sunrise, Australia’s top breakfast show, explains that there are six types of pimples. He explains that correctly identifying your pimples is crucial to seeking appropriate treatment. Here, Femail reveals the six types of pimples and shares Dr Mansberg’s advice on how to deal with them:

  1. SURFACE SPIRA Superficial pimples are the most common type of blemish and often go away on their own within a few days. You can however try a mild skin cleanser (stock image) Dr. Ginni Mansberg says these are the most common and “many of us will only ever have this type of pimple.” ‘ They often resolve within a few days, disappear without scarring, and usually do not pulsate,” she adds. How to deal with them: “Cleanse with a mild skin cleanser,” she advised. “Look for a pH-balanced, soap-free cleanser and cleanse twice a day to remove sebum, dirt and germs. “Alpha hydroxy acids will break the bonds between the accumulated skin cells allowing them to be removed effectively yet gently. “Vitamin B3 AKA Niacinamide is another ingredient that has evidence for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, as well as reduced sebum or oil production. “It can also improve the function of all important skin barriers by preventing water loss through the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin). Since many people with acne have dry skin that hides behind their overproduction of oil, this can also be helpful for acne.
  2. COMEDONES Open comedies are black marks. The color is due to surface staining and not dirt. Whiteheads appear when the follicle is completely blocked and skin has grown on top (stock image) “Open comedones are blackheads where the top of the pimple is black due to surface pigmentation (not dirt!),” explained Dr. Mansberg. “Closed ringworms are whiteheads where the follicle is completely blocked and skin has grown over it.” How to deal with them: “Vitamin A (retinoids) are the best topical products for treating acne and preventing breakouts. Retinoids help increase skin cell turnover to prevent excess build-up of dead skin cells. They are comedolytic (pimple extract) and anti-inflammatory. “Of the over-the-counter retinoids, retinoid (AKA retinaldehyde) is the most effective and least irritating form of vitamin A. Prescription retinoids often cause irritation, redness, dryness, and even peeling.
  3. PAPULES Pairs are tender red bumps with no visible pus. You can try vitamin A, salicylic acid to treat them because it is exfoliating, with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties (stock image) According to Dr. Ginni Mansberg, papules are “small, tender red bumps with no obvious visible pus.” How to deal with them: “Along with vitamin A, salicylic acid can also be a useful addition,” she said. “It is an exfoliant, with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties that give it a very good role in treating acne.”
  4. FISTILIA Pustules are pimples that have pus inside them. You can push them if you’re careful, but if it doesn’t work right away, stop (stock image) Unlike papules, “pustules are pimples that have pus in them,” Dr. Mansberg explained. How to deal with them: “If your blackhead, whitehead, or pimple isn’t painful or inflamed, you CAN squeeze it. But be careful. “Wash and dry your hands thoroughly and gently use a blackhead vacuum. If it doesn’t work immediately, abandon ship!” she warned.
  5. DEEPER SPIRAL Deeper pimples are often more severe acne and sit on skin that is already affected by superficial pimples (stock image) These indicate more severe acne and often sit on skin that is already affected by superficial pimples. “If you look at them under a microscope, they extend beyond the dermis into the subcutaneous layer below the dermis,” explains Dr. Ginni Mansberg. They last for weeks, often leaving a scar. How to deal with them:
    “The treatment for psoriatic acne is oral vitamin A known as Accutane. You need to be at it for at least five months, often much longer. “For a large cyst or nodule, a doctor may drain it using a needle and inject some steroid into the lump to reduce inflammation and pain.”
  6. PUMPS AND CYSTS Nodules are deeper and tend to be harder and more painful than typical pimples. You can try a standby mask, but many will need intervention from a dermatologist (stock image) “Nodules are deeper pimples that may involve more than one follicle. They feel harder, are painful and red,” says Dr. Ginni. “They tend to be packed with cysts which are large nodules containing fluid (pus) and are usually larger than 5mm in diameter – although the 2 terms tend to be used interchangeably.” Every pimple is formed from the same problem where you get oil buildup plus excess skin and debris that clogs pores and causes inflammation. This makes a perfect breeding ground for bad bacteria like Cutebacterium Acnes (or C. Acnes) How to deal with them: “For a throbbing nodule or cyst, don’t squeeze it. Some ice or a cold compress can help reduce pain, redness and swelling for some symptom relief. Ice can be wrapped in a cloth and used for 30 seconds at a time on clean skin. “You can try a topical salicylic acid mask like the Hydroxy Overnight Mask or a microneedling patch like Spotless, but most will need medical intervention,” explained Dr. Mansberg.