What are blemishes?
Blemishes are commonly seen in many individuals these days. A blemish is defined as any type of mark, spot, or discoloration that appears over the face. This is not a life threatening situation but unsightly and mentally upsetting issue. Blemish is a broad term, that can denote any mark over skin.
Types of Blemishes
Acne is a very common condition. Acne can appear in the form of pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. They may leave dark spots, or scarring on the skin.
These are small skin lesions of varying types. They range from pink to brown color. Example: Chickenpox rashes, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis etc.
A group of collection of tissues are nodules. They are hard to touch and can occur at any level of skin. Skin tags and warts falls in the category of nodules.
This can occur at any area of the body that’s exposed to sun. They appear in small, dark spots and commonly occur in people over 50yrs. They can be considered as a type of hyperpigmentation.
Pustules are fluid or pus filled. Theses can include whiteheads and chickenpox blisters.
Most of the times hair removal techniques, such as tweezing, waxing, or shaving, can also lead to issue of blemishes as a result in ingrown hairs. When the removed hairs grow back, it gets trapped over the skin. This can cause bump in the skin.
Birthmarks is also considered as a blemish, which typically occurs either at birth or shortly afterward. They vary in their appearance, shape and size and color. They usually last for a lifetime.
Melasma is commonly observed during pregnancy. It appears in brown patches. This can be brought about by sun exposure or hormonal changes.
Various types of skin cancers can lead to blemished skin like, Basal cell carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma and Malignant melanoma. They have irregular border and looks in dark moles.
Several types of cysts cause blemishes over the skin. They include:
• epidermoid cysts
• ganglion cysts
• sebaceous cysts
When the dermis layer is damaged, the scars appear over the skin. This also contributes to blemished skin.
Due to over secretion of melanin, the skin tone varies and leads to dark patches. This leads to hyperpigmentation. They can also happen due to
• sun exposure
• acne scarring
• hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy
• Infections – Certain type of skin infections leads to eruptions over the skin. This may include fungal or bacterial infection. They might exhibit in the form of pustules.
• Viruses –Some blemishes, causes due to invasion of viruses. Eg: Varicella zoster causes Chickenpox.
• Sun exposure –Over exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can cause blemishes that may lead to skin cancer, hyperpigmentation, and other forms of skin damage.
• Genetic causes – Sometimes blemishes may have a genetic link. This includes diseases like Darier disease (wart like blemishes), Fabry disease (inherited disorder that happens due to gene mutation) etc.
• Clogged pores – Due to excess production of oil by sebaceous glands blemishes may occur. This oil generated will mingle with dead skin cells or dirt over the face. This results to pimples, pustules, blackheads and whiteheads. Hormonal changes often add trouble to the situation.
Over usage of cosmetic products like makeup, sunscreen, or moisturizer can also leads to clogged pores.
• Environmental toxins – Dirt, car exhaust, pollution, bacteria also sometimes contribute to this condition.
• Diet – Diet is having a great impact over the skin. This can cause food allergies, skin irritations, and bumps. Dairy products can lead to sensitive skin issues to people. Foods rich in high sugar, simple carbohydrates also lead to blemishes.
• Medications – Some medications like steroids, corticosteroids, anti-seizure drugs show tendency to produce blemishes over the skin.
Symptoms of Blemished skin
The symptoms vary from person to person. Symptom of blemished skin includes:
• Raised bumps either white or red in color.
• Rash, which might be painful or itchy
• Scaly or rough skin
• Peeling of skin
• Open sores or lesions
• Dry, cracked skin
• Discolored patches of skin
• Fleshy bumps, warts, or other skin growths
• Excessive flushing
• Vegetables: High-fibre vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, corn, Pumpkin, Carrot, Beans, Cucumber, green beans, white pumpkins, bitter gourd, Beetroot, etc.
• Fruits: Orange, Pears, plums, and apples, Bananas, Blueberries, Grapefruit, Raspberries, Blackberries, Blueberries, and Strawberries
• Grains: whole rains, oats, oat bran, old rice, barley, green gram, Most beans, lentils, chickpeas, and peas
• Spices: Coriander, Ginger, Garlic, Pepper, Turmeric
• Nuts: Almonds, cashews, raisins, walnuts, and Flax seeds
• Take adequate amount of fluids like pomegranate juice, lemon juice, Amla juice, sweet lime juice, tender coconut water
• Include ghee in regular diet
• Excessive intake junk, oily, and heavy food
• Sweets in excess amount
• Excessive use of tea, coffee etc.
• Intake of animal fat, processed/oily food items.
• Alcohol consumption and smoking.