What causes pimples on the cheeks?

Nov 28, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, pimples refer to acne. Cheek acne may be caused by hormonal changes during puberty, dietary factors, allergies, folliculitis, hyperandrogenemia, and other factors. In daily life, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, adjust the diet, avoid high-sugar and high-fat foods, exercise regularly, and use gentle cleansers and moisturizers.

Generally speaking, pimples refer to acne. Acne on the cheeks may be caused by hormonal changes during puberty, dietary factors, allergies, folliculitis, hyperandrogenemia, and other reasons. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Hormonal Changes During Puberty

During puberty, increased levels of androgens in the body stimulate sebaceous glands to secrete more oil, leading to clogged pores and a higher risk of acne formation. Routine cleansing and skincare, using a gentle facial cleanser, and avoiding overly oily skincare products are recommended.

2. Dietary Factors

Long-term consumption of spicy, stimulating, high-sugar, high-fat, and trans fatty acid-rich foods can increase sebum secretion by sebaceous glands, leading to clogged pores and subsequent acne. Maintaining a light and nutritious diet, reducing intake of high-fat and high-sugar foods, and consuming more vegetables and fruits are recommended.

3. Allergy

Contact with cosmetics or being in a dusty environment might trigger allergic reactions on the facial skin, manifesting as acne-like eruptions accompanied by symptoms such as itching and swelling. Treatment may include medications like desloratadine capsules, levocetirizine hydrochloride tablets, or astemizole capsules, under a doctor's guidance.

4. Folliculitis

Folliculitis is typically caused by bacterial infection of hair follicles, presenting as red raised papules or acne lesions accompanied by pain. Treatment is recommended under medical advice using topical medications such as fusidic acid cream, mupirocin ointment, or erythromycin ointment.

5. Hyperandrogenemia

This condition may be caused by unhealthy lifestyle habits, medication factors, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and other reasons. Excess androgens in the body can overstimulate sebaceous gland activity, increasing oil secretion and potentially causing acne. It may also be accompanied by central obesity, moon face, buffalo hump, and other symptoms. Treatment may involve medications such as hydrocortisone tablets, prednisone acetate tablets, or dexamethasone tablets, under medical supervision.

In daily life, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, adjusting dietary habits to avoid high-sugar and high-fat foods, engaging in regular physical activity, and using gentle facial cleansers and moisturizers are recommended.