Pimples, also known as acne, are a common skin condition that affects people of all ages.

They occur when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells and can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders. While many people assume that pimples are solely caused by poor hygiene, there are actually many factors that contribute to their development. Below are 30 causes to consider when it comes to pimples:.

1. Hormonal Changes

One of the most common causes of pimples is hormonal changes. This is why teenagers often experience acne as they go through puberty, and women may experience breakouts during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy.

Hormonal changes can cause the skin to produce more oil, leading to clogged hair follicles and pimples.

2. Genetics

Sometimes, the cause of pimples is simply genetic. If your parents or other family members had acne, you may be more likely to experience it as well.

3. Stress

Stress can also contribute to the development of pimples. When you’re stressed, your body produces more cortisol, a hormone that can increase oil production in the skin and lead to breakouts.

4. Poor Diet

Your diet can also impact the appearance of your skin. Consuming too much sugar or processed foods can lead to inflammation, which can contribute to the development of pimples.

Additionally, diets high in dairy products have been linked to an increase in acne.

5. Medications

Some medications can also cause pimples. These include steroids, anticonvulsants, and lithium, among others.

6. Cosmetics

Wearing certain types of cosmetics can also lead to the development of pimples. Products that contain oils or other pore-clogging ingredients can contribute to breakouts.

7. Overwashing

While washing your face is important for keeping your skin clean, overwashing can actually make pimples worse. Overwashing can strip the skin of its natural oils, causing it to produce more oil and leading to breakouts.

8. Environmental Factors

Environmental factors can also play a role in the development of pimples. Exposure to pollution, humidity, and other factors can all contribute to breakouts.

9. Occupational Factors

People who work in certain occupations may be more prone to pimples. For example, people who work in kitchens or around oil and grease may experience more breakouts due to increased exposure to these substances.

10. Touching Your Face

Touching your face frequently can also contribute to the development of pimples. When you touch your face with your hands, you transfer oils, dirt, and bacteria to your skin, which can clog pores and cause breakouts.

11. Fungal Infections

Certain types of fungal infections can also cause pimples. These infections are usually characterized by red, itchy bumps that may be filled with pus.

12. Viral Infections

Some viral infections can also cause pimples. For example, the herpes simplex virus can cause pimple-like bumps around the mouth and genitals.

13. Bacterial Infections

Various bacterial infections can also lead to the development of pimples. For example, staphylococcus aureus bacteria can cause small, pus-filled bumps on the skin.

14. Allergic Reactions

Some people may develop pimples as a result of an allergic reaction to a certain food, medication, or skincare product. These pimples may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as itching and swelling.

15. Heat Rash

Heat rash, also known as prickly heat, can also cause pimples. This condition occurs when sweat ducts become blocked, leading to small red bumps on the skin.

16. Ingrown Hairs

Ingrown hairs can also resemble pimples. These occur when a hair grows back into the skin, causing a small red bump that may be filled with pus.

17. Rosacea

Rosacea is a skin condition characterized by redness, bumps, and pimples on the face. While the exact cause of rosacea is unknown, it is believed to be triggered by certain environmental and lifestyle factors.

18. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that can cause dry, scaly patches on the skin. In some cases, psoriasis can also cause small, red bumps that resemble pimples.

19. Eczema

Eczema is a skin condition characterized by dry, itchy patches on the skin. In some cases, eczema can also cause red, inflamed bumps that resemble pimples.

20. Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition that causes small, rough bumps on the skin. While these bumps are not pimples, they can sometimes become infected and take on a pimple-like appearance.

21. Acne Mechanica

Acne mechanica is a type of acne that is caused by excessive rubbing, friction, or pressure on the skin. This type of acne is often seen in athletes who wear tight clothing or equipment that rubs against the skin.

22. Acne Fulminans

Acne fulminans is a severe form of acne that is characterized by sudden onset and the development of ulcerative nodules, or large pimples that are filled with pus.

23. Acne Conglobata

Acne conglobata is a rare and severe form of acne that is characterized by the development of large, interconnected nodules and abscesses on the skin.

24. Acne Vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is the most common type of acne, and is characterized by the development of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and cysts on the skin.

25. Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that can cause red, scaly patches on the skin. In some cases, it can also cause small, red bumps that resemble pimples.

26. Folliculitis

Folliculitis is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become inflamed, causing small red bumps to appear on the skin. In some cases, these bumps may be filled with pus.

27. Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a skin condition that occurs when the skin comes into contact with irritants or allergens. This can cause red, itchy bumps that may resemble pimples.

28. Pityrosporum Folliculitis

Pityrosporum folliculitis is a type of fungal acne that is caused by an overgrowth of yeast on the skin. This can cause red, itchy bumps that are often mistaken for regular acne.

29. Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that can cause a wide range of symptoms, including the development of acne and other skin conditions.

30. Idiopathic

In some cases, the exact cause of pimples may be unknown. This is known as idiopathic acne and may be treated with a combination of lifestyle changes and medication.