How pimples form

Provided by: Healthwise
87% of users found this article helpful.

Illustration of a pimple forming in a hair shaft

Pimples form when dead skin cells mix with excess oil (sebum). This mixture plugs the pore, causing swelling. Bacteria can grow in the mix and lead to infection and pus.

Medical Review:Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
Last Updated: 03/01/2007

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