A blemish under your eyebrow can be a surprising and uncomfortable experience. While often called “pimples,” the skin here is particularly susceptible to various types of minor irritations and blockages. Understanding the common reasons behind their formation and how to care for them can help manage these occurrences.
Common Reasons for Blemishes Under the Eyebrow
The skin under the eyebrow, rich in hair follicles and oil glands, is prone to blockages and irritation. Accumulation of oil, sweat, dirt, and dead skin cells can clog pores and lead to breakouts. The glands in this area constantly produce sebum, an oily substance, and when this combines with debris, it creates an environment conducive to pimple formation.
Irritation from hair removal methods, such as plucking, waxing, or threading, also contributes to blemishes. These methods can cause ingrown hairs, where hair grows back into the skin. Furthermore, certain beauty products like eyebrow gels, waxes, powders, and pens can clog pores due to their ingredients, some of which may include petroleum or silicones. Poor hygiene of makeup brushes and tools can introduce bacteria to the skin.
Understanding Different Types of Blemishes
Various types of skin lesions can develop under the eyebrow, each with distinct characteristics. Common acne lesions include whiteheads, which are small, closed bumps, and blackheads, which are open pores with a dark appearance due to oxidized oil and dead skin cells. Papules are small, solid, and often tender red or pink bumps, while pustules are typically pus-filled with a yellowish top and a red base.
Ingrown hairs occur when hair curls back and grows into the skin after removal, causing inflammation, itching, and discoloration. These can sometimes develop into a pus-filled bump with a hair visible inside. Less common but more severe are cysts and nodules. Cysts are deeper, painful, pus-filled sacs that form under the skin, while nodules are large, tender bumps that penetrate deeply into the skin. Folliculitis, a medical term for inflammation of the hair follicle, encompasses many of these pimple-like formations in hair-bearing areas like the eyebrow.
Home Care and Management Tips
Managing blemishes at home involves consistent skin care practices. Regular cleansing of the face twice daily with a mild, non-abrasive cleanser helps remove oil, dirt, and other pore-clogging debris. After sweating, wash the face to prevent buildup.
Avoid picking or squeezing blemishes, as this can introduce bacteria, worsen inflammation, and lead to scarring. Applying a warm compress to the affected area for a few minutes can help open pores and reduce swelling, though some sources suggest a cool compress for inflammation. Using non-comedogenic makeup and skincare products, which are formulated not to clog pores, is also advisable. Regular cleaning of makeup brushes and tools is important to prevent bacteria transfer. For mild blemishes, over-the-counter spot treatments containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can help reduce bacteria and remove dead skin cells.
When Professional Help is Needed
While many blemishes resolve with home care, certain signs indicate that professional medical attention may be necessary. If a blemish is persistent, large, painful, or rapidly growing, it warrants evaluation by a healthcare professional. Signs of infection, such as increased redness, significant swelling, warmth, pus, or fever, also suggest the need for medical consultation.
If home remedies and over-the-counter products do not lead to improvement within approximately two weeks, or if breakouts are severe and recurring, a dermatologist can provide a diagnosis and explore other treatment options. A doctor can also help determine if there is an underlying cause for persistent breakouts, such as hormonal factors or other skin conditions.