Types of Pimples on Face: Causes, Symptoms & Dermatologist Treatment Guide
Introduction
What are the different types of pimples that appear on the face, and how do you treat each one effectively?
Are you confused between blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules, or cystic acne?
If you are trying to understand the types of pimples on the face and want clear guidance on types of pimples and their treatment, this blog gives you a complete dermatologist-approved explanation.
Pimples (or zits) can look similar, but each type behaves differently. The treatment for blackheads is not the same as the treatment for whiteheads or painful cysts. That’s why identifying the exact type of pimple is the first step to the right treatment plan.
If you're having whiteheads and looking for whitehead treatment at home, or struggling with blackheads on your face especially blackheads on the nose and want expert help from an online dermatologist for blackhead treatment, you’re in the right place.
Hello everyone, I am Dr. Karma Patel, a dermatologist with a special interest in tele-dermatology. Over the years, we have helped thousands of patients with pimple treatment online, giving them accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans. If you are searching for the best online dermatology consultation for pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads, simply log in to Neodermatologist.com and consult a certified dermatologist from the comfort of your home.
In today’s blog, we’ll break down all types of pimples, how to identify them on your face, and the best dermatologist-recommended treatment options for each.
What Are Pimples?

Types of Pimples on Face (with Causes & Reasons)
- Excess oil due to hormonal changes
- Dead skin buildup is blocking pores
- Heavy creams or oily products (a common cause of forehead whiteheads)
- Sweat & pollution accumulation
Why they appear on the forehead: The forehead is part of the “T-zone,” where oil glands are more active, making whiteheads very common.
- Open clogged pores exposed to air → oxidation
- Excess sebum
- Poor exfoliation
- Humid weather
- Bacterial growth in clogged pores
- Excess oil production
- Touching or picking at skin
- Hormonal shifts
- Infection inside blocked pores
- Skin inflammation due to bacteria
- High sugar or dairy intake (common dietary trigger)
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Deep inflammation
- Hormonal imbalance
- Genetic tendency
- Untreated acne buildup
- Severe hormonal imbalance
- Overactive oil glands
- Family history
- Bacterial infection deep in skin
Face Acne Grades Based on Severity
Dermatologists grade acne based on severity. **According to DermNetNZ**, acne can be classified into four grades based on the number and type of lesions:
- Grade 1 (Mild): Mostly whiteheads and blackheads, few papules (red acnes)
- Grade 2 (Moderate): Whiteheads, blackheads, more papules, few pustules
- Grade 3 (Severe): Papules, pustules, some nodules
- Grade 4 (Very Severe): Nodules and cysts in clusters

Where Do Pimples Appear?
- Forehead: Often linked to oily scalp and hair products
- Nose: A Common area for blackheads on the nose
- Chin and Jawline: Hormonal acne in females
- Back and Chest: Sweat-induced or types of back pimples
Types of Pimples on Forehead (Most Common)
The forehead is one of the most common areas for acne due to its high oil gland activity and constant exposure to sweat, pollution, and hair products. The most common types of pimples on the forehead include:
1. Forehead Whiteheads: Caused by oily scalp, sweating, and residue from hair oils, gels, and serums.
2. Forehead Blackheads: Triggered by clogged pores, especially in people with oily skin or dandruff.
3. Small Red Papules: Often seen due to friction from helmets, caps, or touching your forehead frequently.
4. Pustules on Forehead: Occur when sweat mixes with bacteria trapped under the skin.
5. Forehead Nodules or Cysts: Deep, painful forehead pimples caused by hormones or chronic inflammation.
Effective Pimple Treatment Options
If you're searching for pimple treatment, here are some tips:
- Whitehead treatment at home: Use gentle exfoliants like BHA
- Blackhead removers: Charcoal peel masks, salicylic acid
- Pimple-type rash on face: Avoid using heavy creams or comedogenic products
- For stubborn pimples: Consult a dermatologist for a personalized treatment plan
Why Identifying Pimple Types Matters
Understanding the types of pimples and their causes is essential because each pimple needs a different treatment approach. For example, using strong acne products on sensitive skin or applying home remedies on cystic acne can make inflammation worse. Mild pimples like whiteheads and blackheads can often be managed with simple routines - but deeper, painful bumps such as nodules and cysts require medical care.
When you know the types of pimples and reasons behind them - especially the types of pimples on the forehead caused by sweat, oil, or hair products—you can choose the right treatment and prevent new breakouts. This improves results, reduces scarring, and helps you get clearer skin faster.
When to See a Dermatologist
If you have:
- Repeated breakouts
- Painful or deep pimples
- Pimples that leave marks or scars
- No improvement with OTC creams
- Consult a skin specialist doctor. He will diagnose your pimples accurately and recommend the right acne (zits) treatment plan, while also helping you understand what causes different types of pimples and how to prevent future breakouts.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the different types of pimples on the face and the types of pimples and their causes is the first step toward effective acne management. Whether you’re dealing with blackheads on the nose, whiteheads on the chin, pustules on the forehead, or painful cystic pimples, identifying the exact type helps you choose the right treatment. When you know the types of pimples on the forehead and their reasons, you can treat them early, avoid irritation, and achieve healthy, clearer skin.
If you are looking for a different service, please click on Hair loss Treatment, General Skin Consultation, Inner parts Itching Treatment, Vitiligo Treatment, Psoriasis Treatment, Scabies Treatment, Urticaria Hives Treatment, Ringworm Treatment.
Explore More: Check out other acne/pimple/zit-related blog posts:
Understanding and Treating Common Skin Woes.
Thank You!
MD (Dermatology) | Registration No.: G-53014
A dermatologist specializing in online consultations for skin, hair, and nail concerns. Offers expert care for acne, pigmentation, eczema, scabies, ringworm, scalp infections, dandruff, psoriasis, vitiligo, hives, and hair loss, providing effective, personalized treatment solutions from the comfort of home.
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Comments
Ravina
Pimple acne open pors
Helena Elikson
Hi, I have pimples on my forehead and scars on my cheeks
Mauli Sharma
Hi I have one problem on my face two dark spots are not going please help me
Sujal Shah
Very informative post! Knowing when to consult an online dermatologist can make a big difference. I’d love to see more insights on the Types of Pimples (Zits) in future posts, as many people struggle with identifying them correctly. Keep up the great work!
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