Pimples are a common part of life, but not all breakouts are the same—and treating them correctly depends on understanding what type of pimple you’re dealing with. At Allure Laser, Skin & Aesthetic Medicine Centre in Nairobi-Karen and Mombasa, we help clients understand their skin and provide effective, medically-backed solutions for all types of acne.
If you’ve been wondering, “What kind of pimples do I have?” or “How do I get rid of them quickly?” — this blog is for you.
1. Whiteheads (Closed Comedones)
What They Look Like:
Small, flesh-colored or white bumps
No inflammation or pain
Usually found on the forehead, cheeks, or chin
Causes:
Clogged pores from oil, dead skin, and bacteria
Hormonal imbalances
Poor cleansing habits
Easy Fixes:
Use a gentle cleanser with salicylic acid
Exfoliate regularly (2–3x a week) with a chemical exfoliant
Apply retinoids to help unclog pores
Visit Allure for HydraFacial or chemical peels to deep-clean pores
2. Blackheads (Open Comedones)
What They Look Like:
Small, dark bumps on the skin’s surface
Common around the nose and T-zone
Not inflamed or painful
Causes:
Oxidized oil and debris trapped in open pores
Poor exfoliation
Easy Fixes:
Use products with niacinamide and BHA (salicylic acid)
Try our Exion face treatments for pore-tightening and oil control
Avoid pore-clogging makeup and oily skincare
3. Papules
What They Look Like:
Red, tender bumps without a visible whitehead
Slightly raised and inflamed
Painful to the touch
Causes:
Inflammation and bacteria buildup inside the pore
Often worsened by touching or picking
Easy Fixes:
Apply a benzoyl peroxide-based spot treatment
Avoid picking to prevent scarring
Get LED light therapy or microneedling at Allure for faster healing
4. Pustules
What They Look Like:
Red bumps with a white or yellow pus-filled center
Similar to papules, but with visible fluid
Causes:
Infected clogged pores
Hormonal fluctuations or poor hygiene
Easy Fixes:
Spot treat with tea tree oil or benzoyl peroxide
Use topical antibiotics (prescribed at our clinic)
Book a session of PRP facial or chemical peel to improve acne-prone skin
5. Nodules
What They Look Like:
Large, painful, solid lumps under the skin
No visible head
Can persist for weeks and often lead to scarring
Causes:
Deep inflammation in the skin
Hormonal imbalances
Genetics
Easy Fixes:
Visit Allure for prescription-strength treatment
In-office cortisone injections for rapid relief
Incorporate oral retinoids or hormone therapy under medical supervision
6. Cysts (Cystic Acne)
What They Look Like:
Deep, painful, pus-filled lumps
Often leads to scarring and hyperpigmentation
Common in adults with hormonal acne
Causes:
Severe pore blockage and bacterial infection
Hormones, stress, poor skincare routine
Easy Fixes:
Requires professional treatment at Allure
Oral antibiotics, Accutane, or hormonal therapy
Combine with laser acne treatment or PRP therapy
BONUS: Fungal Acne (Malassezia Folliculitis)
What They Look Like:
Uniform red bumps, often itchy
Appear on chest, back, shoulders, and face
Doesn’t respond to traditional acne treatments
Causes:
Overgrowth of yeast on the skin
Heat, humidity, and occlusive skincare
Easy Fixes:
Use anti-fungal creams or shampoos
Book a consultation with our dermatologists for diagnosis and treatment
Try Exion RF therapy to calm inflammation and kill microbes
Allure Skincare Solutions for All Types of Acne
At Allure Skin Clinics in Nairobi-Karen and Mombasa, we tailor every acne treatment to your unique skin. From prescription medications to high-tech treatments like Exion, microneedling, chemical peels, and facials, we’re here to help you achieve clear, radiant skin.
Why Treat Acne Early?
Untreated acne can lead to:
Permanent scarring
Hyperpigmentation
Self-esteem issues
Worsening inflammation
Early, professional intervention is key—and our dermatologists are here for you.
Book Your Acne Consultation in Nairobi-Karen or Mombasa Today!
Ready to treat your pimples the right way? Get personalized care at Kenya’s trusted dermatology center.
Book Online Now:Here
Shop Clinical-Grade Skincare: https://allure.co.ke/
