Pimples on the chin and lower face are common, especially in adults prone to acne. Other dermatoses or conditions can cause the appearance of pimples or lesions on the chin.

Most often, pimples on the chin are acne lesions: comedones (blackheads), more rarely pustules or papules. Adult acne is often localized on the lower face, namely the chin and jaw, especially in women.

However, pimples designate several types of lesions in dermatology. These may be pustules (whiteheaded pimples), papules (red pimples), cysts, nodules (red lumps) or various lesions. The pimples on the chin can therefore have a varied appearance depending on the dermatosis in question.

In the event of pimples appearing suddenly on the chin, a consultation with a dermatologist is required. In general, any new rash, with or without fever, should lead to a consultation, especially in children.

Depending on the case, the buttons can be accompanied by:

• pain;
• d’inflammation ;
• itching.

Most often, the pimples on the chin are acne pimples. Acne is an extremely common dermatosis, affecting to varying degrees 80% of adolescents, and about a quarter of adults (especially women). The chin is a classic site of acne lesions in adults. They can be localized exclusively on this area or affect other areas of the face: nose, forehead, cheek and sometimes the upper back.

There are several types of acne:

• papulopustular acne: this is the most frequent presentation, it associates microcysts and papules, as well as comedones (blackheads) and pustules;
• retentional acne: non-inflammatory lesions, associating comedones and microcysts. It is often a case of early childhood acne;
• nodular or conglobata acne, and fulminans acne: these are severe and chronic forms of acne, characterized by the presence of inflammatory nodules (face and trunk). Abscesses or fistulas can form. The lesions are numerous and are not localized only on the chin;
• occupational acne: caused by exposure to certain products such as mineral oils, crude oil, coal tar derivatives, insecticides, etc.

Other types of skin disease can cause lesions on the chin.

It can be:

• wart (lesion caused by human papillomavirus), thread-like or flat;
• spots, moles, nevi, precancerous lesions (even melanoma) or cysts;
• use of poor-quality cosmetics, clogging the pores;
• pimples linked to irritation from shaving in men (ingrown hairs, cuts, etc.);
• insect bites;
• skin allergies.

Viral infections, mostly occurring in childhood, can also cause pimples on the face. This is for example the case with chickenpox.

For all types of lesions, the course is variable depending on the cause and various factors (age, exposure to the sun, treatment, etc.). That said, acne is in the vast majority of cases a mild dermatosis, but it can worsen over time (then lessen more often). Moles or nevi can, if they change shape, color or become painful, be a sign of skin cancer. It is therefore imperative to have them monitored regularly by a dermatologist.

Finally, note that pimples on the chin are unsightly and can be a source of stress for people who suffer from them. They can also be painful, become infected and leave scars, which is the main complication.

There are many treatments available against acne. To begin with, it is important to follow a few simple rules to prevent the lesions from becoming infected:

• avoid handling pimples, at the risk of encysting them and aggravating acne;
• use hygiene products suitable for acne-prone skin (non-comedogenic);
• prohibit repeated cleanings with alcoholic or antiseptic lotions;
• for women, remove makeup every night to prevent pores from clogging;
• apply sun protection suitable for acne or combination skin (the sun temporarily reduces inflammation but is followed by an acne breakout in the fall);
• no scientific study has clearly established a link between diet and acne yet.

Certain natural products (zinc, tea oil…) can be effective against acne.

On the side of creams and drugs, several products can be used, depending on the severity of the acne and the type of lesion. The goal of treatment is to reduce the production and retention of sebum and to limit the inflammatory reaction.

In case of mild to moderate acne, the dermatologist will prescribe local treatments:

• cream based on retinoin;
• cream based on benzoyl peroxide;
• local antibiotics;
• azelaic acid gel or cream.

In case of more extensive acne (the whole face, back) oral antibiotics, hormones (contraceptives or anti-androgen treatments) or even stronger treatments can sometimes be prescribed.

If the pimples on the chin are not acne pimples, the dermatologist will suggest other solutions adapted to the lesion. These can be corticosteroid creams, laser treatments, ablation (in the event of an annoying mole for example), or an anti-wart treatment, among others.