Patrick Oconnell
Zits, pimples, and other skin conditions are more than just an eyesore. They can also be a source of unpleasant odours, sometimes resembling the smell of cheese. This smell is caused by the build-up of sebum, an oil produced by the body to keep the skin moist. When a pore becomes clogged with dead skin cells, hair, or other debris, sebum can become trapped, leading to bacterial colonisation and inflammation. The resulting mixture of dead cells, bacteria, and toxins begins to rot, producing a pungent odour not unlike that of cheese. While it may be tempting to squeeze and pop these zits, it is important to exercise caution as this can lead to bacterial infections and scarring.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for the cheesy smell | The cheesy smell is due to the presence of bacteria in the sebum (oil that keeps your skin moist) |
| Composition | The contents are mostly composed of macerated keratin (wet skin cells) |
| Consistency | The contents have a "cheesy" consistency |
| Odor | The odor can be pungent |
| Cause | The cause of the cheesy smell could be acne, whiteheads, or cysts |
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What You'll Learn
Zits contain sebum, an oil that keeps skin moist
Zits contain sebum, an oil that keeps our skin moist. When we get a pimple, the gland that produces sebum gets blocked by dead skin cells or a hair, causing a buildup of sebum. This backed-up sebum then becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to an infection. The bacteria start to break down the sebum, causing it to rot and giving off a strong, unpleasant odour. This process is similar to what happens when food spoils or decomposes, which is why the smell of zits can sometimes be likened to that of cheese or other pungent foods.
Sebum is naturally produced by our bodies to lubricate and protect our skin. It is made up of a mixture of lipids, including triglycerides, wax esters, and sterol esters, as well as free fatty acids and other components. While sebum is important for maintaining healthy skin, too much of it can lead to problems such as acne. When sebum becomes trapped within a pore, it can mix with dead skin cells, bacteria, and other substances, forming a plug that can lead to inflammation and infection.
The smell of zits is often described as cheesy or similar to other pungent foods. This is due to the bacterial breakdown of sebum, which creates volatile organic compounds and other by-products that have strong odours. While it may be tempting to squeeze or pop zits to release the built-up sebum, this can actually spread the bacteria and make the problem worse. It is important to resist the urge to squeeze and instead seek appropriate skincare treatments or medical advice to manage acne and improve skin health.
In addition to sebum, other substances can contribute to the smell of zits. Pus, for example, is composed of dead white blood cells, bacteria, and toxins, and can have a distinct odour. The proteins and fats trapped within the skin, known as milia and comedones respectively, can also affect the smell and texture of the contents of a zit. By understanding the causes and composition of zits, we can better manage our skin health and address any underlying issues that may be contributing to their formation.
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Bacteria colonise the sebum, causing it to rot and smell
The contents of zits, pimples, and cysts can smell like cheese due to bacterial colonisation. When a pimple forms, the gland that produces sebum can become clogged with dead skin cells or a hair, causing a backup of sebum. This sebum, which normally functions to moisturise the skin, becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to its decomposition and the release of a foul odour.
The process is similar to that of rotting food in your bin or drain. The bacteria feed on the sebum, causing it to break down and produce a strong, unpleasant smell. This colonisation also leads to inflammation of the affected area.
In the case of cysts, the contents are mostly composed of macerated keratin, or wet skin cells, resulting in a "cheesy" consistency and odour. These cysts are typically harmless and asymptomatic, aside from the potential loss of appetite upon encountering their pungent aroma.
It is important to note that squeezing or popping zits and pimples is not recommended as it can introduce further bacterial infection and scarring. Consulting a dermatologist is advisable to determine the appropriate treatment.
While it may be tempting to indulge in pimple-popping videos or attempt it oneself, the resulting cheese-like smell and visual experience may indeed cause one to reconsider their appetite for both cheese and the act of popping pimples.
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Pus, a product of dead white blood cells, also contributes to the odour
The contents of zits, pimples, and cysts can often smell like cheese. This is due to a combination of factors, including the presence of bacteria, dead skin cells, and other bodily excretions.
Pus, which is a product of dead white blood cells, also contributes to the odour. When a pimple forms, the gland that produces sebum, an oil that keeps the skin moist, gets clogged with dead skin cells or a hair, and the sebum gets backed up. This creates an ideal environment for bacteria to colonize, and as the bacteria feed and multiply, the pimple starts to rot and give off a foul odour. The pus that forms inside the pimple is composed of dead white blood cells, dead bacteria, and toxins, all of which contribute to the cheesy smell.
The white paste-like material that is squeezed out of zits or cysts is made up of macerated keratin (wet skin cells), creating a 'cheesy' consistency and a pungent odour. This is similar to the smell of rotting food in a bin or a drain, as described by some people.
The odour of pus and the cheesy smell associated with zits are a result of the breakdown of various substances by bacteria and the release of volatile compounds. The human nose is sensitive to these compounds, detecting even small amounts, and perceiving them as a strong, unpleasant odour.
While the smell of cheese is often associated with zits and pimples, it is important to note that picking or squeezing them can lead to bacterial infections and scarring. It is generally recommended to avoid squeezing or popping pimples and instead seek appropriate skincare advice and treatments.
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Zits are mounds of cells, fluids and excretions the body wants to expel
Zits are essentially mounds of cells, fluids, and excretions that the body wants to expel. They are clogged pores, where the gland that produces sebum, or oil to keep your skin moist, gets blocked with dead skin cells or a hair. This causes a buildup of sebum, which can then be colonized by bacteria and start to rot, leading to inflammation. This is why zits often have a distinct, unpleasant smell.
The white substance that is squeezed out of zits is pus, which consists of dead white blood cells, dead bacteria, and toxins. This mixture of substances is similar to the waste found in bins or drains, and it rots in a similar way, producing a foul odor.
In some cases, zits or cysts can contain a white paste-like substance that has a particularly strong cheese-like odor. These are often referred to as epidermoid cysts or infundibular cysts. According to Dr. Sandra Lee, also known as Dr. Pimple Popper, the pasty contents of these cysts are composed mainly of macerated keratin, or wet skin cells, which create a "cheesy" consistency and can have a pungent smell.
While it may be tempting to pop or squeeze zits, it is important to note that doing so can lead to bacterial infections and scarring. It is generally recommended to see a dermatologist to determine the exact cause and receive appropriate treatment.
The smell of zits can be quite off-putting, but understanding the underlying causes and seeking appropriate treatment can help manage this common skin condition.
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The contents of zits can have a 'cheesy' consistency
Zits and pimples are usually mounds of dead skin cells, bacteria, fluids, and excretions that the body wants to get rid of. The contents of zits can have a cheesy consistency, and they can smell like cheese as well. This is because the pasty contents are mostly composed of macerated keratin (wet skin cells), which creates this "cheesy" consistency, and there can be a pungent odor.
In a video, Dr. Sandra Lee (also known as Dr. Pimple Popper) performs her popping magic on a patient with an epidermoid cyst (also called an Epidermal Inclusion cyst or Infundibular cyst) on the neck. Dr. Lee explains that the pasty contents of the cyst are mostly composed of macerated keratin, which creates a "cheesy" consistency and can have a pungent odor. These cysts are usually harmless and come with no painful symptoms.
The white stuff that comes out of zits is actually dead white blood cells, along with dead bacteria and toxins. This is sebum, the oil that keeps your skin moist. When you get a pimple, the gland that produces sebum gets clogged with dead skin cells or a hair, and the sebum gets backed up. Then bacteria colonize it, and it starts to rot, which is why it smells bad and also why it gets inflamed.
It's important to note that milia are proteins trapped within the skin, while comedones are fats and skin debris trapped within the pore. While it may be tempting to squeeze these zits, it's important to avoid doing so as it can lead to bacterial infection and scarring. Instead, it's recommended to drink lots of water, avoid greasy and junk food, and get a full night's sleep.
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Frequently asked questions
The contents of zits are mostly composed of macerated keratin (wet skin cells), which creates a "cheesy" consistency and can have a pungent odor.
The stuff in zits is sebum, which is the oil that keeps your skin moist. When you get a zit, the gland that produces sebum gets clogged with dead skin cells or a hair, and bacteria start to colonize it.
Pus is composed of dead white blood cells, dead bacteria, and toxins, which can also contribute to the cheesy smell.
Yes, it is normal for zits to have a pungent or cheesy odor due to the presence of bacteria and other substances.
No, while it may be unpleasant, the smell of cheese from a zit is typically not a cause for concern. However, it is important to avoid squeezing or picking at your zits, as this can lead to bacterial infections and scarring.
