Do you have pimples or acne? If you do, I am sure you have heard so many things to ‘cure’ it and one of the culprits is groundnuts. Is it true that eating lots of groundnuts will make you get pimples?

Many people also unjustly blame individuals with acne-prone skin of failing to wash their faces properly. This is obviously far from the truth as acne can strike anyone, regardless of your personal hygiene habits.

How do pimples form? When your body produces an excess amount of oil and dead skin cells, the two can build up in the base of the hair and create an environment where bacteria can thrive. This will lead to pimples. The hair follicles are connected to oil glands which lubricate your hair and skin.

Overproduction of oil, shedding of dead skin cells and build up of bacteria are some factors that will contribute to pimples. Hormonal changes among teenagers, adolescents and pregnant women can make pimples worse. Some oral contraceptives will also worsen pimples or acne.

There are also some false information which has been around so long, it sounds true concerning pimples. Acne isn’t a sign of dirty skin. Scrubbing the skin too hard or cleaning with harsh soaps or chemicals irritates the skin and can make acne worse. Simple cleaning of the skin to remove excess oil and dead skin cells is all that's required. Stress doesn't cause pimples, but if you have it already, stress may make it worse.

On diet generally, there is no definitive proof that specific foods cause pimples. However if you have specific food allergies, it may show as pimples. A poor overall diet can create hormonal imbalances that will trigger acne.

On groundnut or groundnut paste or groundnut soup, there is no specific ingredient that will cause pimples or acne except you have a groundnut allergy. Groundnut is a very nutritious food containing protein and carbohydrates and you should not be afraid of it because of acne.

If you do have pimples, try not to pick or squeeze it else it can lead to infection or scarring.

If your pimple is affecting you, the best advice is to see a dermatologist.