“Iddi, you have a giant red spot on your cheek. Did a mosquito bite you?” Abby asked his elder sister.

As soon as she heard this, Iddi ran to the mirror in a panic. The 12 year old looked annoyed.

“Why do you look angry? I promise I did not draw it. I will help you solve the mystery of the giant red spot,” said six-year-old Abby, with determination.

“See, I have black spots on my arms, and you have them too. Having these spots makes us colourful,” he added.

“The black spots are fine. But this red one ... it is not a mosquito bite. It is a pimple and is growing like a mountain on my cheek. How do I go out? Everyone will laugh at me in school,” said Iddi, worried.

Wild theories

“What is a pimple? That doesn’t sound very nice. Giant red spot sounds cooler, just like the one on Jupiter. It will make a better story title than The Mystery of the Pimple. Why will people laugh at you? You don’t look funny,” said Abby.

“If you really want to get rid of it, try rubbing it. It might go away. If not, just say it is a new bindi style. Or that it drives away the evil eye,” he added innocently.

Iddi started laughing. “Abby, you lightened my mood. Come, let us take Amma’s help to solve the mystery of the giant red spot or pimple on my face,” she said.

“Amma, we want to know why pimples erupt. Can you please tell us?” the siblings asked their mother in unison.

“Sure. Our skin has many tiny openings called pores,” said Amma.

“Just like a sponge,” said Abby, jumping in.

“In a way, yes. These pores are important for a lot of things. One of these is to release natural oil,” Amma added.

“Wait, we have oil coming out of our skin? What does it do?” asked Abby.

“This natural oil protects our skin and helps moisturise it. Sometimes, the pores get blocked with extra oil, dead skin, and bacteria, which causes pimples,” Amma explained. “The black spots are called moles. But we will solve its mystery another day,” she added.

“Will I get pimples too when I grow up?” asked Abby.

“Yes Abby, you may get pimples too,” said Amma.

“Thank you Amma. But now I have to get rid of this pimple. Otherwise, everyone will call me spotty and make fun of me,” said Iddi.

“But spots are not bad, right? Jupiter’s Giant Red Spot is pretty. Don’t you like those polka-dot pants? What about your tie-and-dye skirt?” asked Abby.

Hands off

“Yes. What about leopards, ladybugs, and other living creatures with spots? They look pretty,” added Amma.

She brought out a couple of photographs. “See, I had pimples too when I was your age. But they go away. Don’t let it bother you. If the pimples hurt or increase in number, we can go to the doctor. If you look around your class, many of your classmates may have them as well. It is common at your age. Also, it is not a good idea to rub pimples. It can be painful. Moles do not go away by rubbing either.”

“Ok Amma. Iddi, please don’t be sad. Just think of all those beautiful animals with spots and Jupiter’s Giant Red Spot,” said Abby.

“If you try to cover it up, people will know that you are hiding something,” said Amma.

“Thank you, Abby and Amma. I will wait for this pimple to go away naturally,” said Iddi.

“Yay. The perfect ending to the mystery of Iddi’s giant red spot,” said Abby triumphantly.