pimple on forehead - #13580
I am really frustrated right now. There's this annoying pimple on my forehead that just won't go away!!! It popped up last week and at first, I thought maybe it was just stress or something, ya know? But it’s gotten bigger and now it's so red and inflamed, and I'm worried that it'll leave a scar or something. I've been trying to cover it up with makeup, but that just makes it worse! I've never had a pimple on my forehead this bad before. I usually get the occasional breakout, but this feels different. I even went to the pharmacy and bought some over-the-counter cream, but it's like the pimple on my forehead is laughing at me. I’ve been washing my face twice a day, and I thought diet changes might help, but I can't tell if they're actually working. Should I just leave this pimple on my forehead alone, or is there something else I can do? Should I see a doctor or a dermatologist???? I just need it to go away already, and I'm just leaning towards more drastic measures. Any tips would be appreciated!!!
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Doctors’ responses
Considering that this pimple on your forehead is persisting and seems to be inflamed, a few strategies might help manage it effectively. First, avoid picking or squeezing it, as tempting as it might be, to reduce the risk of infection or scarring. Over-the-counter treatments like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can be useful for reducing inflammation and clearing out the pimple, but they work best when used consistently. Use these products sparingly to avoid irritation, and ensure you’re applying them to clean, dry skin. Additionally, it’s a good idea to continue your routine of washing your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser to prevent excess oil buildup that can exacerbate acne. Be mindful of the makeup you’re using; heavy or occlusive products can worsen breakouts, so opting for non-comedogenic or mineral-based options may help. If you haven’t noticed much improvement and the inflammation continues to worsen or becomes painful, seeking advice from a dermatologist could be worthwhile. They can assess whether there might be an underlying issue contributing to the acne, such as hormonal imbalances or skin conditions like cystic acne, which may require prescription treatment or alternative interventions like cortisone injections for rapid relief. As for diet, while its influence on acne varies, keeping hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet low in refined sugars and dairys might offer subtle benefits over time—though it’s not typically a quick fix. If other breakouts frequently accompany this, a dermatologist might explore other topical or systemic treatments. Make sure that any drastic measures are discussed with a healthcare professional to avoid unnecessary skin damage.
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