cheek pimple treatment - #13801
I am really stressed out about this cheek pimple that’s been bothering me for a couple weeks now. Like, I’d had a few here and there before, but this one is HUGE, and it’s just chillin’ on my left cheek making me feel super self-conscious. I tried using some over-the-counter stuff, you know, the typical cheek pimple treatments but nothing seems to work. Even tried some natural remedies from a friend who swears by them and they didn't help either. Ugh! I work in customer service, so it’s like, all day long I'm talking to people right in their faces and I can see their eyes drifting to this cheek pimple like they can’t even hear what I’m saying! I’m worried I might be making it worse by touching it since it itches a bit, but I just can’t help it. Has anyone had this kind of issue? What’s the best cheek pimple treatment you’ve tried that actually worked? Should I be looking into seeing a dermatologist, or is there something I can get at the pharmacy that could really help clear this up? I don’t wanna be stuck with this for much longer, like, summer's coming and I just wanna feel confident again!
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Doctors’ responses
Dealing with a persistent pimple can be really frustrating, especially when it impacts your confidence, so let’s dive into some options and considerations here. First, if the pimple has been hanging around for a couple of weeks and is sizable, it might actually be more than just a simple pimple; it might be a cystic acne lesion. Cystic acne requires a slightly different approach. With over-the-counter treatments, look for products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, as these can help reduce inflammation and clear out pores. For cystic lesions, benzoyl peroxide is particularly effective for its antibacterial properties. However, it’s crucial to apply these treatments consistently and only to the affected area to avoid irritation. Since you’ve mentioned that the pimple is itchy and that you tend to touch it, try to minimize this as much as possible because touching it can introduce more bacteria and increase inflammation. Avoid picking or squeezing, as this can lead to scarring or push the infection deeper. If nothing from the pharmacy seems effective after consistent use, it is worth seeing a dermatologist. They might recommend prescription-strength treatments like topical retinoids or antibiotics, or even procedures like corticosteroid injections for very inflamed lesions. Another option available through a dermatologist is laser therapy, which can be beneficial for persistent acne. Don’t forget the role lifestyle plays in skin health; ensure you’re maintaining a balanced diet, keeping hydrated, and managing stress levels, as these factors can exacerbate acne flare-ups. Keep your skin routine simple to avoid further irritation and use non-comedogenic skincare and makeup products. If there’s any sign of infection like significant redness, warmth, or pus that doesn’t resolve, seek medical advice promptly as it could require more urgent treatment.
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