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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #15634
45 days ago
122

pimple in cheeks - #15634

Priya

I am starting to freak out a bit, guys. For the past few weeks, I’ve had this really annoying pimple in my cheeks, and it's driving me crazy. At first, I thought it was just a normal breakout, which happens to me from time to time, but this pimple in my cheeks just won’t go away! I've tried all sorts of over-the-counter creams and even some home remedies, like tea tree oil and ice packs, but nothing seems to work. I keep wondering if there’s something deeper going on, ya know? I mean, I usually don’t get pimples like this, especially one that’s been lingering for a while. It’s also sore sometimes and I think it’s getting bigger, which is super frustrating! I thought maybe it has to do with my diet or stress at work since I’ve been a bit on edge lately. Does anyone know what causes a persistent pimple in cheeks?? Should I be worried? I’ve read online about cystic acne and potential other skin issues, but I’m not even sure if that applies to me. Anyone experienced something similar?? Advice would really help, thanks!!

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Doctors’ responses

If a pimple on your cheek has been lingering for several weeks and is gradually enlarging or becoming more painful, it’s wise to think about a few possibilities. One is cystic acne, which is deeper, causes more inflammation, and tends to be more painful than other types of acne. Unlike typical pimples, cystic acne may not respond well to over-the-counter treatments. It often requires specialized topical or oral medications, sometimes antibiotics or retinoids, which a dermatologist can prescribe. Another possibility is that the pimple might actually be something else in disguise, such as an epidermoid cyst or an inflamed hair follicle, conditions that might visually resemble persistent acne but can be more stubborn to clear up without medical intervention. Stress and diet can certainly exacerbate acne, but they’re generally not the root causes of a chronic lesion like you describe. If stress is intensifying your breakouts, incorporating stress-management techniques or modifying your diet can help manage underlying issues but may not resolve severe or persistent bumps. Given that your home remedies haven’t helped and the pimple is persistently bothersome, it’s best to book an appointment with a healthcare provider. They’ll provide a proper assessment, might even opt for a small procedure if necessary, and guide treatment tailored to the exact diagnosis. Self-diagnosing through the internet can sometimes lead to inaccurate conclusions, so getting a medical professional’s insight will provide you with safe and effective options to manage the problem.

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