small black bumps on face - #15880
I am really worried about these small black bumps on my face. They started appearing like a month ago, and I looked up some stuff online, but it just freaked me out more. At first, I thought maybe it was just a bad reaction to a new product, you know? But I've stopped using everything, and they just won’t go away! The small black bumps on my face kinda look like tiny blackheads but way more pronounced. They’re not hurting or itching or anything, but I can't shake this feeling that it’s something serious. I tried scrubbing my face more but instead, it just seems to get worse — why does that happen? Went to the derm and he said they were probably clogged pores or something, but I feel like that doesn't really explain it right. I’ve also been stressed lately, could that be contributing to these small black bumps on my face? I just can’t figure things out. I've read about all kinds of conditions, like seborrheic keratosis, or even worse stuff, and now I’m freaking myself out. Anyone else deal with something like this? What should I do? Is there a good way to treat these small black bumps on my face without making things worse? Any thoughts would be super helpful!
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Doctors' responses
Small black bumps on the face can indeed be concerning, especially when they persist even after making changes to your skincare routine. Based on your description, these bumps sound like they could be open comedones, commonly known as blackheads, which occur when pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Though the derm suggested clogged pores, it’s understandable if that explanation doesn’t resonate with how you’re feeling. Stress isn’t directly causing these bumps, but it can lead to increased oil production, which may contribute to more clogged pores, making the situation seem worse. Scrubbing your face too much might irritate the skin further, encouraging more oil production or even inflammation, so a more gentle approach would be ideal. Consider using a salicylic acid cleanser, which helps to unclog pores by exfoliating away dead skin and reducing oily buildup. Applying a non-comedogenic moisturizer keeps your skin hydrated without adding to the problem. If these changes don’t help or you’re still uneasy about what you’re experiencing, definitely check back with your dermatologist for more in-depth analysis or even a second opinion if you’re feeling unsure. Avoid picking or squeezing the bumps to prevent any potential for scarring. It’s also worth looking at your overall skin care products again, ensuring they’re suited for your skin type and free of ingredients that might be exacerbating the issue. Ultimately, if there’s no improvement or if you’re still worried about what might be causing these, following up with the healthcare professional for further tests or considerations could give you more peace of mind.
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