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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #17010
3 days ago
21

pimple and acne cream - #17010

Mira

I am really stressed out because I can't seem to get rid of this pimple that's been on my face for weeks now. Like, I've tried every pimple and acne cream I could find, yet nothing seems to work! At first, it was just this tiny pimple, but it got bigger and redder and now it hurts. I thought the pimple would go away by now, but it’s just a huge pain in the butt—literally. I even tried a couple of different pimple and acne creams that my friends recommended but honestly, they only made my skin super dry and flakey. I've read online that some ingredients can help, but every time I choose a new pimple and acne cream, I end up being disappointed. Plus, I feel like every time I go out, I just feel so self-conscious about my skin, like everyone is staring at this one pimple. A couple of doctors told me to be patient, but how long is it supposed to take? Ugh, I just want clear skin! Do you think there's a pimple and acne cream that actually works better? What’s the best way to deal with this? Any suggestions would be really helpful, because I’m just at my wits end here!

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Doctors’ responses

Managing a persistent pimple can be frustrating, especially when over-the-counter creams aren’t delivering relief. Given what you’ve described, it sounds like this pimple is somewhat stubborn and may require a more targeted approach beyond just typical acne creams. Many acne creams contain ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, which are known for their ability to tackle acne-causing bacteria and promote skin cell turnover, respectively. However, if these are leading to dryness and irritation, it’s important to strike a balance between treating the pimple and maintaining your skin’s overall health. First, ensure you’re using a gentle cleanser and moisturizer to prevent excessive dryness. Applying a thin layer of moisturizer can actually help soothe irritation and flakiness that might result from these active treatments. For localized treatment, using a hydrocolloid patch can be beneficial. These patches not only protect the area from bacteria and touch but also help reduce inflammation and promote healing by drawing out fluids from the pimple. If the pimple is quite painful or larger than a typical acne lesion, it might be a cystic pimple, in which case topical treatments alone might not suffice. In such scenarios, a dermatologist might recommend a prescription-strength treatment or even an injection of a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation and speed up healing. It’s possible that underlying factors like stress, hormonal imbalances, or diet contribute to your skin’s condition, so considering these factors might be worth exploring. Should you notice the pimple persists even with these adjustments—or if it worsens or leads to scarring—it would be wise to consult a dermatologist. They can offer a more tailored treatment plan, possibly including oral medications if necessary. Don’t embark on oral treatments without a doctor’s supervision, though. They can perform a thorough assessment and determine the most effective steps. Be cautious of any remedies that promise overnight results; most effective treatments require consistent application and time.

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