pimple under skin - #18418
I am freaking out right now because there's this weird pimple under skin on my jawline that just won't go away! Like, I've had regular pimples before, but this feels different. It’s not red or anything, but there’s this bump that’s super painful, and it’s been there for over a week! I thought it might be a cyst or somthing, but my friend said it could just be a pimple under skin that’s stuck. I tried warm compresses and tea tree oil like you mentioned in the forums, but it’s still there. I don't have acne; usually my skin is pretty clear, but this is starting to freak me out. What if it gets bigger? Or what if it’s something serious? I keep checking it in the mirror, hoping it’ll pop, but nothing! What are the chances this is really just a pimple under skin, and how can I even tell? I don’t wanna keep popping random stuff because I’ve heard that can lead to scarring. Any advice on how I can get rid of this pimple under skin without resorting to a dermatologist yet?
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Doctors' responses
Considering you’ve described a painful, bump under the skin on your jawline that isn’t responding to usual at-home treatments, it sounds like you might be dealing with an inflamed cyst, also known as a nodule, rather than a typical pimple. These kinds of blemishes can be stubborn, and due to their nature, they may not have a visible “head” like surface-level acne, which is why they don’t pop. They are deeper, developing when the pore becomes clogged with oil and dead skin, creating inflammation. Since you noticed pain and persistence over a week, it’s understandable to be concerned.
The warm compresses are a good start as they help reduce inflammation and can encourage the spot to come to a head, if possible, by improving blood circulation. Applying it two to three times a day for about 10-15 minutes can be beneficial. Tea tree oil can also provide some relief due to its antiseptic properties, but be cautious in using it as it can irritate the skin if used excessively or undiluted. An over-the-counter hydrocolloid patch might provide some added benefit by protecting the skin and absorbing oils.
Avoid picking or squeezing the bump. This area, particularly on the jawline and chin, can be sensitive and scarring is a risk with too much manipulation. If you’ve resorted to trying home treatments for over a week with no change, it may be time for an in-office solution. A dermatologist would be able to assess the bump more closely and potentially drain it if it’s a cyst or offer a cortisone injection to reduce inflammation more rapidly, which they may recommend.
In terms of gauging its seriousness, keep an eye out for symptoms like increasing size, redness, severe pain, or if it gets accompanied by fever, as these could indicate infection and would necessitate seeing a healthcare provider sooner rather than later. Make sure to consider stress and any recent skincare or dietary changes, as these can affect skin health too. Meanwhile, opting for a gentle cleanser and non-comedogenic moisturizer might help keep the pores open and reduce further irritation.
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