healing pimple - #20502
I am dealing with this really frustrating healing pimple situation and honestly, it's driving me crazy! A few weeks ago, I noticed this big red lump on my forehead, which I initially thought was just a regular pimple. But it started to grow and get more inflamed, and now it feels like it’s been healing for ages! I tried a bunch of over-the-counter creams and spot treatments, but nothing seems to work. The thing is, I don't know if I should just let it be and let the healing pimple run its course or if I need to do something more aggressive. I’ve been using ice packs, but they just give me temporary relief. Sometimes, I can still feel it under the skin, like it wants to come back again but doesn’t quite know how? Plus, I’m worried because I had some dark spots after previous pimples, and I really don’t want that happening again. Should I maybe look into a professional treatment? I just want this healing pimple to go away already, like, is there even a way to speed up the healing process? Any tips or advice would really help!
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Doctors' responses
When dealing with a persistent pimple, especially a large one that’s taking its time to heal, the first thing is to consider if this might be more than just a standard pimple, like cystic acne, which is deeper and can be a repetitive cycle. Knowing that over-the-counter creams haven’t done the trick, it might be time to evaluate what specifically you’re up against. Often, ice packs are good for reducing temporary inflammation but if you still feel something under the skin, it could indicate something like a nodule or cyst rather than a simple surface pimple. In these cases, seeing a dermatologist could be wise. They might recommend options like a cortisone injection which can quickly reduce inflammation and size of a stubborn cystic pimple. For future prevention and current care, using non-comedogenic products is crucial—these won’t clog pores and could help reduce recurrence. Now, in terms of preventing dark spots, which are common after inflammation, incorporating topical treatments containing ingredients like niacinamide or vitamin C can be useful. They help in brightening post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and speed up the healing process of the skin. If you do decide to see a dermatologist, they might also offer advanced treatments like chemical peels or microdermabrasion, which are effective for resurfacing the skin and dealing with pigmentation issues. Until then, stick to gentle cleansers, avoid picking on the pimple, and protect your skin from sun exposure, which can worsen dark spots. If the problem persists or feels like it’s interfering with your daily life, catching it quickly with professional help is often the best course of action to avoid scarring and other long-term effects.
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