pimples on side of face - #21463
I am really confused and a bit worried about these weird pimples on the side of my face. They started popping out a couple weeks ago, like, almost overnight. At first, I thought it was just a random breakout, but now there are like six or seven of them clustered on the left side, and they are driving me nuts. I am usually not one to get acne like this, just the occasional pimple, you know? I tried my usual face wash and even a new anti-acne cream, but nothing seems to work. They’re not super painful or anything, but can pimples on the side of face even mean something more serious? I read online that it could be hormonal or stress-related, which I suppose makes sense since it’s been a crazy month. Also, what’s up with these pimples looking slightly red and flaky? I can’t remember changing anything in my skincare routine. Should I just give it more time or go see a doc? Any ideas would really help. I am getting kind of desperate here, and I don’t want to end up with scars or something. Anyone else dealt with this issue of pimples on the side of face and found a good solution? Thanks!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors' responses
Unexpected breakouts, particularly when you don’t usually experience acne, can indeed be concerning. Primarily, you might want to consider some straightforward causes that can lead to clusters of pimples on your face. One possibility is contact dermatitis, which could occur if you’ve had exposure to new products, fabrics, or allergens. Even if you haven’t changed your skincare routine, think about if anything else in your environment might have changed, like pillowcases, hats, or phones touching your face more frequently. Hormonal shifts or stress can certainly lead to acne-like breakouts, typically due to the production of more oil in your skin. These factors in combination, especially during stressful periods, can make skin more prone to breakouts. If these are slightly red and flaky, it could indicate a condition like seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis, and not just typical acne. Observing the response of these pimples to your current treatments is important, as usual acne treatments won’t be as effective if this is something like dermatitis. Cleansers containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide are often helpful for acne, but if these don’t show improvement, it might be time to see a dermatologist for a precise diagnosis and treatment plan, especially if you’re worried about long-term effects like scarring. Keep an eye on whether these bumps become more irritated or severely painful, as that would need more immediate evaluation. Since online information can be overwhelming and varied, a healthcare professional can provide tailored guidance to your situation, and potentially prescribe more specialized topical or oral medication that may be needed. For now, try to minimize touching the area, and ensure you’re avoiding any known irritants.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.