pimples under chin - #21472
I am super stressed about this weird breakout I’ve been having lately. I keep getting these really bothersome pimples under my chin that just won’t budge. It all started a few weeks ago when I was working long hours on a project, and I think the stress might’ve triggered it. At first, I thought it was just a bad reaction to a new face wash, but now I’m not so sure since I haven’t changed anything else. These pimples under my chin are painful sometimes, like they’re deep and throbbing, not just your average run-of-the-mill acne. I've tried some over-the-counter creams, but they don’t seem to help much. Plus I already feel self-conscious about it, especially when I go out, I keep wondering if it’s noticeable. I’ve read online that pimples under the chin can be related to hormonal changes or even dietary issues, but my diet hasn't changed. Has anyone else dealt with this? I’d love to hear if there are some effective treatments or if it’s worth seeing a dermatologist about these persistent pimples under my chin. Should I just wait it out, or get help sooner?
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Doctors' responses
It sounds like you’re dealing with a classic case of acne mechanica, which can flare up with stress, hormonal changes, or even just environmental factors like prolonged pressure or friction. Since these pimples are painful and persistent, they might be cystic acne. While stress alone doesn’t cause acne, it can exacerbate conditions by increasing oil production and inflammation, leading to the formation of more severe or recurrent blemishes. It’s worthwhile to examine the connection to any increase in stress levels recently, as this might be a critical component. Temporary breakouts in the chin and jawline area can often be linked to hormonal fluctuations, which might happen without significant dietary changes. However, without a change in diet, it seems other lifestyle factors might be influencing this. Make sure you’re using non-comedogenic products to avoid clogging pores and keep the area clean without over-washing, as excessive cleansing can irritate and worsen the condition. Given the throbbing nature, over-the-counter treatments may be insufficient for deep, cystic pimples. Benzoyl peroxide is often helpful, and salicylic acid can aid in exfoliating to prevent future blockages. But for fast relief, seeing a dermatologist is a reasonable option; they might suggest treatments like topical or oral antibiotics, retinoids, or hormonal therapies, which can offer more targeted help. Consider booking an appointment with a dermatologist, especially if these flare-ups persist, to explore personalized treatment options like cortisone injections for immediate relief. Don’t wait too long if these pimples are causing discomfort or affecting your quality of life, as targeted treatments can be quite effective.
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