what to do for pimples on face - #23065
I am really struggling with this problem of pimples on my face. I woke up one day last week, and bam, there they were—like these little red bumps all over my cheeks and forehead. Super annoying! I tried washing my face more often and using some over-the-counter cream that claims to help with pimples on face, but it feels like it’s making everything worse. I don’t even know if putting anything on them is the right call. Like, should I just let them breathe? Or what to do for pimples on face that are inflamed and painful? I went to a friend’s birthday party this weekend, and I felt so self-conscious since I haven't had this many pimples on my face since I was a teenager. Ugh. I’m also kind of worried, because my skin has always been pretty clear, and I can’t figure out what triggered this sudden outbreak. Drinks? Stress? Maybe I’m not eating right? I heard that hydration can help, too. Can anyone share what to do for pimples on face that actually works? Or any tips on how to get rid of them faster, because honestly, they’re really cramping my style!
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Doctors' responses
For dealing with pimples on your face, especially those that are inflamed and painful, a multi-step approach can help. Sometimes, a sudden breakout can be triggered by several factors like stress, hormonal changes, or dietary influences, so here are a few steps you can consider. First, keep your face clean, but don’t overdo it—washing your face gently twice daily with a mild cleanser should be enough. Over-washing can actually irritate your skin more. Avoid scrubbing or using harsh exfoliants as they can exacerbate inflammation. It sounds like the OTC cream you tried might not be working well for you, or it could be irritating. Look for products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which are known to be effective for pimples. Apply these products sparingly. It’s wise to conduct a patch test on a small area first to check for any reaction. Hydration is indeed beneficial for maintaining healthy skin, so ensure you’re drinking enough water daily, though it’s not a cure-all for acne. Think about reducing potential dietary triggers such as excessive dairy or high-glycemic foods, which some people find exacerbate acne. OTC treatments work differently for everyone, and if these measures don’t help, or if the acne is severe, inflamed, or leaving scars, you might want to see a dermatologist. They might recommend a different treatment, possibly prescription medications like topical retinoids or oral antibiotics. As for letting them breathe, while natural air contact is fine, consistent care through the above steps usually gives better results. Avoid touching or picking at the pimples, as tempting as it might be, because it can increase inflammation and risk of scarring. Acne is variable, and sometimes hormonal changes or other non-visible factors contribute to it; identifying these can take some time. If you find specific situations like stress or certain foods trigger breakouts, it may be useful to address these directly.
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