I hope I don't describe this in a too disgusting way but.....
I never had acne as a kid. I mean, I got the occational pimple but nothing too crazy. For the past several years I've been getting what I can only call cysts - although I don't know if that's the exact term. I get these little hard balls under my skin - when I touch them they feel like peas, or BB's from a BB gun (sounds totally weird, I know, but that's what they remind me of!) They're red but never get white, which I actually find quite frustrating b/c I just want to pop these things and lesson the pressure. They hurt! So, often times I poke it with a needle (here's the gross part, sorry). Usually it bleeds, until I keep messing with it. Then sometimes some white goo will come out. Pressure is lessoned a bit, but then it looks like a total mess. I tend to only get one at a time, which is nice - HA! I guess I should be grateful my whole face isn't covered with them.
I did go to the dermatologist for it about 4 years ago, and she prescribed some cream that didn't really work. Then she said whenever I get a bad one I should just come into her office for a shot of something (directly into it I think?) But who has time for that? I get them about once a month, usually coinciding with my period. Does anyone else have anything like this? Is there anything I can get over the counter that will prevent these types of pimples, or at least shorten their life span?!?
Thanks Mamas!
Thanks so much for taking the time to write. I think I will do two things - find a new dermatologist and see what she/he says AND go find some of that Zap it stuff!! I knew there had to be other people out there with this issue!
Run hot water over a tea bag (black tea) and apply it to the area for a few minutes...re-wetting every 30 seconds or so...keep it hot! Repeat 2-3 times a day, or even more if possible. Works like a charm!
You aren't going to a dermatologist with the latest technology. Find someone else! Look into the Best of Doctor's List - the specialties are peer reviewed (they can't pay for the accolade or nominate themselves.)
There's no reason to live with your face this way. Get some good help - it is out there!
Dawn
Your dermatoligist might not be too far off base.
I got a cyst on my cheek that never went away and my dermatologist gave me a tiny injection. It was gone and never came back. It didn't even hurt.
I worked with a young girl who often went to the dermatologist for the same reason. They weren't regular pimples and they weren't ever really going to do away with anything topical applied.
A pimple is a clogged duct in which oils, etc, accumulate. Cystic acne is something completely different.
I think it might be worth a trip to a different dermatologist for a second opinion. The injections really do work though.
Best wishes.
Find another dermatologist and stop sticking foreign objects in them to lessen the pressure. In this day of MRSA and other new strains of killer bacteria and skin diseases, you could have worse problems than a painful zit...you could wind up fighting for your life with an incurable bacterial infection.
4 years is a long time. By now, you may not be dealing with a zit afterall but something more serious. If you read about MRSA and its connection to something called carbuncles and boils you'll see what I'm talking about. These conditions look like zits, but they're actually bacterial infections. MRSA complicates the condition. Don't mess around. It can be debilitating if not deadly. Find a doctor who knows what they're doing. I have a friend who got deathly ill from a bacterial infection that started on her face. She was treated with full-spectrum antibiotics and it took a whole year for the infection to clear. However, she was told, she will always have the bacteria dormant in her system!! Go get help soon.
See:
http://symptomchecker.about.com/od/Diagnoses/boil-and-car...
http://www.mrsa-forum.com/index.asp?forumID=8917
http://www.mrsaskininfection.org/symptomsofmrsainfection....
http://www.medicinenet.com/mrsa_infection/discussion-30-p...
This is cystic acne. I get them all the time. DON"T mess with them! I know they suck, but I just use some zit cream on them to dry them out.
Clean & Clear makes a spot treatment that works on what you've described. Good luck!
are they pimples or are they boils or seomthing else? I say another trip to the Derm would be worth it with a list of these questions. Tell her that the cream did not work and that you are wondering 'why' they are coming and how to prevent them. I have a cleanser that my Derm gave me that is really strong stuff and dries them up and they don't come back. Maybe try something you can use daily.
I call it my period pimple. I get one in the same spot every month. It hurts but I have found that the more you mess with it the more it hurts and looks ugly. I also do the hot cloth a few times a day. I get it as hot as you can possible stand it. It seems to relieve the pressure and not cause it to hurt as much. Good Luck!
They are most likely pustules. It's a form of acne and generally caused by bacterial infection. I'd go see another dermatologist, see if you can get someone to recommend a good one. Maybe an antibiotic would help.
ZapZit (I think that's how it's spelled) works great! & don't pop them! ;)
Sounds like what i have -- cystic hormonal acne. Finally went to a dermatologist who prescribed an oral antibiotic for three months and a retinal cream and suggested using cerave cleansing and moisturizing products. After three months switched to a topical antibiotic alternating with retinal. I've only had one outbreak after starting this regimen. Good luck!
Popping them or squeezing will cause them to spread. Sounds like a hormone issue. I have several clients that had this issue they use Arbonne's Clear Advantage Acne products we even have a "spot remover" for overnight relief. PM me if you would like more info. I know this can be frustrating but there is natural, safe help for you.
I used to get them all the time before my last daughter. Sometimes warm washclothes and sounds silly but tylenol or ibuprofen will help. I mess with mine - and it's bad w/scars to prove it. - big NO NO! I went to a dermatologist (5 total!) from 12 years-31! Then I just gave up - didn't seem to matter what oral or topical they prescribed.
I use a great acne line called Zap It. It really works because the Melaleuca oil penetrates the skin, so it works deep down, not just superficially. The needle thing is dangerous; I'd be worried about infection. Warm compresses might help. Good luck!
