sonikeko

OK, so I rarely, if ever, get the traditional "pimples" anymore. But, on occasion, I do get these MONSTERS that are very painful and near impossible to "pop". They get quite large and red, and when I finally get fed-up with them and pierce them with a pin, there's no puss, but a clear liquid in them. I wash my face religiously with "For Men" cleansers, and use witch hazel as an astringent before bed. When I do get them, I keep the area as clean as possible and use Neutrogena spot treatment on them, but nothing works. I can't seem to get rid of them!!! Anyone else have these things? What are they, and does anyone know how to prevent them/get rid of them?

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kazoo

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosacea
Read this and see if the description applies.

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noodle

I get these cyst-like things on occasion and the only way I can get them to chill out is to soak a washcloth in hot water, let it cool a bit, press it onto the spot and kinda massage it around. Then I press it into the skin in a circular motion, as opposed to trying to pop it. After doin this a few times a day, typically mine will go away after about three days. They suck and hurt like a mother.
I was told that topical stuff wouldn't really prevent them since the swelling/infection arose on the inside of the follicle from the base instead of like a pimple that forms because the outside/pore got clogged. I don't know if that's what you've got going on, but good luck.

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Janie

Perhaps a staphylococcus infection? These are very deep and painful, and you can't really 'pop' them until the hard plug is sucked out or softened somehow.

Best if you go see a doctor, dermatologist if you happen to be able to afford it?, not sure if you need to pay for stuff like that in the states.

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sonikeko

Doesn't really apply to my "condition". Anyway, thanks to all for the advice, and I'll let you klnow what tends to work for me!

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snowy

It sounds as if you have some form of cystic acne, perhaps inflamed sebaceous cysts, or else papules or nodules. If you have papules, no amount of squeezing is going to do you any good, and will lead to scarring. Picking leads to scars!

Use a topical application of benzoyl peroxide (at least 2.5% BP, or else it's not effective) on the cysts. Use more than you think you need.

If they are swollen, and really bother you that much, go to a dermatologist. A dermatologist can inject the cyst with cortisone to shrink it.

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JStrider

when I'm really stressed I get some little spots like your describing. for me they are directly related to high stress levels. they tend to show up on my neck or under my chin/jawline.

I call them stress boils, but have never known what they are. just try to relax and remove whats stressing me.

maybe a correlation for you to look for?

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hagatha

My doctor prescribed Retin-A gel for acne. It does wonders for the cyst acne and I haven't had a real problem with it in years. But you have to wear sun block once your start on Retin-A or else your skin gets really damaged.
Ask your doctor for a sample of Stevomycin, you will not be disappointed.
Benzol peroxide never worked for me.

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bit_of_honey

I use to get the same things.. I work in a factory where its hot and dirty and my doctor said it was from that so I ordered some proactive and I love it.. been using it for 2 months now and none so far and my face feels much softer and the scars where some of them have been are fading... might want to try that.. good luck.

ZEETANK

sometimes when i get acne i mix a little baking soda with water and apply just enough to cover the part where it's umm... "acne-d" and i sleep. the next day it's usually almost gone or completely gone. if it's a cyst.. i don't know.

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jackdalton

well, i stopped using this facewash crap and everything, just washed my face 2-3 times in the morning and in the evening with regular everyday soap.
what you mentioned, the huge red ones which hurt, and are hard to pop, and everything; i think that's impossible to get rid of them, they just come and go. (even if you're like 26)
try eat more vegetables, less fat, and drink a lot of fluid. the body has a natural de-poisoning mechanism, which needs a lot of that stuff. and eat regularly, not big meals but better less, and many times a day.
my brother's face was so bad, he went to the skin doctor, and he gave him some kinda really heard stuff, but it worked for him. so you might try going to a doctor if it's os bad, and these things don't help

Demeter

I used to get big pimples like that on my temples. It was apparently a combination of hormones (the monthly kind) and the hairspray I was using. I switched hairsprays, and I'm on a milder birth control pill, and I haven't had any major breakouts in years.

I would venture you are in contact with something that doesn't agree with you, and it could even be something you are eating or drinking.

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