What is this?

[princessloki]

Hi,
I'm 19 and have normally minor-moderate acne (diagnosed wih acne vulgaris), not something I really bother myself with much I figure it's normal at my age and I usually use over the counter products, clean and clear etc. My skin is sensitive and usually dry; I've read about oil overcompensation so I figure that's the majority of my problem. But occasionally I get these rather large bumps on my face (forehead mostly), which hurt when touched and are simply uncomfortable when not. They feel like a "full" zit, but have no heads, and when I squeeze them, oil comes out, not puss. They take really long to heal, and normally to expidite the process I squeeze them just to infect them and the next day I squeeze out the puss. I've read a few threads and I'm wondering if it's something like ?cysts?. I dont like messing with my skin too mush because it shows and I usually leave normal zits alone, but like I said these other ones take FOREVER to heal. Any ideas?

PS: I live in central Europe and alot of the things that are available in the States go by different names, so if you could recommend something by its generic name or some herbs it would be really useful. But any guidance is appreciated.

Lex

[April7]

Hi there. I have cystic acne. Sounds like what you're describing. They take forever to heal? That's how mine are.

Have you tried talking with a doctor about this? Nothing cleared mine up. Literally nothing helped. However, I went to the doctor and he prescribed Clindamycin Phosphate 1% topical solution, it's very inexpensive, and it works wonderfully. You may want to look into it also.

[ltmike]

Yes this also sounds like what I have, which is cystic ance. Nothing has helped mine either and now I am on accutane, almost 1 month now. Try to get in the habit of not popping them because it only makes things worse. My derm told me there is chance by popping them that you push some of the bacteria or puss or whatever down farther only to have it build up even worse.

[princessloki]

It's curious that it's acne, because I usually associate my other problems with some redness and usually these bumps aren't red, just skin colored (and have a hard texture)...plus the rest written above

PS: thnx much april and mike !