Blind Pimples

[cfaulkner1968]

I have a huge pimple between my eyes on the top of my nose . It doesn't have a head it's just a huge enormous red cyst. I've used Apple cider vinegar and hot compress on it and it's still not ready to "pop" . I'm running out of options. It takes months to get in to see a dermatologist. Ugh

[ash10spro]

You can try a charcoal mask (i.e. clear improvement from origins or even their out of trouble mask) or something with a sulfur base. I usually recommend either kate Somerville's Eradikate foaming mask or the Therapeutic Sulfur Mask from Peter Thomas Roth for sulfur options. If you live close to a sephora store, getting a sample would be enough to see if it works for you! those mentioned above have worked wonders for my clients with cystic acne! (i work as a skincare consultant at sephora) hope this helps! 😃

[TinPanAli]

Sulfur sulfur sulfur sulfur Leave it on

[raykay]

Hi there! I agree, sulfur can be a great way to help dry and bring the cyst to a head.  I almost edited to add sulfur to my recommendations but considering I'd already written a dissertation I figured enough is enough! Since it can be drying I use a dab of tea tree or maracuja oil around the effected area to help with that. 

My local Targets and drugstores (CVS comes to mind) have smallish sections devoted to Hispanic customers which is where I have found both sulfur , azaelic acid creams and arnica products at great prices. Beauty supply stores, too. Some are manufactured in the US while most are made in Mexico or South America- have never seen any from China if that matters to anyone. As an aside, I've bought several Nivea lotions and creams that are the same ingredients as the Nivea European formulas. I find them be more moisturizing than the US geared line but YMMV.

[TinPanAli]

Sulfur is the only medication scientifically proven to cure acne. My husband is a dr and it is life changing!

[cfaulkner1968]

Im going on the hunt tomorrow for sulfur! Thanks

[czar101]

I've noticed a big difference using a Luna and also the foreo blue light thing. Hope that helps!

[raykay]

Hello! I have suffered with cystic acne for about 10+ years...ever since becoming peri-menopausal around 38, so at least 11 years. I'd rarely even have normal pimples until then. I did have a hysterectomy a year ago and hoped they would stop but nooooo 🙂 !!  I am on a small dose of estrogen so that may be the culprit as my cysts always popped up around my menstrual cycle so that are hormone related in my case.

I have had the SAME ones come and go in different areas on my face now for over 3 years. (Chin, eyebrow and side of nose) . They suck! I try to go to the derm as my insurance does pay for a cortisone injection. Sometimes they hurt so bad that they cause nerve pain ( ones around my nose for example). I feel for you, trust me.

 I'd still try your derm and tell them you'd like to get in as it's such a quick treatment I've never been made to wait more than a day. However, I have gone to my Med Spa ( where I get Botox)  many times over the years just out of convenience for the injections. Most all Med Spas do cortisone injections. Choose one with a good reputation with licensed staff doing the injection if you are not familiar with one already. Ask friends that  get fillers, Botox, etc for recommendations if need be. Some shady places will allow non-medically trained employees to do them. It's not rocket science but the most important factor IS that a Nurse is doing the injection if not the medical doctor them self that they practice under ( they are sometimes on location, sometimes not). Cost varies from place to place but $30-$50 is about average in my area (So Cal).  It's money well spent if you ask me. This is truly the only thing that has ever helped to make the cysts even begin to go away. As I said, I do have a couple that are recurrent and the amount of injections into the same area has to be limited at some point as you can develop scar tissue believe it or not where the cyst was/is. I had a re-occurent one over my right eyebrow that seems to have finally stopped "erupting" but I do have a small raised area and hole where it was.I think it was injected about 4 times over a year and a half as it just would not go away. But I'd rather have that small bump and pick scar than a dime to nickel sized cyst that throbbed and was just hideous!

 They also have some gentle lasers at the Med Spas which can be used to spot treat the cysts and can help with recovery and lessen scarring. In the mean time I'd continue with the warm compress, arnica gel or cream if you have any on hand (you can buy it at most any drugstore) for inflammation and even an oral anti-inflammatory like Advil or Alleve if you don't have any medical contraindications to using them.  For the future, topical azaelic acid creams can be helpful in preventing/healing them along with a retinoid or retinol ( do your research and get some professional advice on how to incorporate them into your skin care routine). Finacea is a brand name drug which you may be familiar with that is azaelic acid based but can cost a small fortune. You can buy quality azaelic acid creams over the counter. It is an ingredient in many rosacea products and also helps with with the scarring and pigmentation. Good luck!

[cfaulkner1968]

Thank you si much for the pointers. This may seem like a small thing in comparison to some problems but having what looks like a third eye is really hard on the self esteem.  And its sooo painful.  

[PlayItAgainSami]

I get huge red cystic acne too. Had to get prescription strength topical acne products to help treat it unfortunately. But trust me on this one: try the Origins "Out of Trouble 10 Minute" mask. You can get a lil pot for $4 and get 4-5 uses all over your face if you put it in a resealable container. It doesn't cure acne, but it REALLY reduces the sensitivity, redness, and size of the cyst immediately. IMMEDIATELY! I leave it on until it's completely dry before washing it off, and my skin is a lot calmer and smoother. I use it a couple days in a row and it even helps prevent more cystic acne. 😄

[raykay]

Thank you for the Origins suggestion- I'm going to try this!

[cfaulkner1968]

I use a couple origin products but not the one mentioned. I'll check it out too

[Cyncynn]

Next time you have an appointment with your derm. you can let him know that you have these painful cysts sometimes and ask if ,when that happen, you can call his office and get them to "squeeze" you in for a quick shot.  

I know this is not helpful at this time, but maybe for the future. 🙂

[cfaulkner1968]

I'll certainly aak her but the whole clinic ( 4 derms) are always booked solid . No harm in asking though.

[concreteroads]

@Stufany Er, would not recommend hydrocortisone. While it probably has an immediate short-term effect because of the anti-inflammatory properties, there are other topical drugs or treatments that are much more effective for acne, and steroids such as hydrocortisone often have unwanted side effects, specifically skin thinning, that could be of concern. 

I would recommend getting a treatment that's more specifically for acne instead. Benzoyl peroxide is the obvious OTC choice, but you may unfortunately find that it doesn't do a whole lot for big cystic acne (personally, I do still use BP and still find that it helps bring the pimple to a head sooner). Retinoids would probably be more effective. Warm compresses can help relieve the inflammation that makes cystic acne so aggravating though, so I would continue doing that. Usually if it's just the single pimple, time is the best solution (as much as that sucks to hear, I know). Keep taking care of your skin, the spot will recede within days-weeks, and you don't need to worry about going in to see a derm or having it linger for months! 

[Stufany]

If you're not allergic, have you tried hydrocortisone? It might reduce the inflammation... If you live in the states, you can buy 1% hydrocortisone at your local CVS or Walgreens. If you live in Canada only the 0,5% is sold in drugstore. Good luck!