Chad:
I think what you may be describing are the small cysts many people in this Forum have asked me about. They look like whiteheads, but are not. You can't remove them, but you don't need to. Acne medicine will surely irritate them.
If you need reassurance on this point, please don't be embarrassed to ask a doctor. One look should be enough to tell you for sure that this is nothing to worry about.
best.
Dr. R
Any suggestions are very helpful.
Dave