Open pore on nose - how could i improve it?

[ashbry78]

dear doc,
well, i had (about 6months ago) a massive blind pimple on my nose. and regrettably, i squeezed it until it popped. the pimple did eventually go away after that, except i was left with this extremely large open pore on my nose. and i have heard the at you can't "permanently" close open pores...but is there any way to help the situation? because, 6 months down the track (now), its still there, it hasnt closed up, and although it IS less visible, there is still so much redness around it that you can see it from metres away! please, i am in desperate need of help. by the way, i have also been using "Neutrogena Pore refining cleanser" which has helped slightly, but as i said, it is still really visible.
thank you!!
-ash

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Open pores are as difficult to treat as severe, treatment-resistant acne.
The preferred preventive and ongoing treatment for open pores in all skin types and conditions is azelaic acid, the highest concentration of which (20%) is found in MD Rx Higher Strength Azelaic Acid. The next highest concentration is available in Jan Marini Bioclear Cream and Lotion, albeit at only 1%. No other alternative sources currently exist. http://www.treatment-skincare.com/Open-Pores.html
Facials and scrubs are just an eyewash as because they address neither inflammation nor the clumping of cells within follicles which produce the aesthetic problem in the open pores.
I feel that you should consult a dermatologist and discuss the option of Azelaic acid with him.
Hope this information was useful.In case you have any additional doubts,pls keep me posted.

[sewwandi]

Dear Doc.
I'm 32 years old sri lankan. I have open pores on my cheecks (right below eyes) and forehead. They appear very large after a sleep. I used to have oily skin but now it's dry. But I can't apply any cream on the face because it makes the pores bigger and bigger, like holes.

If I sleep with a night cream or without washing face the following morning my pores open like the skin of a ripe orange. But there's no black head or anything visible inside.

I'm a vegetarian and don't eat junk food. Would Apple cider vinegar help this? I'm going to try Azelaic acid. But Im scared whether it would worsen the dryness of my skin. Please advice me.
(I have Keratosis Pilaris on my hands)