Red Mark from Acne

Hello,

  About 3 1/2 months ago, I popped a big pimple on my cheek (I know I shouldn't have done it) and it left a red mark. It seems like it will get better for a few weeks become shiny, smooth and light red, then I will accidently let the water hit it in the shower or the mark will get hit playing basketball and it will turn from light red to dark red/purple, almost like a bruise. It has done this several times over the past few months. Is this healing properly? Should I put anything on it or just leave it alone? and finally, does cover-up impede the healing process? Thanks for any info.

                                John

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Leave it alone, and it will fade gradually over the course of a few months.  It's best to put nothing extra on it, but cover-up is fine.  Popping is by no means a sure cause of permanent scarring.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff