Red Mark on Face from Bad Pimple and Infection

[CT1]

I had a bad pimple on my face that got infected, scabbed, improved somewhat, then the zit came back, it got reinfected again, scabbed, etc. (this occurred over the course of a two month period), and there is now a red mark/scar(?) there.  My dermatologist originally gave me a shot of cortisone in the area when the zit was still there and had prescribed Locoid (for the scarring?) and Bactroban (for the infection).  The infection went away about three weeks ago and the area looked like it was getting better (the red mark was fading, though it looks like there might be a scar there - or a red blemish under the skin).  I went to my doctor this past Tuesday for a follow-up.  He felt a little bit of a cyst there and gave me another shot of cortisone.  He also said to use the Locoid for another 10 days (I had used it already for 10 days a couple of weeks ago with the Bactroban).  I have applied the Locoid for three days, but it makes the area much redder/more inflamed and I am wondering whether it is making matters worse.  The doctor told me to use the Locoid for another 10 days to help reduce the redness/scar that appears to be there.  However, now the redness is a lot worse again after applying the Locoid.  Should I continue using the Locoid?  Is the redness from the Locoid normal?  I'm wondering whether at this point the Locoid is just aggravating the area and whether I should just let the skin take care of itself through the natural healing process.  However, my doctor seemed to think the Locoid would help with the scarring.

Thanks for your answer. . .

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

My advice is to do nothing.

Even an ordinary pimple can last for months.  If it's been repeated infected, etc, it can last longer.

Injecting cortisone flattens bumpy marks, but may perpetuate redness (not forever, though.)  Topical cortisones (like Locoid) are basically neithe here nor there.

You can use a little cover stick if you want to.  But basically, if you wait it out, your patience will be rewarded, though it may take 3-4 months.  You'll see the fading month-to-month, because it's so gradual.  But it happens.

Less is more.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[headproblemz]

I recommend using Cyclocort. That should get rid of the pimple fast and it won't causing scaring. It will definately decrease the inflamation (inflammation).

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Cyclocort is a powerful steroid, which is best not used on the face.

Dr. Rockoff

[solly]

i got a red spot from a pimple on my cheeckfor ayear and a half and it is still existing!

[pigglywigglygirl]

I have pimples that have been reoccurring for the past three years. It started all of a sudden and never stopped. I visited dermatologist after dermatologist and had been tested for hiv, thyroid gland, diabetes, etc. Nothing. I thought something had to be affecting my immune system. For 33 years I barely got a pimple every now and then and all of a sudden I would have them covering my face, neck, back chest arms and inner thighs. The antibiotics and skin treatments all helped until I was off of the treatments. (you can't stay on antibiotics forever). The dermatologist said that the cultures he took from the pimples were showing yeast, and pseudomonas. pseudomonas is a bacteria that is commonly found on our skins and usually causes no problems unless the immune system is faltering. I started on herbs to boost my immune system. Still nothing after three years. It is so aggravating not knowing!

[momma]

50 yr. old female

Hi,
I am trying to find an answer to my problem without starting visitations to the dermatologist.  Lately my scalp has been itchy with small clear fluid pimples appearing.  I am not sure if it is stress related or if psoriasis is in progress.  I have been doing the process of elimination of products recently tried.  Even wondering if coloring my hair has contributed, although it has not in the past.  At this time I have had no luck.  Please e-mail back if you can HELP :)