Skin (Face) Infection?

[Chicagoan]

I'm a 35yo male and for the last couple of years I've had a problem with my facial skin (although it appears to have gotten worse in the last few months).  Everytime I pinch my face pus comes out (as if popping a pimple).  It's gross. I do not have pimples/acne/scarring, nor is my skin irritated/red.  Initially, the problem started on my the top/sides of my nose and across the cheekbones.  However, it has now spread to my entire face area except my forehead.  Again, there are no pimples, breakouts, nor scarring as people normally describe them.  My skin is very oily and I know I shouldn't be squeezing the stuff out, but unfortunately, it has become a habit.  Also, I don't know if there is any relationship, but I suffer from frequent sore throats and low grade fevers that last about one day. The sore throats and fevers have been occuring for almost a year and I have attributed this to my stressful job, but now I'm wondering if it's something else. I have also developed a productive cough that is always diagnosed by my physician as sinusitis (three times).  Today I developed a sore throat and a low grade fever that lasted about four hours and noted that my face was very oily, more than usual.  A slight pinch and all this 'junk' came out from under my skin (face).  I have tried several facial cleansers, toners, moisturizers (you name it) with no results. I plan on seeing a dermatologist soon but I'm curious about your opinion.  Thank you.

[BOOBOO309]

A related discussion, SKIN was started.

[bluefin1]

hello i think you have acne
Treatment for Blackheads, Whiteheads, and Mild Inflammatory Acne

Doctors usually recommend an OTC or prescription topical medication for people with mild signs of acne. Topical medicine is applied directly to the acne lesions or to the entire area of affected skin.

Benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur are the most common topical OTC medicines used to treat acne. Each works a little differently. Benzoyl peroxide is best at killing P. acnes and may reduce oil production. Resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur help break down blackheads and whiteheads. Salicylic acid also helps cut down the shedding of cells lining the follicles of the oil glands. Topical OTC medications are available in many forms, such as gel, lotion, cream, soap, or pad.

In some patients, OTC acne medicines may cause side effects such as skin irritation, burning, or redness. Some people find that the side effects lessen or go away with continued use of the medicine. Severe or prolonged side effects should be reported to the doctor.

OTC topical medicines like Accutane [url=http://www.drugdelivery.ca/s340-s-ACCUTANE.aspx](Accutane Dosage)[/url]
are somewhat effective in treating acne when used regularly. Patients must keep in mind that it can take 8 weeks or more before they notice their skin looks and feels better.

Patients with moderate to severe inflammatory acne may be treated with prescription topical or oral medicines, alone or in combination.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

The "pus" you get out is sebum, or oil, which belongs there.  When you squeeze, you get red spots that look like acne but aren't.  Please leave your face alone.  If the oil bothers you, see an esthetician for facials--that's what they're for.  The esthetician can also recommend products to exfoliate gently.  If you need any medical help at all, the dermatologist can provide it.  But unless you stop squeezing, you'll get nowhere.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff