lesion on nose

[zeeovro]

My sister has a acne-like lesion on her nose that won't go away. She has had it for 12+ years and has seen many doctors for the condition. They have given her antibiotics of all kinds and strengths, anti-fungal medications, even home remedies and nothing seems to work. She just had a biopsy to test for cancer and, fortunately, it came back negative, but when my sister talked to the dermatologist who took the biopsy on the phone today, she did not seem too anxious to pursue further possibilities. Understandably, my sister is extremely frustrated and the lesion is very painful and unsightly as well.

So, more about the actual problem: the sore is pustule-like, and seems to have a lot of hard pus-like material deep in the skin. When she digs as much of this stuff out as possible, the sore seems to (sometimes) partially heal over, but always comes back with a vengeance. She has tried leaving it alone for extended periods of time, but that doesn't work, either. She is also wondering if it could also possibly be related to injuring her nose years ago. Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of it, but it looks basically like a big zit, or a scab when she's picked at it. She also told me that similar lesions are now on the left side of her face and ear and the biopsy was taken from one of these, not the sore on her nose, so she's wondering how accurate the biopsy is. Please, if anyone has any ideas as to what this might be or where I could look for information, don't hesitate to let me know. Any information is greatly appreciated!

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

There are several treatment options available for acne - topical application creams, oral medications, laser treatment etc.

It would be best to consult your dermatologist to decide about the best treatment option in herr case.

Comedonal (non-inflammatory) acne: local treatment with azelaic acid, salicylic acid, topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide.

Mild papulo-pustular (inflammatory) acne: benzoyl peroxide or topical retinoids, topical antibiotics (such as erythromycin).

Moderate inflammatory acne: benzoyl peroxide or topical retinoids combined with oral antibiotics (tetracyclines). Isotretinoin is an option.

Severe inflammatory acne, nodular acne, acne resistant to the above treatments: isotretinoin also known as Accutane, can be prescribed by a doctor.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acne_vulgaris#Treatments

Let us know about how she is doing and what your doctor advises.

Post us if you need any further information.

Regards.