I need to know

[Ricci277]

Hi there. I have had acne for about 6 years now.
I am currently on meds prescribed by my GP. Im using erythromycin lotion and benzoyl peroxide. Also taking lymacycline antibiotics and dianette contraception. The oral prescription I've been on for only 2 weeks now, so I haven't had any major improvement yet, but Im waiting. But the problem is I had a big pimple about a month ago, and it slowly healed, but ended up like a small cyst that looks like a tiny white head but does not hurt or dry up or change shape. I showed this to my GP, and she said the only solution for it is to pop it. I was shocked to hear this as I never touch or pop my pimples as I know things will get worse if I do. Should I just wait and see if it goes away and leave it alone? I am using erythromycin, so should I just give it a few more months?Will it go away?

[mstanfordrn42]

Speaking from personal experience, the erythromycin lotion makes mine worse.  I would definitely cleanse with alcohol, cleanse hands with soap and alcohol and attack the monster!!  Then treat with a small amount of the erythromycin lotion.  Sometimes draining these cysts are the only way to get them to heal faster.  If you don't feel comfortable doing this, go to a surgeon.

[M_Pounce]

Ugh - you got the nasty acne like I did. I'm 30 and still get it....

A hint - even when you feel like you've been cleared up, DON'T STOP using your stuff. Even when your skin gets so dry it hurts, DON'T STOP.  That's the make it or break it point.  :(   Did your GP give you Rentin-A?  That stuff rocks, and helps prevent the scarring.  It'll irritate the everloving **** out of your skin though.

You MAY have to lance your pimple/zit/cyst/carbuncle.  If you can put up with it and wait, go for it.  It may go away.  I've nearly always had to lance mine.  HOT PACK IT.... with water so hot you can barely stand it.  Don't rip the whole thing open, just a tiny hole and GENTLY drain the cyst.  Don't rip at it, don't scratch it, don't yank the skin off.... I've got the scars to prove that's a bad idea. You will end up with a dark spot marking wear the giant zit of doom was if you keep messing with it.

If you do drain it, use a triple antibacterial ointment and keep it clean and covered.  Just like it's an open wound, because at that point it will be.

Remember, hot water to draw everything to the surface. Once drained, cold water / ice will tighten up the blood vessels in the area and help it stop bleeding.  Cleanliness is important - wash it twice a day (morning and night) and use antibacterial ointment.

Good luck hun.  

[CrabbyPants]

Using topicals never worked for me. My pcp put me on spironolactone (generic Aldactone). The medication is a high blood pressure medication that can be used for adult acne in women. It raises the estrogen, to clear up the acne. It works great for me. I take 50 mg twice a day. The dermatologist wanted to put me on spironolactone before. I refused to take it, because I don't have high blood pressure. The medication that I am taking for acne is also a mild diuretic (water pill) making you urinate more often.

I am using Neutrogena Rapid Clear products for washing my face, instead of the Rx salicylic acid and Erythromycin. Ask the doctor about taking the pill called spironolactone 50mg. You have to keep an eye on your potassium. You will have labwork, one week after taking it. If your potassium is too high, you won't be able to take it. This medication can raise the potassium.