"Oh-My-God-What-Is-That?" Skin Emergencies
Should you dig at it? Or rush to a derm? See photos and skin care tips for sensitive skin issues
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Skin Emergency: Cystic Acne
Symptoms: A large nodule that looks like a pus-filled whitehead, but is substantially bigger. Cystic acne is typically caused by a triad of bacteria, hormones and sebum (oil).
Treat it: To unclog the pore, wash the area with a cleanser containing acne-fighting glycolic or salicylic acids, (like Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask, $7.39). A warm compress can also help to steam "open" the pore and loosen trapped oil and bacteria. More severe cystic acne should be treated with oral antibiotics, oral isotretinoin like Accutane, lasers or other pro-grade medicine. See your dermatologist if cystic acne appears more than once a month.
Prevent it: Wash daily with a salicylic acid-based cleanser to exfoliate the top layer of skin, thus keeping pores clear -- and use an oil-free moisturizer (like Olay Total Effects Moisturizing Vitamin Complex, SPF 15, $18.99) or (Lexli Aloe-Based Day Moisturizer with SPF 15, $58).
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Products Mentioned in This Story
Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream
Average Member Rating: 7.9
Cortaid Advanced Anti-Itch Cream 12 Hour
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Eucerin Extra Protective Moisture Lotion SPF 30
Average Member Rating: 8.3
Olay Total Effects Moisturizing Vitamin Complex, SPF 15
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Lexli Aloe-Based Day Moisturizer with SPF 15 for Normal to Dry Skin
Average Member Rating: 9.0
Stiefel Laboratories Zeasorb-AF Powder
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Oh my goodness, this is actually really informational! I've been getting hives lately, and it's been lasting a while, I still don't know what the cause is but I will definitely go see a doctor soon.
by MissXu Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 08:35PM Report as inappropriate
I sometimes just get red bumps from Rosacea.
by beautybody Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 10:44AM Report as inappropriate
I get the hard pimple in one spot each mother before my period. HATe IT.
by Nicole1021 Monday, March 26, 2012 at 03:27PM Report as inappropriate
The tip for red, itchy eyes will really help me out! Thank you!
by powerwoman033 Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 09:22PM Report as inappropriate
Lots of great tips but some of these are kind of gross
by sportimonki13 Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 03:59PM Report as inappropriate
