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What Does A Swollen Pimple On Forehead Indicate?
Question: Hi, I have had a swollen pimple on my forehead for about a month and a half now. I tried to pop it and a white smelly discharge came out. I have left it since, however it seems it has a type of opening in the middle now and bloody/whitish discharge comes comes out. Not sure if I should wait it out longer or go see a doctor?
p.s.Since I popped my pimple I have also been feeling my lymph nodes swelling (and a bit sore) in front of my ears not sure if its related though.
p.s.Since I popped my pimple I have also been feeling my lymph nodes swelling (and a bit sore) in front of my ears not sure if its related though.
Brief Answer:
Looks like blocked sebaceous gland with infection.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Your symptoms are typical of blocked sebaceous gland with infection.Sebaceous glands produce sebum, a sticky secretion which prevents skin from getting dry.When duct of such gland gets blocked, you get pimples which discharge whitish contents.Opening you are seeing is actually enlarged duct opening and contents coming out are glands secretions.
Since there are enlarged nodes, possibility of infection in the blocked gland is likely.It is common to happen.
I would suggest to see doctor, particularly to prevent dark mark and scar at this site.
Doctor will drain the contents if needed and put you on antibiotic coverage.
Face steaming can help in opening up rest of such skin pores.
Hope this helps.Please ask if there are doubts.Regards.
Looks like blocked sebaceous gland with infection.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Your symptoms are typical of blocked sebaceous gland with infection.Sebaceous glands produce sebum, a sticky secretion which prevents skin from getting dry.When duct of such gland gets blocked, you get pimples which discharge whitish contents.Opening you are seeing is actually enlarged duct opening and contents coming out are glands secretions.
Since there are enlarged nodes, possibility of infection in the blocked gland is likely.It is common to happen.
I would suggest to see doctor, particularly to prevent dark mark and scar at this site.
Doctor will drain the contents if needed and put you on antibiotic coverage.
Face steaming can help in opening up rest of such skin pores.
Hope this helps.Please ask if there are doubts.Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for the reply.
I put a warm cloth over my forehead last night and the pimple seems to have decreased in size, and the opening in the middle is not as visible. Also a small layer of dried skin has come off during the night, and now the area has a relatively dry fleshy pink look to it (with no whitish coloring or discharge).
As I am traveling, accessing a doctor is quite difficult. I also would like to avoid antibiotics if I can help it. I was wondering if I could simply treat it on my own, using over the counter products or natural remedies?
I put a warm cloth over my forehead last night and the pimple seems to have decreased in size, and the opening in the middle is not as visible. Also a small layer of dried skin has come off during the night, and now the area has a relatively dry fleshy pink look to it (with no whitish coloring or discharge).
As I am traveling, accessing a doctor is quite difficult. I also would like to avoid antibiotics if I can help it. I was wondering if I could simply treat it on my own, using over the counter products or natural remedies?
Brief Answer:
I would suggest local antibiotic cream.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Looks like it's healing well, so I feel it won't need doctor.
Rather than natural remedies, go for local antibiotic cream.Such creams dont have side effects of oral antibiotics so no need to worry.
Applying cream and keeping area clean would take care of it.
If a dark mark develops at the spot then you can use depigmentation cream later.
Hope this helps.Regards.
I would suggest local antibiotic cream.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Looks like it's healing well, so I feel it won't need doctor.
Rather than natural remedies, go for local antibiotic cream.Such creams dont have side effects of oral antibiotics so no need to worry.
Applying cream and keeping area clean would take care of it.
If a dark mark develops at the spot then you can use depigmentation cream later.
Hope this helps.Regards.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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