Dr Sandra Fan 35

 

🔍 What It Might Be

1. Cystic Acne

   • Cause: Deep infection or inflammation of a clogged pore.

   • Feels like: A large, firm, painful lump under the skin that may not come to a head.

   • Common areas: Face, jawline, back, and sometimes scalp or chest.

2. Sebaceous Cyst

• Cause: Blocked sebaceous (oil) gland.

• Feels like: A slow-growing, smooth, round lump under the skin, sometimes tender.

• May or may not be painful.

1. Abscess

   • Cause: Bacterial infection leading to a pus-filled pocket.

   • Feels like: A red, warm, swollen lump that may become increasingly painful.

2. Nodular Acne

   • Cause: Similar to cystic acne, but typically more solid and deeply rooted.

   • Feels like: A painful, hard lump without pus on the surface.

🚫 What NOT to Do

• Don’t try to pop or squeeze it — it’s too deep and can worsen inflammation or cause scarring.

• Don’t apply harsh spot treatments meant for surface pimples — they won’t reach deep enough to help.

✅ What You Can Do at Home

• Warm compress: Apply a clean, warm cloth to the area for 10–15 minutes, 2–3 times a day to reduce swelling and encourage drainage.

• Topical treatment: Use a spot treatment with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to reduce inflammation.

• Hydrocortisone cream (short-term) can help calm swelling.

• Keep the area clean and avoid touching it.

🩺 When to See a Dermatologist

• The lump is growing, painful, or not improving after a week.

• It’s recurrent or forming in clusters.

• You notice pus, severe swelling, or fever (could indicate infection).

• You have scarring concerns or want prescription options.