Spot which doesnt heal

A cortisone shot can be injected directly into the lesion by a doctor. It helps shrink inflammatory acne quickly. Some OTC treatments, such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, also come in stronger prescription forms. Other prescription treatments, such as dapsone gel , specifically treat inflammatory acne.

Antibiotics may also be used to kill the bacteria that can make acne worse and keep your pimple from going away. These need to be treated differently than pimples. Molluscum contagiosum is a type of viral infection that can cause a rash of small, raised, white or pink bumps, often with a dimple in the center. These bumps may be itchy, sore, and swollen. Molluscum contagiosum can happen anywhere on the body.

In most cases, it goes away by itself in 6 to 12 months. Cold sores are a common viral infection caused by herpes simplex 1 virus and spread from person to person. This virus can cause cold sores on your mouth or genitals, but many people with the virus never get cold sores. Cold sores are fluid-filled blisters around your lips. You may have one or several at a time. They may burst and crust over, but usually heal within their own within four weeks.

If you get severe outbreaks or get cold sores often, an antiviral medication may be able to help. Ingrown hairs are hairs that curl and grow back into your skin. They usually occur when the hair follicle becomes clogged with dead skin cells. Ingrown hairs usually go away on their own. However, they can become infected and turn painful and pus-filled. Mild infections often go away on their own, but see a doctor if your ingrown hair is very painful or long-lasting.

They can release the hair and give you antibiotics if the infection is severe. A boil is a painful, pus-filled bump that happens when bacteria infects a hair follicle. It usually starts out pea-sized and red, then grows as it fills with pus. Many boils rupture and drain on their own. However, you should see a doctor if you have more than one boil, if you have a fever , or if the boil is extremely painful or large or lasts for more than two weeks. Most pimples are harmless, but can take a long time to go away.

You can connect to a physician in your area using the Healthline FindCare tool. If you have pimple scabs, this article provides useful tips and strategies for prevention and healing. Popping pimples almost always leads to scabbing. Recent research shows that diet can play a role in acne development. Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that can cause pimples to form in various areas.

Pimples tend to form where more oil glands are present, and they most commonly affect the:. Pimples develop when oil glands produce excess oil, preventing dead skin cells from naturally leaving the pores. This buildup of oil and dead cells blocks the pores and causes pimples to form.

Bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes can also cause pimples to form, as can fluctuations in hormone levels. The various types of pimple can look and feel slightly different.

Pustules are pus filled pimples that may appear on the face or elsewhere on the upper body. Pustules may last for a few weeks, but if they last longer than 6—8 weeks and do not respond to treatment, it might be a good idea to see a doctor or dermatologist. Cystic acne causes swollen, red bumps to form. These also tend to develop on the upper body, particularly the face. Cystic acne may be longer lasting because it forms deep within the skin.

With treatment, some people see an improvement in 6—8 weeks. If this does not happen, the dermatologist may recommend a change of treatment. Acne on the back may be persistent.

With treatment, people may see an improvement in 6—8 weeks, while complete healing may take 3—4 months. Sometimes, what appears to be a pimple is a different kind of blemish.

Ingrown hairs , for example, can cause red, swollen bumps that tend to form after shaving the face or legs.

A wide range of home care strategies, over-the-counter OTC medications, and prescription treatments can reduce or get rid of pimples. The American Academy of Dermatology recommend washing the face twice a day and after sweating to help prevent the pores from clogging. People can also try applying a nonabrasive cleanser to the face with the fingertips, using gentle, circular motions.

They should then rinse the face with lukewarm water and gently pat it dry with a clean towel. Applying ice to deep pimples can help reduce swelling and redness. First, a person can wash the face with a nonabrasive cleanser and pat it dry. Next, they can wrap a piece of ice in a paper towel or clean cloth and hold it against the pimples for 5—10 minutes. It is best to remove the compress then and wait for 10 minutes before repeating the process. Popping pimples may slow healing and increase the chances of scarring.

Also, scrubbing the skin can aggravate it and worsen acne. The goal is to avoid touching affected skin, particularly with unwashed hands. Avoiding this will help prevent bacteria on the hands from transferring to the face, contributing to pimples. While BCC tends to be one color, it can be lighter in some areas and darker in others, as shown here. If you see a spot or growth on your skin that looks like any of the above or one that is growing or changing in any way, see a board-certified dermatologist.

As the above pictures show, this skin cancer tends to develop on skin that has had lots of sun exposure, such as the face or ears. Other common areas for BCC include, the shoulders, back, arms, and legs.

While rare, BCC can also form on parts of the body that get little or no sun exposure, such as the genitals. This skin cancer tends to be one color, but the color can vary from one BCC to the next. This cancer may be:. For many people, the only sign of this skin cancer is a slow-growing bump, sore-like growth, or rough-feeling patch on their skin.

However, some people develop symptoms where they have this skin cancer. Many people find it when they notice a spot, lump, or scaly patch on their skin that is growing or feels different from the rest of their skin.

If you notice any spot on your skin that is growing, bleeding, or changing in any way, see a board-certified dermatologist. These doctors have the most training and experience in diagnosing skin cancer. To find skin cancer early, dermatologists recommend that everyone check their own skin with a skin self-exam. This is especially important for people who have a higher risk of developing BCC.

Nouri K, Ballard CJ, et al. Skin Cancer. McGraw Hill Medical, China, Find skin cancer How to check your skin How do I know if I have skin cancer? Skin cancer: Everyone's at risk Quiz: Can you spot skin cancer? Can an app diagnose skin cancer? Skin cancer screenings.