An acnepapuleis a bang out of inflamed blemish more commonly known as a pimple or zit.
It looks like a slightly raised red bump on the skin.
Papules form when there is a high break in the pore wall.
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An acne papule often turns into apustule, a pimple that is filled with white or yellow pus.
It is only at this point that a zit can be popped.
Trying to pop a papule won’t work and will likely only cause it to worsen and scar.
Acne papules differ from some other types of acne.
Learn how acne papules are diagnosed and how to treat them.
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What Are Acne Papules?
Acne papules arered, inflamed bumpson the skin.
Acne Papule vs. Nodule
Acne papules can be small or large.
They feel hard and can be tender to the touch.
If the blemish is particularly red, swollen, and painful, it may be an acne nodule.
Nodules are similar to papulesthey both form because of a blockage of the hair follicle.
But nodules:
Even the largest papules heal within just a few weeks.
Nodules can sometimes take months to heal.
There’s a higher chance of developing scarring with nodules.
Nodular acneshould always be treated by a dermatologist.
Severe nodular acne is sometimes called cystic acne with lesions that are typically more painful than acne papules.
This plug or blockage is called acomedo,and all acne papules begin as one.
Your provider will:
A dermatologist also will want to know what kinds of treatments you’ve already tried.
They’ll want to rule out other potential diagnoses, likeperioral dermatitis, that require different treatments.
How to Treat Acne Papules
There are plenty of options to treat acne papules.
The treatment that is best for you depends on the severity of your acne.
Spot treatments only heal pimples after they’re already on the skin.
Over-the-counter acne productswith the above ingredients can be helpful for mild breakouts.
You should keep your face clean without overdoing it (twice daily is fine).
You also can consider:
Try not to touch your face and any acne papules you have.
It can help sores to heal and prevent acne from spreading.
Acne papules differ from nodules in how painful they are and how difficult they are to treat.
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