Getting rid of hard, nodular acne is a slow process
Nodular acne is the mostsevere typeof inflammatory acne.
It causes solid, painful bumps deep within the skin that require professional treatment.
Even with treatment, the nodules can last for weeks or months and often scar.
Verywell / JR Bee
Instead, treatments like oral prescription medications and cortisone shots are needed to get breakouts under control.
Nodular acne is also known as nodulocystic acne and severe acne vulgaris.
What Does Nodular Acne Look and Feel Like?
On the surface, a nodule can look pink or red.
The bumps are bigger than typical pimples and can be quite painful.
You may get just a few nodules, but they are often more widespread.
Can You Drain or Pop Nodular Acne?
you could’t “pop” acne nodules like regular pimples because they are not filled with fluid.
The lump you feel is infected and inflamed tissue.
Though it may be tempting, leave acne nodules alone.
Squeezing or picking at them candamage your skin and worsen the breakouts.
What Causes Acne Nodules?
For example, some people with acne find that avoiding dairy or following a low-glycemic diet may help.
Risk Factors
Anyone can get nodular acne, but there seems to be agenetic component.
If your parents or siblings had acne nodules, you’re more likely to get them.
Nodular acne is more common in young males.
Teens and young adult males often get acne nodules on their faces and bodies.
Adult females often get nodular acne on their jawline, chin, and neck.
The acne may get worse right before a person starts theirmenstrual period.
Treating Nodular Acne
Unfortunately, nodular acne won’t go away overnight.
It can take at least three or four months of active treatment to see improvement.
Oral Medication
Your healthcare provider may recommend certain oral medications to treat your nodular acne.
Cortisone Injections
Cortisone injectionscan treat a single painful acne nodule.
The injections can help the nodule heal faster, but they won’t clear up nodular acne breakouts.
you could ask your provider if they would recommend them in your case.
Does Nodular Acne Scar?
Acne nodules are so deep in your skin that they can scareven if you don’t pick at them.
If having nodular acne is making you self-conscious, reach out for support.
Related Conditions
Some types of acne are similar to nodular acne.
A dermatologist is the best healthcare provider to diagnose and help you manage nodular acne.
You will need treatment, including prescription oral medication.
Be patientthese treatments can take months to work.
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