are they the type of lumps which feel like they are full of fluid(?) start off small and grow bigger?

I feel your pain . I am dealing with 3 under skin bumps right next to each other and not going down . Bc they are cysts bp or topicals can't penetrate the infection deep enough . If you can feel it squishy and you move it around usually after a shower , then you can try what I do is lance it with a small needle and usually just blood that comes out but it goes away . This is only thing that's worked for me , but you have to do it when you feel there is liquid inside to r ease the swelling. Ice and then neosporin

Greetings Mr. Baker and Swole Mom,

I am sorry for taking so long to respond to your posts! I appreciate the questions and feedback. With respect to the questions:

Mr. Bakery, you correctly identified my most problematic acne issue. Generally speaking, 80% of my pimples go away on their own within a week (through spot treatment). However, many of my acne spots evolve in the way you described. They start off as smallish lumps and quickly develop into cyst-like bumps. After a week or two, they develop a partial head. Then they go away in about another two weeks. I am trying some topical creams including Cleocin and A-Alcortin. Two weeks ago I had another photofacial. My acne mostly receded except the pore that keeps expanding and deflating. The skin is flat but black. I cannot determine if it is sunspot, blackhead, clogged pore, scar, or something else. The dermatologist recommended I try BLU-U light treatment. I told him I did not want the Levulan. However, he thought it might be useful to see how my sensitive skin reacts to a treatment (without Levulan).

SwoleMom, your acne issue sounds exactly like mine (at least the truly problematic areas). The medication does not penetrate deep enough - and these are deep and painful. Photofacials help to some degree, but are expensive and fail to fully remove two spots. I thought about accutane but my dermatologist would likely say my problem is not severe enough for the risks. I have never lanced my spots, but occasionally, when the head is white/yellow I take a shower and then gently squeeze. The next time it expands I will see about having it drained and possibly injected. Also, I will ask about using a sterile needle. Gentle squeezing has never caused scarring. However, I currently have two blackish discolorations. The dermatologist did not say they were permanent scars, but suggested new meds and a trial with BLU-U light treatment. This treatment worries me due to the down time. I might try it without the Levulan.

These cysts are the worst ever , I am going to dermatologist and kinda anxious and nervous as to what they will say , hopefully accutane is not one option . My cysts expanded into 5 on my cheek and lasted a whole 6 days and only 1 ruptured on its own . It's looks like a balloon on my face it's literally the worse I have ever had . It could be the infection is so deep underneath the pores . Let me know if any of the blue light therapy works or any other type of laser works for you. How are the topicals helping ?

Greetings Swole Mom,

I am sorry you are afflicted with the same (or similar) condition. My own experience is that photofacials (intense-pulsed light) are worth the money. The cost can vary radically from provider to provider. My primary care doctor does 6 treatments for $600. However, I pay twice as much ($200/treatment) to have it done at my dermatologist's office. When I had my 1st treatment I paid $300. I recommend negotiating the price and seeing about package deals. It penetrates deep within the skin and treats sunspots, blood vessels, acne, aging spots, etc. You get minimal redness and soreness afterwards, but it lasts like 24 hours. After one treatment I saw noticeable results. I advise going online and looking at other patient's ratings of the treatment at a particular clinic. You want an experienced aesthetician/practicioner. Also, your skin color is an important consideration. People with dark skin are at possible risk for discoloration. I have white skin and have had no issues.

I will let you know how the BLU-U treatment (without Levulan works). You might get this covered by insurance depending upon a few factors. The drawback is downtime. I hope you find appropriate tx and experience clearer skin.

Sounds good I think lasers are pricier but have more an advantage targeting below the surface rather than topicals for the breakouts me and you get. I went to derm and of course says accurate is an option and was so nonchalant about it saying side effects are minimal .... ok no. Got monocycline 80mg for 6 weeks seems a long time to be on an antibiotic I don't think I will be on it that long that's gonna kill my gut. And also topical tazorac. My next option is the laser I also have had blue light when I would get glycolic peels done and it's helped with inflammation