Hi everyone. I am dealing with the wound from an acne cyst I picked 5 days ago. It is about 1/2 in. in diameter, doesn't look inflammed and is almost flat (very slightly raised). The wound looks healthy, except it is almost white everywhere, but mostly in the center (the cyst is still there?). It is not bleeding. I've tried applying polysporin and a bandaid for 8-10 hours at a stretch, and when I remove the bandaid, the wound looks a little better, but the white patch is still there and it seems like skin isn't forming over it. Also, if I press the wound from the sides, clear liquid comes out (sorry this is disgusting).

It would be really nice if it could get significantly better by the day after tomorrow. With this in mind, would it be better to 1) keep treating it with polysporin+bandaid, 2) leave it dry (with or without bandaid?) or 3) get a needle and try to remove the remaining cyst.

I've done a lot of searching, but I can't tell whether keeping it dry or moist w/ antibiotic would be better for short term improvement. I've read conflicting info on this.

Thank you!

Do not, DO NOT pick it anymore. And anything topical- if it is a cyst will be useless. Just leave it and if it gets bigger go to a dermatologist. I've dealt with 2 ugly things living on my chin now for 3 months now, 3 cortisone shots later and it still remains.

When I was really desperate I tried poking a sterilized needle into it only causing it to become angered for quite some time after that. I also tried every store bought and home remedy topical solution and it never NEVER worked. So yah thats my advice

If its flat, youre lucky. That means you can cover it with makeup. I know it isnt healthy, but if it makes you comfy to face the world, its worth it in my book. Small open wounds often heal quickly with a bandaid. At night, it may heal faster if you dont have anything on it. But at the end of the day, just dont pick. It often ends up looking worse than it did before.

Thanks guys, I really appreciate it. I tried not to touch it today, and left it exposed. It is totally pink now (I can't believe it...) and flat. It's almost like the cyst disappeared!? I'm hoping it doesn't scar, because I usually don't.

I have tried makeup but I'm not sure how it works over a wound (am a guy) and I'm pretty sure I did an awful job last time. Would healing skin look weird in public? I'm not sure if I should conceal it or not.

I have tried makeup but I'm not sure how it works over a wound (am a guy) and I'm pretty sure I did an awful job last time. Would healing skin look weird in public? I'm not sure if I should conceal it or not.

That really depends on what your skin tone is. How dark are you? If you're dark and the wound is pink, then it's pretty noticable. But it also depends on where it is on your face. It's not as noticable to others as it is to you, and it's also not as bad. A half inch isn't too bad, so you don't have to worry too much.