Hey everyone,
I don't usually make my own posts, as I often find the information I'm looking for in other people's threads. However, I can't seem to find a reliable diagnosis for my issue anywhere, let alone a treatment. Bit of backstory; I'm 18yo atm I've had very, very mild acne since about 13 (as in, barely one or two minor spots every fortnite or so, very lucky I know), and over time I've had enough spots to know when and when not to try and squeeze/pick them, and for the most part any acne I have comes and goes within a few days.
Recently, though, I've been getting more severe acne. I've had 4/5 of these spots formed on my forehead and cheek area in the last week or so: It starts similarly to a cystic spot, with a hard and painful lump under the skin, gradually getting bigger until it sprouts into an ugly engorged red sore. Unlike cystic spots, these never seem to come to a head (and I'm talking weeks without any real change in appearance).
I'm a sucker for squeezing spots, and I try many times out of sheer frustration to squeeze them because it appears they have formed a whitehead. Instead of all the sebum and nasty stuff coming out like a usual whitehead, only clear, runny liquid comes out (most likely serous fluid??). Afterwards, the spot becomes even more inflamed and painful, and doesn't seem to be healing at all. There's no evidence of any of the usual thicker discharge which is usually a sign of a successful squeeze (gross sorry)
Luckily, I've had clear skin for the majority of my teens, but I've got a pretty major modelling casting on Monday (it's Wednesday night as I write this), and I'm really doubtful these ****s will disappear by then. I've tried witch hazel, toothpaste, benzoyl peroxide, the lot. Does anyone else have any similar experiences with this kind of acne? Any help is SO appreciated, thanks !