Inflamed Papules

Inflamed Papules are small solid rounded bumps rising from the skin that can cause severe acne scars.These lesions represent an advanced inflammatory stage of acne.


Papules result from a high break in the follicle wall, causing bacteria and dead skin cells to pour into the dermis.
The bacteria under the skin cause inflammation in the follicle.
These solid rounded bumps that rises from the skin, generally mesure less than 1 centimeter in diameter. They may be quite tender and red.

Papules do not contain pus, which distinguishes them from pustules, so they should not be popped. Doing so may cause a serious skin irritation and aggravate pimple while not having any effect on papules themselves (they don't contain anything that could be popped).
Scarring of the skin can result from these breakouts.


A papule often progresses to a pustule. Pustules are more severe than papules since they contain pus that is a sign of severe infection.

Treatment:

Don't pop a papule: you can cause severe scarring.

If acne is mild or occasional, I suggest a treatment with benzoyl peroxide creams or cleansers.

A warm compress may help. Apply a cotton ball or washcloth that is soaked in very warm water to the pimple until the cloth cools off, then dip it back in the water and repeat. This method works for some people to bring spots to a head quicker.

If you have numerous pustules, highly inflamed, or difficult to control,see your dermatologist for a prescription drug (Retin A, Accutane, Differin, Tazoraz etc...).

Sometimes the papules stay "dormant"; they are painful, big, red bumps that just don't seem to go away. Often the core of the pimple is so deep under the skin, that the spot just won't heal all the way. In this case, you might try going to a derm who does cosmetic surgeries and see if the spots can be extracted.

Return from "Inflamed Papules" to "Acne Scars"

Return from "Inflamed Papules" to "Acne Scar Removal"