Do you have huge and painful pimples that just won’t go away? That’s nodular acne. It’s a lot harder to treat than other breakouts because they stay deep under the skin surface. You can’t push them out like a blackhead, or dry them out with a spot treatment. If you pop them, you could get severe scars.

How is nodular acne different from other kinds of breakouts?

All acne is basically a clogged pore. Dermatologists call these comedones. (That’s why some skincare is labeleld as non-comedogenic or won’t clog pores.)

  • Whiteheads and blackheads are just at the surface. The only difference between the two is blackheads is partially exposed to air, so the tip burns black because of oxidation.
  • Papules/Postules are your everyday pimples. They’re swollen and red, because of a slight infection. You’re not supposed to pop them, but if you do, some pus may come out.
  • Nodular acne are large, inflamed bumps that feel firm to the touch. You can’t pop them even if you tried, because they’re just so deep into the skin. Besides, they’re so painful that pressing them makes you want to cry!

Since nodular acne is deep in the skin, they won’t respond to topical acne products. They stay there for weeks, even months. Over time, they become harder and more stubborn.

nodular acne treatment

Why am I getting these kinds of pimples?

Rest assured it’s not your fault. Nodular acne isn’t caused by bad skincare or even eating oily food. It’s hormones and genetics. If your parents had this skin problem, you’re likely to develop it too.  (Thanks, Mom.)

Here’s what’s happening to your skin:

All acne can be traced back to overactive oil glands that lead to your pores getting clogged up with dead skin cells and acne-causing bacteria. But since your hormones can make the chemical makeup of your skin oil thicker than average, you can be more prone to zits than other people.  Very often, people who develop nodular acne have cystic acne too. They can be the same color as your skin (you just basically have a deep, painful bump) or be red or purple.

Nodular acne can develop on your face, back and chest. They can get worse right before your period or whenever your hormones are imbalanced  — like during pregnancy or while taking some kinds of prescription meds. Diet won’t cause acne, but it can make it worse (more on that later).

How do I treat nodular acne?

You need to see a Singapore dermatologist or Singapore skincare clinic. They can offer different ways of treating severe acne much faster and more efficiently than your usual acne products. This includes:

  • Prescription-strength creams that contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or retinoids to clear out pores and control oil
  • Oral antibiotics to reduce inflammation while waiting for creams to work
  • Oral birth control that is known for controlling acne as a positive side effect. Not all birth control can fix acne. Ask for one that contains ethinylestradiol plus one of the following: drospirenone, norgestimate or norethindrone.
  • Acne drainage and extraction
  • Acne injections
  • Acne treatments like chemical peels, laser therapy, blue light therapy
skin care treatments for acne

What can I do to prevent or minimize nodular acne?

Quite honestly nodular acne is best treated by a professional, but there are some things you can do to support or enhance your doctor’s prescribed treatments.

  • Don’t pick your pimples! DYou’ll just cause scars that will need even more treatments to fade.
  • Avoid touching your face. It can be an unconscious habit (we’re guilty of that too!) but try to catch yourself and keep your hands busy when you’re thinking or fidgeting.
  • Start double cleansing and exfoliating. This clears out the dirt, makeup, oil and dead skin cells that could clog your pores. If you’re on prescription creams, ask your doctor what ingredients you should use and avoid. You don’t want to accidentally mix together chemicals that will cause inflammation or skin sensitivity.
  • Use clean towels and makeup tools. There’s loads of bacteria in your bath towel, makeup brushes and makeup sponges. Many skin care gurus recommend drying your face with paper towels. Wash brushes and sponges at least once a week, and leave them in the sun to dry.
  • Wear sunscreen religiously. Many prescription meds will make your skin sensitive to sun damage.
  • Cut down on sugar, refined carbs (such as white bread and pasta), and dairy. These affect hormones that are related to acne breakouts. Technically, food can’t cause acne if you’re not predisposed to it to begin with. It’s not like you eat potato chips and pizza and wake up with a pimple the next day. But if you’ve got an acne problem that’s being caused by an hormonal imbalance, your diet can make it go from “bad” to “worse.” If you’ve got nodular acne, you just need to be a bit more careful about what you eat, the way a diabetic would make a decision to count the carbs.

Find Singapore Aesthetic Clinics that offer Acne Treatments

Conquer nodular acne and severe acne right now! Browse Beauty Insider’s articles on the different Singapore treatments for acne and acne scars:

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