Non-healing Pimple, Applied Salt Water. Can Benzoyl Peroxide Be Used?

Posted on Tue, 5 Jun 2012

Question: I have a pimple near my cheek that won't go away. It's been approximately 8-10 weeks and still hasn't healed. I have never popped or squeezed it. A couple of times the shower spray hit it and it became purplish. I actually saw my doctor several weeks ago and he said to get a pint of hot water and mix a teaspoon of salt in it and press it against the pimple and it would go away eventually. It hasn't worked. Anyway, I'm looking for suggestions on how to promote healing. Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Gaurang Krishna (1 hour later)

Hello,

Thanks for posting your query.

Tell me, if the lesion is still raised or is it just a red scar.

If it is flat and you cannot feel it as a raided lesion then, it is only a scar which will fade away with time.

If you can feel it, then it is still active.

It will be helpful if you can provide me with a picture of the lesion which you can attach on the space provided on the right side of the query page.

I will be able to give you a better advice then.

Thanks,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Gaurang Krishna (20 hours later)

The lesion is raised somwhat.

Here is a link to a picture (just scroll down a little)

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Answered by Dr. Gaurang Krishna (13 minutes later)

Hello,
Thanks for the follow up.

Thanks for the picture. The lesion is still active.

Apply a mild steroid cream once daily for a week.

It will help in reducing the inflammation. Then apply adapelene gel daily night for 2 weeks or so.

I strongly recoomend you to see a dermatologist personally before starting the treatment.

wishing you good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Radhika

Follow up: Dr. Gaurang Krishna (26 hours later)

Thank you for your comments. One more thing - it might be a little while for I can get appointment. Would it be okay to continue to use my benzoyl peroxide on the pimple or should I stop? Thanks again

Answered by Dr. Gaurang Krishna (2 minutes later)

Hello again,

You may as well continue using Benzoyl peroxide. It should help in healing in the meantime.

Hope I have answered your query.

Wishing you an early recovery.

Regards,

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E