Blemishes can occur on the face due to infection or irritation of the skin. Acne can create several different types of blemishes on the skin, including comedones, cysts and papules. Additionally, an ingrown hair can cause a small bump or blemish on the face after shaving. If a blemish is particularly painful, swollen or infected, a dermatologist can prescribe medication to remove it.
Papules
Papules are red, sensitive bumps that form on the face when a hair follicle becomes infected, states the Mayo Clinic. Papules are caused by an overproduction of sebum, which is an oil that is released from the hair follicle. Sebum can irritate the hair follicle. When the hair follicle becomes inflamed, it forms a papule. Papules are not to be confused with pustules, which have a white tip and are filled with pus. Papules can be treated with over-the-counter acne washes that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. If papules do not respond to over-the-counter treatments, a doctor can prescribe a topical medication, like a retinoid, or an oral medication like isotretinoin, to help stop papules from occurring on the skin.
Comedones
Comedones, which are also known as whiteheads and blackheads, are similar to papules in that an overproduction of sebum causes them. Comedones occur when sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria clog the hair follicle, forming a small plug. Open comedones contain a small, dark dot in the hair follicle. These open comedones are blackheads. When skin has closed over a comedone, it is called a whitehead. Whiteheads look like small, flesh-colored bumps on the skin. Comedones can be treated at home with over-the-counter acne washes containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. If the blemishes do not respond to these treatments, a doctor can prescribe a prescription medication.
Cysts
Cysts are large lumps filled with pus that form underneath the skin's surface. Cysts are often painful to the touch and can cause scars if they are squeezed. Loretta S. Davis, M.D., assistant professor of dermatology at the Medical College of Georgia, suggests leaving a cyst alone and getting it treated by a doctor. A doctor may prescribe a topical medication like tazarotene, or an oral medication like isotretinoin if cysts are frequent and persistent. If the cyst is isolated, the dermatologist may lance the cyst to remove pus, or inject it with hydrocortisone to reduce swelling.
Ingrown Hairs
Ingrown hairs are small, swollen bumps that can appear on a man's chin or neck due to shaving. After shaving, hairs that are coarse or curly may grow back into the skin, causing a small blemish. To remove an ingrown hair from the skin that is still partially exposed, sterilize a needle with rubbing alcohol and gently pull the hair out of the skin, suggests dermatologist, Rodney Basler, M.D. For a hair that is hidden deep under the skin's surface, Dr. Basler suggests applying a cold compress to the area for several minutes until the hair is visible. In extreme cases, a dermatologist can remove the ingrown hair using electrolysis, which will permanently remove the hair follicle and prevent the hair from growing back.
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