Viral acne on the face

During the cold season, weakened immunity cannot fully fight pathogenic viruses and bacteria, which results in frequent colds. Cool and humid weather, drafts, and hypothermia lead not only to typical manifestations of viral infections (fever, cough, runny nose), but also cause colds, which are not at all easy to deal with.

Most often, such pimples form on the face and look very unsightly, worsening the appearance and causing discomfort for quite a long time. How they differ from ordinary acne, what internal problems their appearance indicates, and how to get rid of cold pimples on the face, we will tell you in this article.

Distinctive signs of cold acne

Cold pimples are one of the most painful and unpleasant subcutaneous neoplasms, which are difficult to combat. Such pimples appear gradually, first a compaction forms under the skin, which then develops into extensive inflammation. A painful bright red bump appears on the face, the skin around it is inflamed and swollen.

Unlike ordinary acne, a subcutaneous pimple does not have a top with purulent contents; it has a denser structure, so it is almost impossible to squeeze it out. Pus gradually accumulates inside the tumor as it matures. Subcutaneous pimples take a long time to mature; sometimes such formations on the skin can bother you for 1-2 weeks.

So, the characteristic features of cold acne are:

1. Appears in the cold season
2. Severe pain and extensive inflammation
3. Long aging period

Subcutaneous pimples on the face are difficult to disguise because they look like a rather large, convex red growth. When trying to squeeze out a pimple, the situation can be complicated by extensive inflammation and other unpleasant manifestations. Pus along with pathogenic bacteria can penetrate into the blood and then the infection will quickly spread throughout the body. Therefore, if a painful cold pimple appears, it is better to consult a specialist who will explain how to cope with the problem and give recommendations on treatment methods and the use of medications.

Causes

The main factor provoking the appearance of painful rashes is decreased immunity. What causes the weakening of the body's defenses?

1. Colds and viral infections (ARVI, acute respiratory infections, influenza, sore throat, bronchitis)
2. Chronic diseases of the endocrine or digestive system
3. Foci of infection in the body
4. Nervous disorders, stress, depression
5. Hormonal imbalances
6. Gynecological diseases in women
7. Vitamin deficiencies, lack of essential nutrients, vitamins and microelements
8. Influence of external factors (cold, drafts)

Cold pimples are associated with many internal pathologies of the body, and their location on the face may indicate possible health problems. There is even a certain scheme that connects the area of ​​pimple formation with a specific internal organ:

On the lips. A painful tumor may be the result of infectious diseases, hypothermia, or the habit of licking lips.

On the forehead. Localization of acne in this area may indicate chronic intoxication and intestinal problems and indicate that the body needs cleansing. If rashes appear along the hairline, this indicates problems with the gallbladder.

On the chin. If a cold pimple appears on the chin, this may indicate chronic problems with the stomach and intestines.

On the head. The appearance of pimples is caused by infectious diseases, hormonal disorders, and hypothermia. The tumor causes discomfort and causes headaches.

On the nose. This area contains many sweat and sebaceous glands, which is why the skin on the nose is oily. This creates a favorable environment for the occurrence of acne, and increases the risk of their formation after a cold.

If the appearance of colds is caused by pathologies of internal organs, then first of all you should fight these diseases. Only by eliminating the main cause causing decreased immunity will it be possible to effectively cope with the skin problem.

Treatment of colds with medications

Let's look at how to cure a cold pimple on the face with the help of medications. If pimples appear regularly, it is recommended to undergo a medical examination and find out the reason causing their appearance. These could be problems with the endocrine, digestive, or nervous systems, which will require qualified help from specialists to eliminate. The following remedies are recommended for treating acne at home:

1. Treatment with antiseptics. At the first signs of trouble (redness of the skin, soreness), the developing pimple should be treated daily with antiseptic solutions. This will limit the spread of the inflammatory process. For these purposes, you can use boric acid, salicylic or medical alcohol, iodine. Antiseptics are applied pointwise, directly treating the source of inflammation, which helps destroy pathogenic bacteria, prevents the development of complications and the addition of a secondary infection.
2. Vishnevsky ointment. This is a reliable and affordable drug, the effectiveness of which has been tested by time. The ointment contains only natural ingredients: birch tar, xenoform, castor oil. Thanks to this, the drug has virtually no contraindications, except for hypersensitivity reactions and individual intolerance to its components. The use of ointment promotes the rapid maturation of a cold pimple, its opening and removal of pus. The drug should be used in the form of compresses, the procedure is best done before bedtime. Apply a thick layer of ointment onto a gauze pad, apply it to the pimple and secure it with an adhesive bandage, leaving it overnight. In the morning, the bandage is removed, and the pimple is treated with antiseptic solutions. After 1-2 procedures, the pimple will be fully formed and burst with the release of pus. Further use of the ointment will draw out the remaining purulent contents from the wound and speed up the healing of damaged skin. The drug is safe, inexpensive, but has a significant drawback - a strong, specific odor that does not dissipate for a long time. Many people cannot stand this smell, so they refuse to use the ointment.
3. Ichthyol ointment. A natural product based on ichthyol and petroleum jelly. It has an antiseptic and bactericidal effect, quickly copes with the manifestations of the inflammatory process. Unlike Vishevsky's ointment, this drug cannot accelerate the ripening of acne, but is able to quickly draw out pus and speed up healing. Therefore, it is better to apply the medication to a mature pimple. The procedure for use is similar to using Vishnevsky ointment. A compress with ointment is applied to the lesion, secured with a band-aid and left overnight. Ichthyol ointment also has a strong tar smell, so it is not suitable for everyone.

Cold pimples often appear on problem skin, which is characterized by excessive production of sebaceous secretions. Sebum clogs pores and creates a favorable breeding ground for the proliferation of various pathogenic microorganisms. They cause inflammation and contribute to the formation of colds. In this case, ointments with an antibacterial effect will provide effective assistance, which will destroy pathogenic bacteria, relieve inflammation, and have an antiseptic and analgesic effect.

1. Levomekol. Ointment with antibacterial action based on methyluracil and chloramphenicol. The drug quickly relieves inflammation, fights pathogenic microflora and promotes rapid healing of the wound left after opening a pimple. At the initial stage, when an abscess forms, you can apply a thin layer of ointment several times a day, treating the lesion and the skin around it. After opening the pimple, you can apply bandages with levomekol, this will help quickly clear the wound of pus and prevent complications.
2. Syntomycin ointment. Cold pimples are very painful, so syntomycin ointment can be used to treat the neoplasm. The drug contains the anesthetic lidocaine (which will quickly relieve pain) and the antibiotic chloramphenicol (effectively eliminating pathogenic microorganisms). The use of ointment will reduce the inflammatory process, eliminate discomfort, improve well-being and speed up healing. The drug is used to treat acne several times a day, according to the instructions for use of the medication.
3. Baziron AS. This is a healing gel with pronounced antibacterial properties. The drug not only effectively copes with pathogenic microflora, but also regulates the production of sebum, which eliminates sebaceous plugs and destroys the nutrient medium that provokes the appearance of acne. The gel is recommended to be applied to the affected areas in the morning and evening; the drug is quickly absorbed, does not leave greasy marks and does not have an unpleasant odor.

To strengthen the body and increase its defenses, during treatment it is recommended to take multivitamin complexes containing the necessary set of vitamins and microelements.

Important Tips

When treating colds, it is strictly forbidden to:

1. Under no circumstances should you squeeze a pimple. In this regard, colds on the face are especially dangerous, since when pathogenic microorganisms penetrate the blood, the infection easily spreads throughout the body and can penetrate the brain. This can lead to serious consequences and life-threatening complications. Squeezing pimples can lead to another cosmetic problem - the appearance of scars or scars, which are then difficult to get rid of.
2. Cold pimples should not be steamed or wet compresses applied to speed up ripening. This can lead to further spread of inflammation.
3. If you have cold acne on your face, you should not use scrubs to cleanse your skin, wipe your face with ice cubes, or do a peeling procedure.

It is not recommended to touch an inflamed pimple with your hands or try to disguise it with a thick layer of cosmetics. Before using, wash your hands thoroughly. You should wash your face with cool water and after water procedures, do not rub your face with a towel, but gently pat your skin dry with soft paper napkins.

At home, you can do procedures using traditional recipes. They will help relieve inflammation, speed up the maturation and opening of the pimple, and will help reduce pain and discomfort. Before using any product, consult your doctor and check the contraindications.

1. Lotions. A cold pimple can be treated with herbal decoctions (chamomile, St. John's wort, sage, celandine). These medicinal plants have antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, help reduce inflammation and relieve unpleasant symptoms. You can wipe the inflamed skin with a green tea-based product. To do this, green tea is mixed with lemon juice and the resulting liquid is used to treat a cold pimple.
2. Compresses. Compresses based on fresh vegetables will help relieve inflammation. You can grate raw potatoes on a fine grater, add a little liquid honey, place the resulting mass on a gauze napkin and apply to the affected area for 20-30 minutes. The same compress can be made using carrots, cucumbers, or apples.
3. A decoction of valerian and mint has a calming effect. It can be taken orally or used to wipe the affected skin. To prepare the remedy, mix 1 tbsp. spoon of crushed valerian root and mint leaves. The plant material is poured into 400 ml of boiling water and left until the liquid has cooled completely. Then the broth is filtered and drunk 50 ml several times a day or used for lotions.
4. White clay masks will help reduce inflammation. Clay powder is diluted with a small volume of warm boiled water until smooth and of medium thickness and applied to previously cleansed skin. The mask is left on the face until completely dry, then washed off.

Prevention measures

To avoid encountering colds, it is necessary to take preventive measures.

1. Try to avoid hypothermia in the cold season and being in drafts in the heat.
2. Avoid excessive sweating. After intense exercise, shower and dry your skin thoroughly. Do not go outside in a sweaty state; in windy weather you will easily get wet and the risk of developing colds will increase significantly.
3. Skin requires daily care and cleansing. Wipe your face with tonics and lotions, eliminate increased sebum secretion. This will help avoid the appearance of sebaceous plugs and reduce the risk of acne formation.
4. Lead a healthy and active lifestyle, give up bad habits. Temper yourself, engage in various sports, visit the pool, take long walks in the fresh air.
5. Follow a healthy dairy-vegetable diet. Avoid eating spicy, salty, fatty foods, sweets, give up fast food and sweet carbonated drinks. All these products have an extremely negative effect on the condition of the skin.
6. Treat diseases of internal organs in a timely manner, undergo annual medical examinations and identify foci of chronic infection in the body. This will help avoid immune system disorders.
7. Avoid stress and psycho-emotional stress, follow a daily routine, try to fully rest and get enough sleep.
8. Strictly observe the rules of personal hygiene. Do not try to squeeze out pimples, as this can lead to scarring and unwanted complications. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling rashes to prevent the spread of infection.
9. Monitor your health and take multivitamin complexes to strengthen your immune system. This will help maintain defenses and provide the body with necessary vitamins and minerals.

Hypothermia is one of the factors that provokes colds on the face. Inflammatory skin rashes cause not only aesthetic discomfort, but also cause pain. Cold pimples on the face, the treatment of which must be carried out in a timely manner, first require the establishment of the main cause that caused their appearance.

Main provoking factors

The appearance of cold pimples on the face in most cases is caused by a weakened immune system. A decrease in the body's protective functions leads to the proliferation of pathogenic staphylococcal microflora on the skin. Staphylococci are activated and provoke a purulent-inflammatory process. Most often this process is observed during a cold.

A weakened immune system can be caused by the following reasons:

1. impaired metabolism;
2. chronic gastrointestinal pathologies;
3. endocrine disorders;
4. immunodeficiency;
5. infectious diseases;
6. taking hormonal medications;
7. long-term antibiotic therapy.

The slightest hypothermia of the skin against the background of the above-mentioned disorders in the body leads to the appearance of single, and in more severe cases, multiple colds, which are localized not only on the face (nose, chin, ear, neck, cheeks), but also on the body (most often in forearm area).

Clinical picture of cold acne

Cold pimples resemble cone-shaped congestive-hyperemic nodules in appearance, which stand out significantly above the surface of the skin.
Around the source of inflammation there is swelling of the skin, redness, and pain in the affected area. The resulting large red pimple may acquire a bluish tint.

After a few days, a purulent head may appear on the surface, from which, upon opening, purulent-blood masses are released. After a cold pimple resolves, when the deep layers of the epidermis are affected, scars form.

Single cold pimples on the body do not disrupt the patient’s normal lifestyle. Body temperature and general health remain normal. When an inflammatory process occurs on the face, even in the case of isolated rashes, an increase in temperature and intoxication of the body, manifested in the form of headaches, can be observed. Most often, such symptoms are provoked by a popping up cold pimple on the nose, wings of the nose, in the area of ​​the nasolabial triangle or in the ear.

The danger of colds

Doctors do not recommend squeezing cold pimples, as they can cause serious complications, including:

1. infection of internal organs and tissues;
2. thrombophlebitis of facial veins;
3. meningitis;
4. meningoencephalitis.

The most serious complication that squeezing out cold rashes can lead to is sepsis (blood poisoning), which often leads to death.

Ways to treat cold acne

Before deciding how to treat colds, you should identify and eliminate the causes that caused them.

General therapeutic measures include eliminating the inflammatory process, destroying pathogenic microflora, reducing the risk of scar formation and scarring, and strengthening the immune system.

To cure colds on the face and prevent their recurrence, you may need complex treatment, which includes the following measures:

1. treatment with local antiseptics;
2. use of pulling ointments;
3. taking antibiotics;
4. use of immunostimulants;
5. physiotherapy.

As an addition to the main treatment, a diet for acne is relevant, which is a complete, balanced diet that helps strengthen the immune system and fight inflammation on the skin.

Local antiseptics

The use of local antiseptics is very important during the period of cold acne. Their use helps stop the further spread of the inflammatory process and reduce its intensity. The following local drugs are used as antiseptics:

1. boric alcohol;
2. salicylic alcohol;
3. tincture of calendula.

The affected areas are carefully wiped without pressure with one of the above-mentioned antiseptics 3-4 times a day until the inflammatory process subsides.

Antibacterial ointments

When the use of antiseptics for colds is ineffective, it is recommended to use antibacterial ointments, which include:

These drugs have high activity against staphylococci. They suppress the proliferation of pathogenic microflora and lead to the subsidence of the inflammatory process in the affected tissues, promoting their faster regeneration.

Syntomycin ointment, which is often prescribed for colds and painful pimples, has an antibacterial and at the same time anesthetic effect. It helps relieve discomfort and speeds up the healing process.

Pulling ointments

To more quickly resolve the inflammatory process in the skin, you can use pulling ointments. This category of drugs includes:

1. Ichthyol ointment;
2. Levomekol;
3. Vishnevsky ointment.

Until the pimple core appears, apply a bandage with Levomekol or Ichthyol ointment at night. To do this, apply the product pointwise to the affected areas on clean, dry skin, apply a gauze bandage on top and fix it with a band-aid. After opening the pimple, the inflamed area is treated with hydrogen peroxide and Vishnevsky ointment is applied to draw out the remaining infiltrate.

Antibiotic therapy

Before treating colds with antibacterial drugs, you must consult a dermatologist and undergo all the necessary tests to determine the sensitivity of pathogenic microorganisms to antibiotics. The following medications are most often used to treat cold rashes:

1. Unidox Solutab;
2. Amoxicillin;
3. Doxycycline.

The dosage and duration of treatment depends on the severity of the inflammatory process in the dermis and other individual characteristics. Treating rashes with antibiotics without identifying the cause can lead to serious complications and deterioration of the skin.

Immunostimulants

Taking immunostimulants during the treatment of colds will help the body quickly overcome the inflammatory process in the skin. This category of drugs includes vitamins and probiotics.

Vitamin complexes containing zinc, ascorbic acid, vitamins B, A and E are indicated for use. These elements play an important role for skin health and are involved in the metabolic processes of the epidermis. They are contained in the required quantities in the following vitamin and mineral complexes:

It is known that it is a deficiency of vitamins A and E that often provokes acne. In this case, the drug Aevit is prescribed, which should only be prescribed by a doctor.

Probiotics help restore the balance of beneficial and pathogenic flora in the body. They strengthen the immune system and normalize the condition of the intestines, problems with which can also lead to acne.

Physiotherapy

For cold pimples on the face and body, physiotherapy is an effective treatment method. The most effective physiotherapy procedures include:

With the help of the above procedures, local blood circulation is improved, local metabolic processes are accelerated, and local immunity is strengthened. Physiotherapy sessions also help prevent scarring after inflammatory elements on the skin resolve.

Diet therapy

Proper nutrition will help strengthen the body's protective functions and speed up the healing process. The patient's diet should be as balanced as possible. Mandatory products for daily consumption are vegetables, fruits, nuts, herbs, lean meats, dairy and fermented milk products.

As drinks, it is recommended to use fruit drinks and compotes based on cranberries, lingonberries and currants. They help replenish the body's vitamin C levels and strengthen the immune system.

It is recommended to reduce or completely eliminate the consumption of fried, fatty, smoked and spicy foods. Alcoholic drinks must be removed from the diet, regardless of their strength and dose.

Traditional medicine

Traditional medicine can be used as an auxiliary therapy. Rubbing the affected areas with a decoction of chamomile, sage, and calendula will help reduce inflammation. An aloe compress helps relieve inflammation and eliminate pain. A cut leaf of the plant is applied to the inflamed area overnight and fixed with a plaster. The procedure is repeated daily until the eel matures.

Tea tree oil is another remedy that relieves inflammation, reduces redness, swelling and pain in the affected area. It is applied pointwise to problem areas up to 4-5 times a day.

Washing and taking baths with sea salt helps reduce the activity of pathogenic flora and reduce the inflammatory process.

In order to strengthen the immune system for oral administration in folk medicine, it is recommended to use decoctions of nettle, sea buckthorn or echinacea. Plant components have a rich vitamin composition, increase the body's protective functions, and remove waste and toxins.

Skin care during treatment

During the treatment of inflammatory rashes on the face, careful hygiene should be observed, cleansing the skin of excess sebum and impurities. The use of scrubs and peeling procedures is not permitted. Also, during an inflammatory process, cosmetics should not be applied to the skin of the face.

It is recommended to wash your face with cool water and use products containing triclosan and salicylic acid.

You should not touch the inflamed areas with your hands to avoid further spread of skin infection.

Steaming and squeezing cold acne on the face is prohibited, as this can lead to the spread of infection to internal organs and tissues.

Preventive measures

The main preventative measures that can reduce the risk of acne colds are as follows:

1. strengthening immunity;
2. avoiding hypothermia;
3. thorough care of the skin of the face and body.

An equally important role in prevention is played by proper nutrition and timely treatment of internal pathologies.

If cold acne is a frequent occurrence, you need to visit a dermatologist and undergo the necessary tests to determine the causes. Diagnosis of a skin disease will help prescribe the correct treatment and prevent the recurrence of inflammatory processes on the skin.

Cold pimples on the face appear in people with severely weakened local immunity, and even in those who carefully monitor and care for their skin.

Such formations cause not only external discomfort, but are also accompanied by pain. There are several effective ways to treat acne when you have a cold on your face.

How to recognize cold acne

The formation of subcutaneous formations occurs in several stages:

1. A compaction forms under the upper layer of the dermis.
2. Subsequently, under the influence of negative factors, a strong inflammatory process begins in this area.

A person can independently diagnose the appearance of acne: in appearance they resemble small bumps, the skin acquires a reddish tint. When pressing, pain is felt.

It is important to note that colds differ from regular ones in that they cannot simply be squeezed out. In the case of ordinary acne, the contents are easily removed by squeezing; cold pimples have a denser structure. The maturation of such formations occurs from 7 to 14 days. A photo of cold pimples is shown below.

Provoking factors

Patients often wonder why such formations appear on the face? First of all, this is due to the weakening of local immunity.

Experts identify the following reasons:

1. private colds;
2. disturbances in the functioning of the digestive system;
3. hormonal imbalance (thyroid disease, problems with the adrenal glands, etc.);
4. frequent stress and nervous tension;
5. ovarian dysfunction in women.

Very often, such formations appear on the face of people who do not follow the rules of personal hygiene: insufficient cleansing of the face leads to clogged pores on the skin.

Over time, an inflammatory process begins there. People with oily skin are at risk. It is very important to monitor your diet; an excess of junk food also leads to the appearance of cold pimples on the face.

Differences from regular acne

If pimples appear on the skin, how can you determine that they are a cold? The main distinctive features are:

1. their appearance is observed in the cold season;
2. they are always very painful;
3. their ripening period is several times longer than that of ordinary pimples.

Such formations cannot be covered with foundation or other decorative cosmetics, this will further aggravate the situation.

Locations

It is worth noting that such inflammation tubercles can appear even in a child. From the location of the rash one can judge about disturbances in the functioning of a particular organ:

1. rashes on the forehead indicate problems with the intestines or a chronic infectious process in the body;
2. formations on the lips appear due to banal hypothermia;
3. pimples on the nose or inside the nostrils indicate an acute stage of a respiratory disease. This area is characterized by a high content of sebaceous glands, so the entry of pathogenic microorganisms occurs at lightning speed;
4. acne appears on the scalp due to hormonal imbalance or severe hypothermia;
5. acne on the chin indicates problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

Only a dermatologist can find out the exact cause and make a diagnosis after conducting a comprehensive examination of the patient. The acne treatment regimen directly depends on this.

Treatment methods

Your doctor will advise you on how to treat these rashes, based on the root cause of this condition. Such internal formations are difficult and time-consuming to treat, so the patient needs to be patient and follow all medical recommendations.

Taking medications

Patients are interested in how to remove the hated red bumps from the face. In order to quickly get rid of the problem, you can cauterize the pimple with hydrogen peroxide or an alcohol solution of iodine.

They have an antiseptic effect, relieve inflammation and kill pathogenic microflora. When carrying out such procedures, you need to be very careful so as not to dry out the skin.

Vishnevsky ointment is considered the most effective and proven remedy. It helps relieve the inflammatory process in a short time; with regular use, purulent discharge comes out on its own.

A positive result is indicated by the use of salicylic or boric alcohol. For rashes on the lips, it is advisable to use antiviral agents Trichopolum, Lakri, chatterboxes, etc. Your doctor will help you suggest what to apply to cold pimples. You should not self-medicate, as this will provoke the development of unwanted complications.

If the rash is severe, the patient is prescribed antibiotic treatment. External means are most often used. The most common ointments are Tetracycline, Levomekol and Zenerit. Baziron will help get rid of excess subcutaneous fat.

It also has an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect. To strengthen the immune system, a complex of vitamins and immunomodulators is prescribed. If the cause of the appearance of such formations is problems with internal organs or hormonal imbalances, then the doctor prescribes appropriate medications for therapy.

ethnoscience

Many patients are interested in how to get rid of rashes on their own. Treatment with folk remedies is aimed at cleansing the skin, stopping the inflammatory process and preventing the development of an infectious process.

The most common recipes are:

1. daily rubbing of the affected areas with decoctions of medicinal herbs (chamomile, calendula, St. John's wort, etc.);
2. pimples are lubricated with tea tree essential oil several times a day;
3. masks based on white clay, etc.

It is strictly forbidden to use warm compresses. This will intensify the inflammatory process and lead to serious complications.

Prevention measures

It is easy to prevent the appearance of such skin rashes; doctors recommend doing the following:

1. cleanse the skin daily;
2. strengthen general immunity;
3. eat a balanced diet;
4. avoid stress or nervous tension;
5. do not squeeze existing pimples on the face;
6. avoid hypothermia;
7. Visit your doctor regularly and take the necessary tests.

When such formations appear, it is forbidden to squeeze them out. You need to immediately contact a specialist who will select an effective treatment regimen.

Conclusion

The appearance of cold pimples on the face indicates the development of a pathological process in the body. The reason is weakened immunity or pathology of internal organs.

Such formations cause severe discomfort in everyday life and require mandatory medical treatment. Delaying the situation leads to the development of unwanted complications.