One Response for "ways to get rid of and prevent acne nodules?"

1. eyinpcb June 28th, 2009 at 12:05 am 1

   Nodules develop when the skin is unable to excrete the oils it produces naturally and they harden and build up under the surface. Cut off from the air, the skin swells up and gets infected, red and eventually produces pus (which is probably when you squeeze it, breaking the surface and introducing oxygen into the wound, which kills the bacteria, that's why it heals pretty fast once popped).

   It may not excrete the oils properly for one of three reasons, hormones is the most common. The size of the oil gland pores are controlled by hormones. When your hormones are out of whack, it makes the pores shrink or expand causing problems, which is why most people get acne during adolescence, your hormones are changing.
   The second is genetics. Some people's skin just doesn't properly eject the oil, and they get cystic acne, often into their later years. This doesn't happen to most people, and a quick look at your parents skin will tell you whether that's what you've got going on.
   The third is that the oil gets stuck on the surface with dirt or markup and hardens, blocking the pores. This is what you're trying to prevent by washing. However, over washing strips the skin of the oil barrier on your face that's necessary to keep the water from evaporating out of your skin. In turn, your skin starts producing oil constantly to make up for it, and if its producing too much, it may be getting gunked up in the pores.
   I'd dump the cetaphil, its too severe (I tried it years ago, it never worked for me) and use a cream cleanser (i'd recommend clean and clear, its been working for me). Remember it could take several weeks for your skin to reach a new equilibrium.

   If after 6 weeks its still not working out, its probably hormones. See a dermatologist if you need to, but know that it'll all sort itself out around 18 years old.

   Also, birthcontrol can help it, if you're old enough to consider it.

   If its still bothering you,