Deep blackhead on DS's forehead. Ideas for removal

[sunshinechaser]

My DS is 14 and has started getting bumpy, slightly spotty skin as he's going through puberty. He had a raised bump on his forehead which has now fallen off but it's left a really deep black mark that I presume is a blackhead. He's a bit self conscious about it so I wondered if anyone had recommendations for skincare for teens that might help.
He currently uses Cerave blemish face wash that contains salicylic acid and niacinamide and applies salicylic acid lotion twice daily. This usually keeps his skin in good condition but not sure how long this will continue to work as his skin gets spottier with age.

I'd operate. I have some extremely pointy scalpels for work.

Vacuum nozzle on max first though.

Me too - not just lightly scratching the surface but really going in at an angle to root it out.. I'd pay to get my hands on it!!

I bought these sterile needles from Amazon which have a 0.3cm tip on them. He’s been poking the needle straight in and wiggling it about which I think looks agony but it’s made absolutely no difference. https://amzn.eu/d/4vmm9xl

You just need a beautician who will dig more…a scalpel would surely get it out?

They are the ones I use, I don't find it hurts at all. If he is fine with poking it, I would suggest he tries again from the side to get under the dirt, I bet it’s just a case of getting the right angle. Tweezers might help as well.

Just to add, the hydrocolloid patches (pimple/acne patches) that you can buy from Amazon, Boots etc are really good for healing and can help prevent scarring. If he has a good go at the blackhead and manages eventually to get it out, he can use the patches to heal it up really fast.

Oh really good to know @Spondoolies
though I don’t think that thing is ever coming out 😭

I can’t believe I’m getting into an online discussion about blackhead removal, but I’ve had a couple of glasses of wine so what the hell. I think you need suction. I have previously removed very stuck splinters with a big plastic syringe. I’m not sure if you can get them with a nozzle (or whatever you call the narrow end) that would be big enough to fit over it, but it’s worth looking into. Maybe veterinary supplies? Just place the end firmly over the top of the offending whatever it is, and pull the plunger out. Quickly works best for splinters, but you might want to start more gently for something on the face. Sorry if it’s been suggested already, I really don’t have it in me to read the whole thread to check.

You can get the blackhead suction tools but would still need to break the skin first

@ThreePointOneFourOneFiveNineI can’t believe how many responses I’ve had on this thread 😂 it’s been the most popular I’ve ever started. I wonder if an oral syringe would work??

Ah God love him. They’re so crippling self conscious at this age that I totally get that he wants it gone .
have a look at instagram. Loads of home remedies for stubborn blackheads

If you’re thinking about the calpol ones I think they probably aren’t big enough to create enough suction. You need a bigger chamber compared to hole diameter. I think mine is something like 50ml.

I can’t work out how to share it on my phone, but I found syringes up to 450ml on Amazon.

I don’t think a syringe will work unless it’s loose. It needs detaching from the skin all the way round the edges and then going at it to loosen it underneath, it will be firmly attached. Get under it and flick it out 👍

Magnesium paste? It draws out boils and things. Might work in this too.
www.mypharmacy.co.uk/product/magnesium-sulphate-paste-50g/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwzMi_BhACEiwAX4YZUGIc4NcVGHoR-BvS7ZXyqmo025fBQCCpARWL8Acg3UpMhGDdnHB0PRoCsbsQAvD_BwE

Ugh just read you’re a pharmacist so lord knows how we can help! 😂
Do you watch Dr Pimple Popper? When she gets old blackheads out they are dry and stuck fast. Watch a few videos to get some tips.

m.youtube.com/watch?v=-4lLVfraOeg

Thanks @greengreyblue I’m a hospital pharmacist so def not an expert in acne treatments! I’ll build up to watching that video-I watched the first few seconds and it totally grossed me out.

My brother used to use neat Hydrogen Peroxide on his really bad ones. Now I know you're a pharmacist, I can suggest this because A: you'll know what strength he could buy from a pharmacy and B: you'll understand why it's not usually a recommended treatment. He doesn't have any scarring though.

I’m guessing you could get hold of numbing cream for him so he will be more comfortable when you get popping! 😬. Really hope you can get it out.

Just a quick update if anyone is interested 😂
took DS to the GP which was quite embarrassing for just a solitary blackhead. She couldn’t really add anything unfortunately. She agreed it was a comedone but did find it strange that it had no punctum (I think this means no opening). It’s completely embedded under the skin. She said to keep going with the tretinoin and bring him back if anything changes. So we’ll keep going! I’m going to cancel the private dermatologist as I don’t think it’s worth it (he’s on the strongest topical treatment, he won’t need oral and the dermatologist doesn’t do surgery on under 17 year olds).

OF COURSE we're interested!
I'm with a PP on this, I'd be making a hole and digging it out from underneath.

Please give it a punctum.

So easy to do!

I’m actually begging you 🫠

@NoStyleLeft I/he has been sticking needles in it and wiggling them about for weeks now. It makes no difference! His skin isn’t like adult’s skin-his pores are invisible and there’s nothing to squeeze the black out of. I’d need to cut the skin with a scalpel which I’m obv not going to do and even if I did I don’t think it would budge anyway.

I’m invested too
my adult son has what I think is an ingrowing hair on his chin. Drives me nuts.

I wish there was a place that did this shit