"Why Are There Red, Hard Lumps on My Face That Resemble Pimples But Lack Pus?"

Acne generally refers to pimples, with red and hard lumps on the face. Although they resemble pimples, they do not contain pus. These may primarily be closed comedones, scars, or insect bite dermatitis. Treatment typically involves the use of medications that dissolve keratin, anti-scar medications, and anti-inflammatory and anti-itch medications, respectively.

1. Closed Comedones

Closed comedones occur due to excessive sebum production that accumulates in the hair follicle opening, preventing normal excretion and leading to sebum buildup. They generally present with mild inflammation and no pus, but upon rupture, they release a white, curd-like substance and heal slowly. Treatment often involves applying keratin-dissolving medications such as tretinoin cream, adapalene gel, and tazarotene cream.

2. Scars on the Face

Scars on the face commonly develop after acne, possibly due to manually popping the pimples, leading to local skin infection and scarring. In such cases, external application of anti-scar medications like silicone gel, compound heparin sodium urocanic acid gel, and polysulfated mucopolysaccharide cream can be used for treatment.

3. Insect Bite Dermatitis

Insect bite dermatitis on the face results from bites by certain insects, commonly occurring in summer and autumn, particularly at night. Children's faces are more prone to these bites, as they cause localized allergic reactions due to insect venom. For facial insect bite dermatitis, it is recommended to use mild anti-inflammatory and anti-itch medications like calamine lotion, boric acid zinc oxide borneol ointment, and flufenamic acid butyl ester ointment.