Papule Acne in Edmonton: Causes, Treatments, Aftercare and More
Papules are a common type of inflammatory acne. These firm, red or flesh‑toned bumps form when a clogged pore ruptures beneath the surface and your immune system rushes in to fight bacteria. Understanding why papules form and how to treat them can help you achieve smoother, healthier skin.
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What Are Papules?
Papules are small, solid and inflamed bumps that rise above the surface of your skin. They typically measure less than 5 millimetres across and may appear cone‑shaped. Unlike pimples that have a white or yellow head, papules contain no visible pus. They can be the same colour as your skin or take on a reddish, brown or purplish hue and often feel tender when touched. Papules most commonly occur on the face, but they can also appear on your neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms. Because they are an inflammatory form of acne, papules tend to be more painful and noticeable than blackheads or whiteheads and may progress to pustules if left untreated.
Papules vs. Other Acne Lesions
While papules look similar to other blemishes, there are key differences. Papules are firm and lack a pus‑filled centre. When a papule fills with pus, it becomes a pustule. Nodules are deeper, larger and more painful than papules and often leave scars if untreated. Macules, on the other hand, are flat discoloured marks rather than raised bumps. Papules are not contagious and cannot be spread through contact.
Papule Treatment Summary
Cost And Pricing
Procedure Duration
Treatment benefits
Expected Results
Side Effects And Downtime
Discomfort and Pain Level
Why Do Papules Form?
Papules begin as clogged pores, also called comedones. When excess oil and dead skin cells build up inside a pore, bacteria on your skin feeds on this mixture and multiplies. If the wall of the clogged pore ruptures, the contents spill into the surrounding tissue. Your body mounts an inflammatory response to fight the invading bacteria, and a papule forms. Several factors contribute to this process:
- Bacteria: Cutibacterium (formerly Propionibacterium) acnes naturally lives on your skin and can proliferate inside clogged pores.
- Excess oil production: Overactive sebaceous glands produce more sebum, which can clog pores.
- Hormones: Androgens stimulate sebum production. Hormonal changes during puberty, menstrual cycles and pregnancy often trigger papules.
- Medications: Corticosteroids and anabolic steroids can increase oil production or alter skin turnover, raising your risk of papules.
- Triggers: Stress, diets high in refined sugar, and some medications can aggravate inflammatory acne. Genetics and family history also play a role.
Papules are most common in adolescents but can affect adults at any age. Because hormone levels fluctuate throughout life, many people experience papule flare‑ups well into their 30s and beyond.
Treatments for Papules
Successful papule treatment targets the underlying causes of clogged pores and inflammation. Most cases respond to a combination of gentle skincare, over‑the‑counter products and, when needed, prescription medications. Avoid squeezing or picking at papules; doing so can introduce bacteria, worsen inflammation and increase the risk of scarring.
At‑Home and Over‑the‑Counter Options
- Azelaic acid: Naturally derived from grains, azelaic acid kills bacteria and reduces swelling. It’s available in gels and creams.
- Benzoyl peroxide: A common OTC treatment that targets surface bacteria. Lower concentrations and wash formulations minimise irritation.
- Salicylic acid: A beta‑hydroxy acid that dissolves dead skin cells and helps prevent pores from clogging.
- Retinoids: Vitamin A derivatives like adapalene (Differin), tretinoin and tazarotene normalise skin cell turnover and break up microcomedones.
- Dapsone gel: An anti‑bacterial, anti‑inflammatory gel applied twice daily to reduce redness and swelling.
- Home remedies: Natural treatments such as diluted apple cider vinegar, green tea, honey, ice, lemon juice and tea tree oil may help calm inflammation. Always perform a patch test first and avoid remedies that irritate your skin.
Prescription and Professional Therapies
- Topical antibiotics: Clindamycin or erythromycin combined with benzoyl peroxide reduce bacteria and inflammation.
- Oral antibiotics: Tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline or minocycline) or macrolides (e.g., azithromycin) treat moderate to severe papules. They’re typically used for a limited time alongside topical treatments.
- Hormonal therapies: Birth control pills and anti‑androgens like spironolactone regulate hormones that contribute to papules in women.
- Chemical peels and microdermabrasion: Professional exfoliation removes dead skin cells and helps clear clogged pores. Glycolic and salicylic acid peels are particularly effective for papular acne.
- Light and laser therapies: Blue‑light therapy or laser treatments reduce bacteria and inflammation without medication.
- Combination treatment plans: Dermatologists often combine several therapies to address different aspects of papule formation.
If over‑the‑counter products haven’t improved your papules after several weeks, consult a dermatologist. They can recommend prescription treatments or in‑clinic procedures tailored to your skin type and the severity of your acne.
Benefits of Treating Papules
Clearer Skin and Improved Texture
Targeted treatments remove dead skin cells, reduce bacterial load and calm inflammation, leading to smoother, more even‑toned skin.
Preventing Progression and Scarring
Early intervention keeps papules from developing into pustules, nodules or cysts, reducing the risk of post‑inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring.
Low Downtime
Most papule treatments are non‑surgical and require little to no recovery time. You can continue your daily activities immediately after in‑clinic sessions.
Customisable Care
Every person’s skin is unique. Your provider can tailor a regimen that balances exfoliation, bacteria control and oil management according to your skin type and lifestyle.
Why Choose Albany Cosmetic & Laser Centre?
Our team understands how inflammatory acne can affect your confidence. We offer comprehensive assessments, state‑of‑the‑art treatments and personalised care plans to help you achieve clear, healthy skin. Reasons to choose us include:
- Experienced providers: Our dermatologists and medical aestheticians specialise in acne management and stay up‑to‑date on the latest advances.
- Advanced treatment options: We offer chemical peels, microdermabrasion, blue‑light therapy and combination protocols tailored to papular acne.
- Personalised plans: We tailor treatment plans to your skin type, lifestyle and budget, ensuring optimal results.
- Education and support: We teach you how to care for your skin at home to maintain and enhance your results.
- Transparent pricing: Upfront estimates and package deals make it easy to budget for your care. Members enjoy discounted rates on multi‑session packages.
Transparent Pricing
Our consultations include a full skin analysis and customised treatment plan. Papule treatment sessions start at approximately $100, and packages of three to six sessions are available at reduced rates. Ask about our membership program for additional savings.
The Papule Treatment Process at Albany
Preparing for Your Appointment
Stop using any harsh exfoliating products, such as scrubs or strong retinoids, 2–3 days before your appointment. Avoid tanning or heavy sun exposure, and come to your session with a clean, makeup‑free face. Let us know about any medications or supplements you’re taking and any changes in your health.
What to Expect During Treatment
Your practitioner will evaluate your skin, cleanse the treatment area and select the appropriate procedure. For mild papules, we may perform gentle extractions and apply a light chemical peel or microdermabrasion to clear clogged pores. Prescription topicals may be applied to active lesions. Treatments are typically comfortable; you may feel light tingling or slight pressure but no significant pain.
Aftercare and Recovery
After your session, wash your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser and moisturise with a non‑comedogenic cream. Avoid touching or picking at your skin and limit makeup for at least 24 hours. Protect your skin with broad‑spectrum sunscreen and avoid heavy, oily products that can clog pores. Mild redness or flaking is normal and usually resolves within a week. If you experience severe irritation or signs of infection, contact our office promptly.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Papule Treatment?
- Individuals with mild to moderate inflammatory acne characterised by papules.
- People who are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Clients without active skin infections, open wounds or recent sunburns.
- Those willing to follow a consistent skincare routine and avoid picking at lesions.
- Anyone seeking non‑surgical solutions and prepared for repeated sessions to maintain results.
If you have severe inflammatory acne, nodules or cysts, or if you are taking medications like isotretinoin, let us know during your consultation so we can adjust your treatment plan or refer you to a dermatologist.
Combining Papule Treatment with Other Procedures
Addressing papules often works best when combined with other skin therapies. We may recommend pairing your papule treatment with one or more of the following:
- Comedone extractions: Professionally remove blackheads and whiteheads to prevent future papules.
- Hydrafacial or AquaFacial: Provide deep cleansing, exfoliation and hydration.
- Microneedling: Stimulate collagen production and reduce post‑acne marks.
- Laser or light therapy: Target bacteria and inflammation with minimal downtime.
- Skincare programmes: Incorporate medical‑grade products to address acne, hyperpigmentation and scarring.
During your consultation, we’ll discuss which combination will best support your skin health and desired results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a papule look like, and how is it different from a pustule?
A papule is a firm, raised bump that’s red or skin‑coloured and less than 5 millimetres across. It has no visible pus. When a papule fills with pus and develops a white or yellow centre, it becomes a pustule.
How do papules form?
Papules form when a clogged pore ruptures beneath the surface of your skin. The contents of the comedo spill into the surrounding tissue, and your immune system responds with inflammation to fight bacteria, resulting in a small red bump.
What causes papules?
Papules are caused by a combination of factors: excess oil production, dead skin cells clogging pores, bacteria, hormonal fluctuations and certain medications. Triggers such as stress and high‑sugar diets can worsen inflammatory acne.
Are papules contagious?
No. Papules are not contagious and cannot be spread through direct contact. They result from changes within the skin rather than external infection.
Can papules turn into pustules?
Yes. Most papules fill with pus within a few days as your immune system continues to fight the bacteria. When a papule develops a white or yellow centre, it’s called a pustule.
What at‑home treatments can help clear papules?
Over‑the‑counter products containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, azelaic acid or retinoids can reduce inflammation and prevent clogged pores. Gentle cleansing, non‑comedogenic moisturisers and avoiding harsh scrubs also support healing.
When should I see a dermatologist?
If your papules don’t improve after several weeks of consistent use of over‑the‑counter treatments, or if they are painful, widespread or scarring, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. Prescription medications or professional therapies may be necessary.
Is it safe to pop papules?
No. Papules don’t contain pus to extract, so squeezing them can damage your skin, introduce bacteria, increase inflammation and lead to scarring. Leave them alone or seek professional extraction.
How long do papules last?
Many papules resolve within three to seven days, although some may take a few weeks to disappear. Treatment helps shorten the lifecycle of a papule and prevents new lesions from forming.
What’s the difference between a papule and a nodule?
Papules are small, superficial bumps. Nodules are deeper, larger and more painful lesions that form under the skin and often require medical treatment to prevent scarring.
Can lifestyle or diet affect papules?
Yes. High sugar intake, stress and smoking can worsen inflammatory acne. Eating a balanced diet, managing stress and avoiding oil‑heavy cosmetics can support clearer skin.
Do papules leave scars?
Papules usually heal without scarring if left undisturbed. However, picking or squeezing them, or having numerous inflamed papules, increases the likelihood of dark spots and scars.
Are papules only a teenage problem?
No. While papules are common during puberty, hormonal fluctuations in adulthood, certain medications and other factors mean that many adults continue to experience papular acne.
Author, Review, and References
This page was created by the Albany Cosmetic & Laser Centre team. It was most recently reviewed for medical accuracy on 19 July 2025 by Dr. Kamal Alhallak (Ph.D.) and Dr. Tomi (M.D.), who are both trained in laser and aesthetic medicine. We adhere to guidelines for reliable health information and encourage readers to consult healthcare providers for personalized advice.
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