I thought I had a small patch of stubborn acne, but it turned out to be ringworm. So I've had this patch of "acne" on my cheek for at least two months. I was treating it with antibiotic gel and benzoyl peroxide--usually a one-two punch for any other nasty stuff on my face--but it wasn't going away. In fact, the edges started getting rougher and bumpier with time, and exfoliation wasn't helping at all.

My husband said he had ringworm like that once before, and sure enough, acne-like ringworm can appear on the face. I've been using an OTC antifungal to treat it (per WebMD) and it seems to be working, but I already have a doctor's appointment next week and will ask about it then to be on the safe side.

So anyway, what appears to be acne isn't always acne.