What could it be if two years ago you popped a 'whitehead' on your cheek and woke up with a hard lump underneath and it is still rock hard?

It may be scar tissue. Go to the doctor. They will be able to tell you.

It could also be a slight staff infection. Had one before--try using a washcloth with really warm or hot water and place it over the spot for a few minutes. Keep doing this every so often for a few days and see if changes anything. If it's staff, the lump will slowly come to the surface and eventually burst.

It's HIGHLY unlikey that a 'whitehead' could cause a STAPH infection. What is Staphylococcus? Staphylococcus is group of bacteria, familiarly known as Staph, that can (and do) cause a multitude of diseases. Staph bacteria can cause illness directly by infection (such as in the skin) or indirectly through products they make such as toxins responsible for food poisoning and toxic shock syndrome.

Treatment of whiteheads and blackheads takes time. * Benzoyl peroxide has an antibacterial effect and may also decrease the chemical reaction that changes the lining of the hair follicle. This may help reduce the plugging that causes comedones. Benzoyl peroxide may be used for a mild case of comedones or to help prevent formation of others. * Tretinoin (Retin-A, Avita, Renova) is the mainstay of treatment for whiteheads and blackheads. Tretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A and works by increasing cell turnover and reducing the "stickiness" of the sloughed cells. It causes expulsion of the plugged material and converts closed comedones into open comedones. The material in these newly converted open comedones can be easily extruded. Tretinoin can be irritating, so specific instructions on how to use it can be found here. * Antibiotics have not been shown to help whiteheads or blackheads. * Isotretinoin (Accutane) is used for severe cystic acne and has many side effects. It is very effective for comedones when used properly, but is not usually prescribed for mild acne of either type. * Extraction may be used by a health care provider on open comedones. This process is performed using a device called a comedone extractor. This is a small, metal, circular instrument that is centered on the comedone and pushes down the surrounding skin, causing the plug to extrude.

Finally Whiteheads and blackheads are types of acne that affect many people. There are good treatment options available, so there is no need to "suffer" with this condition in silence. A primary care provider can initiate treatment for acne and follow mild to moderate cases. Severe cases or those resistant to treatment should be seen by a dermatologist. Answer Popping a zit could cause a Staph infection. While I don't know if it is a Staph infection in your case, popping a zit damages the skin and allows entry of foreign matter. Staph is found all over human skin (it is ubiquitous) and is opportunistic, so could easily take hold and cause an infection.