Dreams involving physical ailments, such as an infection, often symbolize underlying issues or feelings in your waking life. The infection on your face could represent something that you feel is affecting your self-image or how others perceive you. The pain you experienced in the dream may reflect emotional distress or anxiety that you are currently dealing with.

The act of cutting out the infection yourself suggests a desire for control over your circumstances, indicating that you might feel the need to take matters into your own hands to resolve a problem. The pocketknife, being a simple tool, could symbolize a resourceful approach, but it also suggests that you may feel unprepared or overwhelmed by the situation.

Emerging from the bathroom covered in a thick mucous substance could represent the messy process of dealing with these issues. However, the transformation of the infection into a chunk of gold is significant. Gold often symbolizes value, success, and personal growth. This suggests that through confronting and dealing with your struggles, you may find something valuable or gain insight about yourself.

Overall, this dream may encourage you to face your challenges rather than avoid them, as doing so might lead to personal growth and a more positive outcome. Consider what areas in your life may need attention, and think about how you can approach them constructively.