Most if not all teenagers and adults encounter natural skin problems such as acne, smudges, pimples, and zits. Some experience occasional breakouts while some experience recurring problems. A pimple is a skin inflammation that occurs when bacteria infect the fatty oil glands. The skin puffs up and is filled with pus. The primary cause of pimples is excess discharge from oil glands. Here is a guide on how to deal with the pimples that won’t pop.
What to Do When You Have a Pimple that Won't Pop
Do Not Try to Pop It
Do not pop, squeeze, or use a needle to poke a deep pimple. Prodding, squeezing, poking, and interfering with the blemish prolong the healing process. It also makes a pimple bigger and worse. Popping a pimple damages your skin and leads to scars. Do not drain the pimple by yourself.
Apply Acne Medication
If you are on any acne treatment, continue to use the medications. But do not use too much medicines on your face because it will dry out and irritate your skin. Spot treating is effective for pustules or pimple with white heads. It is less effective in cysts or deep nodules. Start on acne treatment if you breakout often and have not been using any medication. Using acne treatment consistently may inhibit the formation of pimples.
Apply a Warm Compress
Placing a warm compress on a pimple encourages it to pop naturally. Make a warm compress by soaking a washcloth in warm water. Apply the compress on the pimple for about 20 minutes several times in a day. You may do this for a couple of days to heal a pimple that won’t pop.
See Your Doctor for a Drainage or an Incision
If home-treatments do not work and the blemish persists for more than a few weeks, visit your doctor. Deep cystic breakouts may at times require medical draining and lancing. Your dermatologist will drain the pimple by making a small incision on the skin. The skin heals naturally after the drainage.
Get an Intralesional Cortisone Injection
During this treatment, a dermatologist injects a dilute steroid into the area using a tiny needle. The pimple will shrink and disappear in a few days.
Home Remedies to Heal Your Pimple Faster
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide works by killing the bacteria that cause pimples. It has different concentrations but a concentration of 2.5% is as effective as concentrations of 5-10%. The lower concentration causes less irritation on the skin. Benzoyl peroxide peels away dead skin layers, and leaves rejuvenated skin.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid kills bacteria that contribute to pimple formation. It boosts shedding of skins cells, which promotes the growth of fresh skin. Apply salicylic acid in small amounts on the affected areas after washing your face.
Toothpaste
Toothpaste contains silica which is a drying agent. Toothpaste dries a pimple overnight and reduces its size. However, sodium lauryl sulfate in some toothpaste can irritate your skin, so pay attention when selecting the toothpaste for you pimple.
Sea Salt
Add one teaspoon of sea salt to two tablespoonfuls of warm water. Apply the salty water on the pimple using a Q-tip. Do not rinse your face. Sea salt kills bacteria and dries out the pimple.
Tea Tree Oil
This essential oil has antibacterial properties that can help relieve a pimple that won’t pop. Tea tree oil blasts the microbes in your pores. Apply a small amount of tea tree oil directly on the pimples using a Q-tip. The essential oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the appearance of redness and the pimple size.
Aspirin
Form a paste of aspirin by adding water to a crushed tablet. Coat the pimples completely with the paste and let them dry. Leave the paste on overnight. Aspirin has anti-inflammatory properties that will make the pimples less visible.
Lemon Juice
The citric acid in lemon juice tightens the skin and kills the bacteria that lead to acne. Rub a sliced lemon gently on the affected area. Apply a toner after the treatment to balance your skin’s pH. The acidity in lemon juice is likely to interfere with your skin’s pH and hence you need to apply a toner.
Banana Peel
Banana peels relieve mosquito and insect bites and reduce the size of pimples. Rub the banana peel gently over the pimples.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a powerful astringent that has multiple functions. Get a brand of witch hazel without alcohol and apply a small amount on the pimple. Allow it to dry.
Green Tea Bag
Green tea is an astringent that contains many antioxidants. The antioxidants reduce your symptoms by eliminating free radicals. Place one green tea bag in hot water and then remove the tea bag with its liquid. Place it on the affected area for a few seconds and then remove. You can also place the tea bag in the fridge for a few minutes to enjoy its cooling effects on your pimple.
Egg White
Egg is an effective treatment for a pimple that won’t pop. It is effective in preventing scars and eliminating zits. Sanitize or wash your hands with soap before you apply egg white. Use your clean fingertips to massage the egg oil gently on the affected area. Apply the oil two times daily until the scars disappear. Leave the oil on for an hour and then wash it off using a mild face wash.
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