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This article was co-authored by Paul Friedman, MD. Dr. Paul Friedman is a board certified Dermatologist specializing in laser and dermatologic surgery and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Friedman is the Director of the Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center of Houston, Texas and practices at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York. Dr. Friedman is a clinical assistant professor at the University of Texas Medical School, Department of Dermatology, and a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston Methodist Hospital. Dr. Friedman completed his dermatology residency at the New York University School of Medicine, where he served as chief resident and was twice awarded the prestigious Husik Prize for his research in dermatologic surgery. Dr. Friedman completed a fellowship at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York and was the recipient of the Young Investigator's Writing Competition Award of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Recognized as a leading physician in the field, Dr. Friedman has been involved in the development of new laser systems and therapeutic techniques.
There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 10,099 times.
Blind pimples are blemishes that develop under your skin, so you can’t pop them. This means they can be extra painful and annoying! So, what can you do to avoid blind pimples in the first place? We’re here to help with another of our handy dandy list articles full of tips for preventing those troublesome blind pimples, as well as ways to soothe your skin and get rid of the pimples faster if they do show up.
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 10:Follow a regular skincare routine.
Method 1
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1This helps balance out your skin’s oils and unclog your pores. Wash your skin twice a day, such as every morning when you get up and every night before bed, with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and warm water. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub a few times a week.[1] Moisturize your skin 2 times a day with a non-clogging moisturizing lotion.[2]
- If you’re not sure what products and routines are best for your skin, consult with a licensed dermatologist. They can provide recommendations about what soaps and other products to use/avoid.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 10:Treat pimple-prone areas with topical acne ointments.
Method 2
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1Certain ointments can penetrate your skin to keep pores unblocked. Apply a thin layer of topical benzoyl peroxide, 15-20% azelaic acid, or salicylic acid over an entire area of your skin where you tend to get blind pimples. Do this regularly as part of your skincare routine, such as each night after you wash your face.[3]
- Note that this is purely preventative and only works if you do it regularly. This is not meant for spot-treating blind pimples that are already there.
- If your skin tends to be dry, use a creamy ointment, or opt for a gel-based formula if you have oily skin.[4]
- You can buy these treatments in a drug store or online.
- Some of these treatments can dry out your skin and cause mild irritation, but you can counteract this by moisturizing your skin regularly.
Method 3
Method 3 of 10:Lead a balanced lifestyle.
Method 3
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1Stress from an unbalanced life can lead to acne breakouts. Eat healthy, exercise, get plenty of sleep, maintain a schedule, have some hobbies, and avoid overworking yourself. These are all ways to maintain a balanced lifestyle and reduce stress to help prevent stress-related blind pimple flare ups.[5]
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption or tobacco use, which can detract from your overall health and cause anxiety.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 10:Ask a doctor about hormonal treatments.
Method 4
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1Blind pimples sometimes occur because of hormonal imbalances. For both adolescent boys and girls, acne is usually worse during puberty. For women, blind pimples sometimes flare up during menstruation. If you suspect hormones might be causing your blind pimples, see your general practitioner or a dermatologist and ask if they can prescribe you anything to help.[6] [7]
- For example, taking contraceptives can help females reduce acne. Or, a doctor might prescribe certain antibiotics to help.
Method 5
Method 5 of 10:Keep your fingers off your blind pimples.
Method 5
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1Most blind pimples go away on their own if you leave them be. Don’t pick, scratch, or squeeze at your blind pimples. This can just make them worse and also increases the risk of infection and scarring.[8]
- It’s still fine to try to treat blind pimples using gentle methods to make them go away faster, it’s just important not to try to pop them or scratch them off.
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Method 6
Method 6 of 10:Apply a warm compress to new blind pimples.
Method 6
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1This can bring them to the surface, so you can pop the heads. Wash the affected area with a gentle soap and warm water. Soak a clean cloth in warm water, then apply and compress it against your skin where a blind pimple is for 10-15 minutes. Do this up to 4 times a day until the pimple develops a head.[9]
- You can also make a warm compress by warming up dry beans or rice, inside a sock or a cloth bag, in a microwave for 30 seconds.
Method 7
Method 7 of 10:Put a zit patch on a stubborn blind pimple.
Method 7
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1Commercial zit patches kill bacteria and unclog pores. Apply a fresh zit patch to a blind pimple every 24 hours until it goes away. These stickers also protect your skin from dirt and dust, which can further clog your pores and irritate your blind pimples.[10]
- Zit patches are available over the counter at drug stores and pharmacies.
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Method 8
Method 8 of 10:Apply ice to painful blind pimples.
Method 8
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1Ice soothes inflammation, reducing the swelling and redness of a pimple. Start by washing your face with warm water and a gentle skin cleanser, then pat it dry with a clean towel. Fill a plastic bag with ice or wrap some ice cubes in a paper towel. Hold the ice against a blind pimple for 5-10 minutes. Remove the ice and let your skin rest for 10 minutes, then repeat the process 2 more times.[11]
- Avoid putting an ice cube or a chemical ice pack directly on your skin. This can deprive your skin tissues of oxygen and cause skin damage.
Method 9
Method 9 of 10:Try tea tree essential oil.
Method 9
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1Tea tree oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. First, wash your face with a gentle cleanser and warm water and pat it dry gently with a clean towel. Apply 1-2 drops of essential tea tree oil to your blind pimples twice a day until they go away.[12]
- You can also try using face washes or moisturizers that contain tea tree oil to cleanse your skin and try to prevent blind pimples from coming back.
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Method 10
Method 10 of 10:Get a cortisone injection for an urgent fix.
Method 10
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1This can make blind pimples go away in a few hours. Visit a dermatologist and have them inject a blind pimple you don’t have time to treat yourself with cortisone. This causes the blemish to rapidly shrink and heal.[13] [14]
- Unless it’s covered by your health insurance, keep in mind that this could cost up to $100, so use it as a last resort to banish a blind pimple when you need it gone ASAP.
References
- ↑ Paul Friedman, MD. Board Certified Dermatologist, American Board of Dermatology. Expert Interview. 8 April 2020.
- ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/skincare/simple-skincare-routine
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2585707/
- ↑ Paul Friedman, MD. Board Certified Dermatologist, American Board of Dermatology. Expert Interview. 8 April 2020.
- ↑ https://time.com/5014072/stress-pimples-acne/
- ↑ Paul Friedman, MD. Board Certified Dermatologist, American Board of Dermatology. Expert Interview. 8 April 2020.
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2585707/
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/news/how-to-treat-deep-painful-pimples
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/news/how-to-treat-deep-painful-pimples
- ↑ https://www.glamour.com/gallery/best-acne-patches
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/news/how-to-treat-deep-painful-pimples
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20368048
- ↑ Paul Friedman, MD. Board Certified Dermatologist, American Board of Dermatology. Expert Interview. 8 April 2020.
- ↑ https://www.health.com/condition/acne/finally-how-to-get-rid-of-lurkers-or-hidden-pimples
About This Article
Board Certified Dermatologist, American Board of Dermatology
This article was co-authored by Paul Friedman, MD. Dr. Paul Friedman is a board certified Dermatologist specializing in laser and dermatologic surgery and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Friedman is the Director of the Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center of Houston, Texas and practices at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York. Dr. Friedman is a clinical assistant professor at the University of Texas Medical School, Department of Dermatology, and a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston Methodist Hospital. Dr. Friedman completed his dermatology residency at the New York University School of Medicine, where he served as chief resident and was twice awarded the prestigious Husik Prize for his research in dermatologic surgery. Dr. Friedman completed a fellowship at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York and was the recipient of the Young Investigator's Writing Competition Award of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Recognized as a leading physician in the field, Dr. Friedman has been involved in the development of new laser systems and therapeutic techniques. This article has been viewed 10,099 times.
Co-authors: 5
Updated: August 25, 2021
Views: 10,099
Categories: Acne
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