Management and Treatment

How do you get rid of a pimple?

Nonprescription medications can get rid of milder cases of pimples. Some medications include:

• Azelaic acid: This is a natural acid found in various grains such as barley, wheat and rye. It kills microorganisms on your skin and reduces swelling.
• Benzoyl peroxide: This is available as an over-the-counter product (such as Clearasil®, Stridex® and PanOxyl®). Lower concentrations and wash formulations are less irritating to your skin. Irritation (dryness) is a common side effect.
• Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives): Retinoids, such as Retin-A®, Tazorac® and Differin® help prevent clogged pores. You may notice a change in skin color or peeling. Using retinoids every other day or using them at the same time as a moisturizer can reduce these side effects.
• Salicylic acid: This is available over-the-counter for pimples as a cleanser or lotion. It helps dissolve dead skin cells to prevent your hair follicles from clogging.

If your pimples don’t go away with nonprescription medications, your healthcare provider may recommend prescription medications, including antibiotics and oral hormone replacement.

Other therapies may include:

• Chemical peels: Chemical peels use a mild chemical solution to remove layers of skin and reduce pimples.
• Laser skin resurfacing: Laser skin resurfacing directs short, concentrated pulsating beams of light at your pimples. The light beams reduce the amount of oil that your sebaceous glands produce.
• Microdermabrasion: A dermatologist or plastic surgeon uses a specialized instrument to “sand” your skin. Removing the top layers of your skin frees the clogs that cause pimples.

Talk to your healthcare provider before trying these — they may be irritating and make acne worse.

Are there any home remedies for pimples?

Several home remedies may help treat pimples.

While home remedies are safe for most people, it’s a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before trying some of the following options. You may be at risk of developing an allergic reaction.

Some home remedies include:

• Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil can prevent or stop the growth of bacteria. Apply a small amount of tea tree oil to a cotton applicator and rub it on your pimples.
• Sugar or salt scrubs: Sugar and salt scrubs scratch away (exfoliate) dead cells on the surface of your skin. Wet your face, apply a salt or sugar scrub to your pimples and massage your skin in small, circular motions for up to 30 seconds. Rinse your face with water when you’re finished.
• Green tea: Wet green tea leaves can help reduce oil production in your skin. Green tea is also an antioxidant. Mix dry green tea leaves with water and massage the wet leaves into your skin in small, circular motions for up to 30 seconds. Rinse your face with water when you’re finished.
• Warm compress: A warm compress increases blood blow to your pimples, which causes them to heal faster. Soak a clean washcloth or small towel in very warm water — around 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) — and apply it to your pimples. Apply the warm compress to your pimples three to four times a day.
• Ice: Ice can slow down the amount of blood that flows to your pimples, which will reduce inflammation and pain. Apply an ice cube or ice pack covered in a light towel over your pimples for at least 10 minutes. Apply ice to your pimples two to three times a day.

Should I squeeze or pop my pimples?

Popping pimples can be very tempting — and satisfying. However, it’s best if you don’t squeeze or pop your pimples. Squeezing pimples can cause several problems, including:

• Introducing bacteria into the pimple opening. Bacteria can cause an infection.
• Irritating your skin. Your skin is sensitive, and your nails are much stronger than your skin. When you use your nails to apply a lot of pressure to your skin to pop a pimple, you can cause inflammation. Pimple-popping tools (blemish extractors) can also damage your skin. Only a healthcare provider, medical aesthetician or dermatologist should use these tools.
• Scarring your skin. You can draw blood and seriously damage your skin if you apply too much pressure. If pimples are deep in your skin, you may not even extract them.

How long do pimples last?

Pimples usually last between three and seven days. Most pimples go away on their own, but it may take some time. Deep pimples (pimples under your skin with no head that may feel hard to the touch) may take a few weeks to go away, if not longer.

It’s better to see your healthcare provider at the first sign of pimples and follow their treatment suggestions.

What can’t I eat or drink if I have pimples?

Healthcare providers and researchers once believed that certain foods might contribute to the development of pimples, especially skim milk, whey protein and diets high in sugar (including chocolate). However, that may not be true. The research between diet and pimples isn’t clear.

But certain vitamins promote healthy skin, which may help prevent pimples. These include:

• Vitamin A: Good sources of vitamin A include leafy green vegetables, orange and yellow vegetables, tomatoes, fruits, fish and liver.
• Vitamin D: Good sources of vitamin D include fatty fish (mackerel, salmon, trout and tuna) and vitamin-fortified foods, including dairy and nondairy milks, breakfast cereals and orange juice.
• Vitamin E: Good sources of vitamin E include nuts, seeds, leafy green vegetables and vegetable oils.

How should I manage my pimples?

If you have pimples, be careful managing them to avoid irritation. You can do this by:

• Not touching or picking at your pimples.
• Being careful around your pimples while shaving.
• Regularly cleaning items that touch your face, including your cell phone, sports helmets, sunglasses, clothing and pillowcases.

You can also use over-the-counter acne medications like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These come in many forms. A wash is the least irritating.

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