How to Get Rid of a Pimple That Won't Pop
Pimples, or acne, are small, swollen irritations that occur on the skin when bacteria, dirt and oil get trapped in the hair follicles, according to MayoClinic.com. Popping your pimple might push the bacteria deeper into the skin, making the pimple worse. Instead, resisting your urge to squeeze.
Pimples, or acne, are small, swollen irritations that occur on the skin when bacteria, dirt and oil get trapped in the hair follicles, according to MayoClinic.com. Popping your pimple might push the bacteria deeper into the skin, making the pimple worse. Instead, resisting your urge to squeeze. Treat your pimple with an over-the-counter or home remedy.
Step 1
Use only a small amount of makeup, if any, to cover the pimple, says dermatologist James E. Fulton Jr., founder of the Acne Research Institute in Newport Beach, California. Caking concealer on the pimple may cause more dirt and oil to get trapped in the hair follicles, making acne worse.
Step 2
Apply one over-the-counter acne treatment at a time rather than putting a variety of medications on your face every day. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are effective acne-zapping ingredients, but using them together can cause skin irritation.
Step 3
Make a paste of crushed aspirin and water and place it on your pimple to reduce swelling, according to the Reader's Digest book, "Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things." Leave the paste on until it dries, then rinse it off.
Step 4
Keep your hands off your face. Resist the urge to touch or pick the pimple. Touching your face with your hands will add more oil and bacteria to your face, making the pimple look even worse.
Step 5
Consult your dermatologist for a prescription remedy if the pimple does not go away within several days. Deep, cystic pimples might require prescription treatment, like antibacterial medication or isotretinoin, an oral acne medication.
Tip
If you get acne around your hairline, it might be because you wear your hair down or frequently wear a tight-fitting hat.
warning
Picking or squeezing acne may leave a permanent scar.