Pimples don’t just strike teens. These tender annoyances can show up at any age.
So, you’ve got an uninvited friend to deal with. First, is it a pimple beneath the skin, or a pimple with a head? The type of pimple changes treatment options.
An increasingly inflamed pimple without a head can’t be popped, and digging will cause further inflammation. But there are steps to help it heal sooner rather than later.
For pimples with a white head, the approach is different.
How to ‘pop’ a pimple
While the best way to get rid of pimples is to let them heal on their own, you can choose to ‘pop’ a pimple with a whitehead – as long as it isn’t red and sensitive.
If the pimple looks inflamed and angry, leave it alone. You may be dealing with cystic acne, a boil or even eczema. Ask a doctor’s advice before worsening the situation.
If you decide to pop a whitehead, make sure your hands are clean. You don’t want to introduce further bacteria.
Apply a warm compress first.
Once skin is soft and warm, either squeeze from the base using your fingers or with cotton tips.
If you want to use your hands, avoid fingernails and use the softer skin. You can also wrap in a tissue. The point is not to cut or harm the pimple’s surrounding surface.
Pricking the top of the whitehead first with a sanitised needle is an option, but may not be necessary.
After squeezing – you do not want the pimple to bleed, so be gentle – wipe away pus, wash your face and hands, and apply ice.
Just keep in mind, you can cause scarring or infection taking this path. Pimples are best left to heal where possible.
Have you considered an over the counter option instead?
Pimple self-care
You can purchase over the counter spot treatments for topical application. Common ingredients used are salicylic acid, retinoid, tea tree oil and benzoyl peroxide.
Pimple patches are also popular now, pasted over the skin to soothe, and draw out the fluid. They also stop you from being tempted to touch the pimple.
You’ve probably seen them without realising. Many come in cute patterns and prints, like star stickers.
Don’t be fooled by the cuteness: the best performers contain quality ingredients used in leading skincare treatments.
How to treat pimples under the skin
Pimples under the skin are usually soft and painful. Picking pimples like this could cause an infected mess and spread bacteria further – in summary, don’t even think about it.
Over time, they generally heal themselves. But to minimise the wait, you can move things along. The goal to bring material to the surface so a whitehead forms, accelerating healing.
A simple at-home treatment is a 10-minute warm compress to draw it out.
Tea tree oil is famous in Australia for antimicrobial properties, and could help. But when using tea tree oil topically, remember natural potency. You don’t want skin irritation.
Dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil, like almond, avocado oil or coconut oil.
Your solution should be at least 60-80 per cent blending oil. For some, a blend as low as 95 per cent carrier and 5 per cent tea tree oil is strong enough.
Do a small spot test on your wrist first to make sure the blend doesn’t cause aggravation.
Danger zone
Heard of the danger triangle? This is the area of your face from the bridge of your nose, to both ends of your mouth.
An infection in the skin within this zone has the rare potential to become a serious infection because of access to the sinuses, and connection to the brain.
Don’t break the skin of a pimple here. Best to avoid the small chance of a dangerous complication.
The professionals
Seeing a dermatologist is an option if your pimple looks like it could be a problem, or if you’d prefer a professional handle it.
They can also give an opinion on whether you’re dealing with a more complex skin issue.
If you have a skin infection, you may need antibiotics. Speak to a GP if you have concerns.
What does your skincare routine include when a pimple occurs? Let us know in the comments section below.
Also read: Easy make-up hacks to elevate mature skin
