A blind pimple is acne that has developed beneath the surface of the skin. Blind pimples are usually not noticeable from a distance, but a person can feel it by running a finger over the skin’s surface.
Never squeeze a blind pimple
Blind pimples are usually not positioned near the skin’s surface, which means that they cannot be “popped” like whiteheads.
Trying to pop a blind pimple can result in permanent scars, a more-noticeable pimple, the pimple becoming more painful, or an infection.
Squeezing the blind pimple also risks pushing the contents of the pimple a blend of oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria deeper into the skin. This can lead to increased inflammation.
Apply a warm compress
Applying a warm compress can help to treat a blind pimple. The heat can open up pores, which may draw the pimple closer to the skin’s surface and create a head.
The formation of a head enables the sebum, cells, and bacteria to exit the skin.
The heat from the compress can also help to relieve pain.
To treat a blind pimple with a warm compress, a person should:
- Create a warm compress. Soak a clean washcloth in water that is hot, but not too hot to touch.
- Apply the warm compress. Hold the warm compress on the blind pimple for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat the application three to four times a day until the blind pimple comes to a head and releases the pus.
- Keep the affected area clean. Make sure the area around the pimple is kept clean, and avoid touching it. Avoid using makeup until the pimple heals.
Try a pimple sticker
A pimple sticker or an acne dot is a tiny sticker that can be placed over a blind pimple. The sticker usually contains an agent that treats acne, such as salicylic acid.
Pimple stickers are thought to work by drawing out sebum, absorbing excess oil, reducing inflammation, and significantly reducing the size of blemishes.
Pimple stickers are available from drugstores. They are discreet, barely noticeable, and can be worn overnight or throughout the day.
The length of time that a person should wear a pimple sticker varies, but they usually need to be changed at least once every 24 hours. Pimple stickers are available to purchase online.
Use topical acne treatments
Numerous topical treatments for acne are available in pharmacies, supermarkets, and online.
If a person does not see an improvement in their skin while using one product, it can be helpful to add another product to the treatment strategy. Try a product that tackles a different cause of acne.
For example, if a person is using a product that contains benzoyl peroxide, the second treatment should include another ingredient that fights acne.
There are a variety of ingredients for acne, which each target different causes of acne:
- Benzoyl peroxide reduces P. acnes bacteria.
- Salicylic acid unblocks pores by removing the layer of dead skin cells on the skin’s surface. It can also relieve inflammation.
- Sulfur suppresses P. acnes bacteria and unclogs pores.
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) work by exfoliating the skin.
- Retinoids unblock pores and reduce oil.
These ingredients are present in many anti-acne washes, creams, gels, facial scrubs, lotions, and pre-moistened cloths.
A prescription is not needed for treatments that contain most of these ingredients, although many are available in prescription strength as well.