Table of Contents
What is a pimple under the skin?
A pimple under the skin, or a blind pimple, is a swollen area of skin around a hair follicle that does not have an obvious whitehead. Blind pimples are more likely to develop in people who have very oily skin.
A pimple under the skin is a type of inflamed acne that has not yet surfaced. It causes a hard, painful bump deep within the skin. Regardless of where it develops, a pimple under the skin is usually not noticeable from a distance.
Anyone can get a pimple under their skin, but they are most common in adolescents and young adults. Pimples under the skin are also more likely to occur if someone has oily or combination skin.
A variety of treatments can help get rid of a pimple under the skin, including warm compress and spot treatment products.
What are pimples under the skin caused by?
Pimples under skin are most often caused by a pore or hair follicle blocked with oil, old skin cells, and dirt.
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the world, affecting up to 85% of people at some point in their lives. Acne occurs when the pores in your skin become blocked with an oil known as sebum. This can cause whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples.
A pimple under your skin is a type of acne called a papule. These bumps have no opening and are hard to the touch. Papules may appear pink or red and feel tender to the touch. Papules are also commonly referred to as “pimples under the skin.”
The causes of pimples under the skin can include:
- hormonal changes
- genetics
- bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus
- sweat or oily skin
- ingrown hairs
5 ingredients for those with pimples under the skin
The most important thing that you should know is that you can’t touch them, because when the pimple goes under the skin it has a wall around it and by touching it, the infection will spread in your face.
The second thing is to wash your face with neutral soap and water, at least twice a day.
1. Lemon and honey – mix one teaspoon of honey with one teaspoon of lemon juice and apply on the skin. Let it act for about 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Repeat every day until you get rid of pimples under the skin.
2. Toothpaste – apply a little toothpaste on each pimple before going to sleep, then wash your face in the morning. Repeat this method every day until you get rid of acne under the skin.
3. Ice cubes – wrap an ice cube in a clean cloth and gently rub it on your skin where there are pimples under the skin. Do this two or three times a day, then wash your face with cold water.
4. Vinegar – mix 2 tablespoons vinegar with 1 cup water and apply on the affected area using a cotton swab, let it act for 15 minutes, then rinse your face with cold water. Repeat this process daily until you get rid.
5. Aloe vera – is one of the best ingredients for skin care, especially for those with pimples under the skin. Aloe vera can prevent pimples from appearing, because it contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria, and reduce inflammation. Aloe vera can also help remove dead skin cells and excess oil, so that it helps reduce the appearance of pores on the skin.
Aloe vera can be used to treat all types of pimples, including those under the skin. You can use aloe vera gel or aloe vera juice as a natural alternative to acne cleansers. Or you can make a mask by mixing aloe vera gel with green tea powder and honey, then apply it to your face 15-20 minutes before rinsing with water.
How to treat different types of acne?
What’s that blemish?
Blackheads and whiteheads
Blackheads and whiteheads are the result of blocked hair follicles. The follicle becomes blocked with excess oil, dead skin cells and bacteria.
Blackheads are open pores filled with a mixture of oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. They get their black color from the buildup of melanin in the follicle.
Whiteheads are clogged pores that have closed over and trap sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria inside the pore. They appear as small bumps on the skin’s surface.
Blackheads and whiteheads can occur anywhere on the body where there are hair follicles, including the face, neck, back, arms, legs, chest, and shoulders.
Blackheads (dark spots) and pimples
Blackheads (dark spots) and pimples are the most common symptoms of acne. They can appear anywhere on the skin, but usually they show up on the face, neck and upper back.
Blackheads (dark spots) and pimples are small lesions that usually occur on the face or neck. Blackheads are open, whereas pimples are closed, and can become infected and inflamed.
Treating whiteheads and blackheads
Whiteheads and blackheads can be treated in the following ways:
- Wash your skin regularly with a gentle cleanser. This helps to remove any excess oils on the surface of your skin.
- Avoid picking your pimples. Popping or squeezing whiteheads or blackheads can cause redness, scarring, or even infection.
- Apply products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These ingredients help to unclog pores, prevent bacteria from growing on the surface of your skin, and reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid include Tretinoin (Retin-A).
- Use a facial mask that contains clay, such as bentonite or kaolin clay. Clay masks help draw impurities from the surface of your skin.
Stubborn whiteheads and blackheads
Stubborn whiteheads and blackheads can be stubborn, but you can get rid of them!
This easy, 3-step routine will help:
- Cleanse twice a day (morning and night) with a product that won’t irritate your skin, like Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser.
- Apply a leave-on BHA exfoliant product, like COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, after cleansing and before moisturizing.
- Apply a gentle moisturizer formulated for acne-prone skin, like COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap, over your leave-on exfoliant as needed to maintain hydrated skin.
If you’re using more than one leave-on exfoliant in your routine (like a BHA and AHA or vitamin C), alternate your use of these products — use one in the morning and the other at night — to avoid any excessive irritation.
Early pimples
Early pimples can be seen in any age group. They are usually small, red and tender. They are often mistaken for insect bites. They occur in groups of 10-20 and last for about 7 days. These pimples appear all over the body, except palms and soles. The condition usually lasts for 2 to 4 weeks and improves on its own without any treatment.
Treating papules
No specific treatment is necessary for sebaceous hyperplasia, but there are several options for reducing the appearance of this skin condition. These include:
- corticosteroid injections
- retinoid creams, including tretinoin (Retin-A) and tazarotene (Tazorac)
- dermabrasion or other procedures to remove the top layers of skin
- laser therapy
Pus-filled pimples
Pus-filled pimples, or pustules, are a type of inflammatory acne. They form when the follicle, or pore, becomes clogged with oil and dead skin cells, which allows bacteria to grow. A type of bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is usually responsible for causing the infection that leads to pus-filled pimples. The resulting inflammation may cause the follicle wall to rupture, spilling the contents into the surrounding tissue and forming a cyst.
Treating pustules
The best treatment for pustules is to use an over-the-counter acne medication that contains benzoyl peroxide. The person can also apply a warm compress to the area several times a day, as this may help dry out the skin and reduce the size of the pustule.
If the pustule does not get better with self-care, it is a good idea to see a dermatologist. They can prescribe stronger medications that may be more effective.
Acne nodules and cysts
Acne nodules and cysts are hard to treat. They’re large pimples that go deep into the skin and are usually painful. This type of acne is more common in men and can cause severe scarring. The best way to treat acne nodules and cysts is with a combination of medicines.
Acne nodules and cysts are very different from “regular” pimples. They’re bigger, deeper, and more likely to leave scars than other kinds of pimples. Nodules are solid, dome-shaped lumps under the skin surface, while cysts are fluid-filled sacs under the skin surface.
Nodules typically form at the bottom of the pore, while cysts form below both the pore opening and the surrounding skin. Nodules tend to be harder than other types of acne, while cysts feel like soft blisters when you touch them.
Virtually everyone with acne can see clear skin
Virtually everyone with acne can see clear skin.
Use Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl Peroxide is the most effective over-the-counter treatment for acne, and it’s available in a variety of strengths and forms. You can get it as an ingredient in products like Proactiv, in gels like Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10, or you can even get it as a prescription medication called Epiduo.
Key takeaway
There’s no quick fix for acne. For the best results, start with a gentle cleanser and benzoyl peroxide cream or gel. If that doesn’t clear your skin, talk to your doctor about prescription treatments.
If you want to try natural remedies, there are many options available. It’s important to note that some of these have yet to be reviewed by scientific organizations such as the FDA. It’s also worth noting that certain ingredients can cause allergic reactions in some people, so use caution when trying something new.