Apply a Crushed Aspirin Paste to the Pimple:
Salicylic acid, found in aspirin, is extremely effective at removing excess oil and dead skin. Make a paste with one or two aspirin tablets and a few drops of water. The paste should then be applied directly to the pimple. This should lessen the swelling and redness, as well as make the pimple less painful. After 10 to 15 minutes, rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Applying Ice to a Pimple:
Applying ice to an angry, painful pimple is the first step in calming it down. Wrap a cloth around some ice and press it against the inflamed area for 3 to 4 minutes at a time. If the ice melts too quickly, place it in a plastic sandwich bag before wrapping it in cloth. Repeat several times throughout the day to relieve skin irritation and swelling
Make Use of an OTC Acne Spot Treatment:
When selecting a product from the shelf, look for two key ingredients that are found in many over-the-counter acne medications. One of these is the previously mentioned salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide is another important ingredient to look for. Benzoyl peroxide, in addition to reducing oil and removing dead skin cells, aids in the killing of the bacteria that cause pimples. While both of these ingredients are safe and work in similar ways, which product you use and how frequently you apply it is determined by your skin's individual characteristics
A word of caution: Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are both drying. Using too many of these products, or combining them with certain other products, can cause skin irritation1. Only salicylic acid preparations containing 0.5 to 2% salicylic acid are advised. Sun exposure should also be limited when using benzoyl peroxide. This includes tanning beds. When experimenting with new products, go slowly and avoid using more than is necessary
Use an Acne Face Mask:
There are numerous face masks on the market these days, with many of them aimed specifically at pimples. Again, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are used to treat acne directly by unclogging pores and reducing inflammation. Sulfur is another ingredient that works similarly. Sulfur may conjure up images of match heads, hot springs, and the pungent odor of eggs, but it is also used to treat pimples, particularly milder outbreaks, and is frequently found in face masks. If you have sensitive skin, sulfur may be a better option than salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide
Get a Cortisone Injection to Get Rid of a Pimple Quickly:
Over-the-counter treatments may not be effective for large, inflamed pimples. In that case, an injection of cortisone directly into the cyst may be your best bet. A cortisone injection, performed with a very thin needle, shrinks the swollen tissue in the pimple, reducing inflammation and allowing the pimple to heal. A dermatologist can perform the procedure quickly and easily, and you'll notice a difference within 24 hours
In short, we understand how upsetting pimples can be. Fortunately, the short-term solutions we've discussed here can help us cope. In the long run, keep in mind that "bad skin" is a very common problem, one that has recently been recognized and destigmatized on social media via the acne positivity movement 2. It's nothing to be embarrassed about. Furthermore, you are not alone in your battle against acne. Visit Phoenix's Top Dermatologist at Saguaro Dermatology for longer-term acne management and information on other acne treatments. We're here to assist!
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