“They're best suited for popped pimples or those that have come to a head,” Dr. Kopelman. “For unpopped pimples, especially deeper cystic ones, pimple patches won't be as effective because they can't penetrate the skin to address the underlying inflammation.”
Q: Are Pimple Patches for Unpopped Pimples Only? A: No, pimple patches are not only for blemishes that have not been picked at. While we don't recommend picking at your skin, if you do choose to do so, you may still apply a pimple patch to the affected area afterwards.
Blackheads and whiteheads that haven't come to a head: Patches are ineffective against noninflamed blemishes. They won't be useful for deeper pimples like blackheads or closed whiteheads.
And “they work on early-stage pimples by stopping their progression,” Mitchell says. They aren't as effective for blackheads or deep, cystic pimples. “It's hard for something that sits on the surface of the skin to make much of a difference for deep, cystic acne,” Del Campo says.
While pimple patches can help reduce inflammation and draw out fluid from ingrown hairs, they're not the optimal solution.
If you have really sensitive skin, you may want to steer clear of pimple patches. They might dry out or irritate the affected area. If you have dirt from clogged pores, blackheads, or whiteheads, hydrocolloid patches can't treat these. They're also not effective for cystic acne.
Your body can gradually break down pus and reabsorb its components. That's why small accumulations of pus (like in a pimple) often don't need treatment.
People cannot remove pimples overnight, but home care can lessen swelling and may improve the appearance of pimples. Keeping the area clean, using ice, and hot compresses can help. For persistent or recurring pimples, people may wish to try acne treatments.
Sometimes, it's just better to leave it alone and allow the pimple to move through its phases. Blackheads and cystic acne aren't great candidates for use with pimple patches. Patches also don't prevent breakouts from happening.
If your breakout hasn't been popped, a pimple patch can act as a helpful barrier to stop you from picking. Keep in mind that hydrocolloid patches are designed to work on open lesions, however, they can still prove effective at drawing out gunk from pimples that aren't open.
A gentler approach is to use a warm wash cloth or compress. This softens the pimple and helps it form a complete head, which makes it easier to remove. Apply gentle pressure to remove the pus, then apply ice to reduce inflammation.
As the hydrocolloid works, you might notice the pimple patch turns white as it absorbs fluids like pus and oil, forming a white substance composed of the exudate that has been absorbed by the hydrocolloid material.
If your pimple doesn't have any fluid in it, a hydrocolloid patch won't do much. “Pimple patches that contain ingredients that help treat the breakout, like salicylic acid, might deliver some extra help to clear dirt and bacteria out of pores and speed clearing,” said Dr. Jaiman.
“True acne pimples do not need to be 'popped' and will heal faster if they are left alone,” she adds. There's one exception to the rule: While you shouldn't try to burst your blemishes, a dermatologist may help.
Filling acne holes at home is difficult as acne scars require professional treatment to rectify. However, you can reduce their appearance with at home remedies. Firstly, follow a good skincare routine to ensure minimal breakouts and to soothe the skin. Then, try applying aloe vera gel or honey to heal the broken skin.
Can I pop a blind pimple? Never try to pop or squeeze a blind pimple. Doing so pushes the oil and bacteria deeper, causing more inflammation and increasing the risk of infection.
Spot treatment with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can help you get rid of pimples fast. However, spot treatments do not work overnight. If you want to get rid of a pimple within 24 hours, your best bet is to see if your dermatologist can offer a cortisone injection or drainage and extraction therapy.
According to our dermatology providers, using toothpaste as an acne spot treatment can cause dryness and irritation and might even worsen breakouts. So, if you're wondering, “how long should I leave toothpaste on my pimple?”—don't!
Avoid picking or squeezing the popped breakout to let your skin heal naturally. If you notice any signs of potential infection like redness, increased pain, pus, or inflammation surrounding the blemish, contact a healthcare professional immediately.
Pustules are a type of pimple that contains yellowish pus. They are larger than whiteheads and blackheads. Home remedies and over-the-counter creams may help treat pustules. Pustules appear either as red bumps with white centers or as white bumps that are hard and often tender to the touch.
Apply a warm compress
Applying a warm compress can help 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 relieve pain.
Release visible ingrown hairs by inserting a sterile needle under each hair loop and gently lifting the tip that has grown back into the skin. Rinse your skin and apply a cool, wet cloth for a few minutes. Then use a soothing after-shave product.
Other possible skin conditions
There are many skin conditions that can easily be mistaken for ingrown hairs. These include: keratosis pilaris ('chicken skin') – a common, harmless condition where the skin becomes rough and bumpy, as if covered in permanent goose pimples. acne.