Blind pimples are typically caused by a cyst or nodule that develops underneath the skin. They develop when sebum, dirt, and bacteria get trapped in a hair follicle. If you have oily skin, you are more likely to develop blind pimples than those with dry skin.
These invisible pimples are also known as cystic acne, which can be quite painful and can leave a scar when they eventually subside, regardless of whether it had come to a head or not. “If we don't treat the blind acne, it usually fades away on its own in a few weeks to a month.
Apply a warm compress
If it's superficial enough, warm compresses could help the pimple come to a head, allowing it to rupture and expel the pus that's causing pain, says Hadley King, MD, board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
Use topical creams and gels: Antibiotic creams, retinoids, salicylic acid and other lotions, cleansers and serums can reduce bacteria or dry out pimples. There are many types of topical acne creams, including benzoyl peroxide. Ask your healthcare provider which ones are right for you.
“I never recommend attempting to pop, pick, or poke a blind pimple—this inevitably leads to more harm than good because the pimple does not have a connection to the surface of the skin, attempting to pick it will just increase your risk of an infection or scarring,” advises Dr. Zeichner.
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.
If ignored, cysts can take anywhere from 1-4 weeks to go away by themselves. Although your body will eventually deal with the inflammation, some cysts can persist for extended periods of time and often leave behind scars.
Warm compresses
Once the area surrounding the cyst is clean, apply a warm compress to the area. The warmth and moisture helps encourage the trapped substance to work its way out of the hair follicle without the need for popping the cyst. You can also use a soft warm, moist washcloth for the same results.
Wait until your pimple has a firm white head. That means the pus is close to the surface and ready to be drained.
Sterilize a needle with 70% isopropyl alcohol and gently prick the skin where your pore is clogged. Then extract the whitehead the same way you would a blackhead. After using an OTC astringent or acne medication and washing your hands thoroughly, apply pressure to both sides of the clogged pore to extract the plug.
Blind pimple causes
Blind pimples are caused when excess sebum mixes with dead skin cells and bacteria, essentially creating a clog, explains Dr. Hartman. “It's the same causes as cystic acne—the main difference being that blind pimples will never make it to the surface of the face like most cystic acne will.”
Sterilize a small needle with rubbing alcohol. Poke the center of the whitehead gently with the needle. In some cases, this is enough to allow the whitehead to drain. If the contents do not come out, wrap tissues or cotton pads around the tips of fingers.
Do not squeeze the cyst or poke it with a needle to open it. This can cause swelling, redness, and infection. Always have a doctor look at any new lumps you get to make sure that they are not serious.
While it might seem that pimples form overnight, it actually takes between 1 – 2 weeks for an acne spot to fully develop. nd it's quite a process… Spots start as microscopic, tiny bumps called “microcomedos” which cannot be seen with the naked eye.
To remove a large pimple or painful acne cyst or nodule, your dermatologist may also use a procedure called incision and drainage. It involves using a sterile needle or surgical blade to open the blemish and then removing what's inside.
Does putting toothpaste on a pimple make it go away? You may have heard this suggestion, but experts on acne say don't try it. Toothpaste could make that spot on your skin even more red, irritated, and noticeable.
Try applying a hot, wet compress to the cyst a few times a day. The heat will help pull out the pus, allowing the cyst to drain. This can relieve pain and itching. You might also try soaking the area in a warm, shallow bath.
Cystic acne occurs when bacteria, dead skin cells, and sebum (the substance that makes your face feel oily) get trapped beneath the skin's surface and become infected. This leads to a large, swollen cyst (bump) that can hurt just to touch.
Leave It Alone! That's right—stop touching it, squeezing it, poking it, and prodding at it altogether. “Trying to pop cystic acne is one of the worst things you can do for your skin,” says Schlessinger.
By using warm treatments first, you can help remove any debris that's trapped in your pores. After applying warmth for 5 to 10 minutes, you can then follow up with ice for one minute to decrease inflammation and swelling. You can repeat this process daily as needed until the pimple clears up.
Cystic acne often looks like boils on the skin. Other identifying characteristics include: large pus-filled cyst. large white bump.