How to treat pimples early?

Author: Asha Schowalter  |  Last update: Monday, December 15, 2025

How to stop a pimple early?

How to get rid of a pimple quickly?

How do you treat a pimple at the beginning stage?

What to do in the early stages of a pimple?

Dr. Lee tells patients to keep blemishes covered with a spot treatment as a deterrent. For comedones, apply salicylic acid, and for inflammatory pimples, use benzoyl peroxide. Covering acne with a medicated patch will help heal pimples while also protecting them from any urge to pick.

4 Secrets to Get Rid of Acne Naturally | Dr. Josh Axe

How do you treat a popped pimple too early?

Does ice help acne?

Ice doesn't necessarily help clear up acne or pimples — particularly if you're suffering from cystic and nodular acne — but it can help inflammation. This works because acne is an inflammatory condition meaning that it causes flare-ups that contribute to swelling and redness.

How to dry a pimple overnight?

What is the first line treatment for pimples?

First-line treatment for mild acne vulgaris includes benzoyl peroxide or a topical retinoid, or a combination of topical medications consisting of benzoyl peroxide and an antibiotic (erythromycin or clindamycin), retinoid, or both.

Where does the pus go if you don't pop a pimple?

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.

Do pimples heal faster when popped?

It's tempting, but popping or squeezing a pimple won't necessarily get rid of the problem. Squeezing can push bacteria and pus deeper into the skin, which might cause more swelling and redness. Squeezing also can lead to scabs and might leave you with permanent pits or scars.

What age is acne the worst?

Acne is a common issue for many people, especially for teenagers and young adults in their 20s. Some have mild symptoms, while others can have very severe issues. Acne effects around 90% of adolescents with the prime age across all genders being the teenage years of 14-19 years old.

Does toothpaste help pimples?

Putting toothpaste on a pimple won't help it go away faster. Toothpaste is an acne remedy that has no evidence to support it. It may even cause problems such as skin irritation and over drying.

How do you stop a pimple ASAP?

Can salt remove pimples?

Salt kills bacteria by drying it out, and it can be harsh on your skin's moisture barrier. For this reason, people with combination or dry skin may find salt water does more harm than good, and even those with an oily skin type should use salt water to treat acne only in moderation.

How to get clear skin?

How do you treat early stage pimples?

Salicylic acid: This is available over the counter for acne as a cleanser or lotion. It helps remove the top layer of damaged skin. Salicylic acid dissolves dead skin cells to prevent your hair follicles from clogging.

Does drinking water help with acne?

Increased water intake often leads to improved skin clarity and reduced acne severity. Many people report fewer breakouts and a more even skin tone after consistently increasing their water consumption. Hydrated skin may appear plumper and healthier, making existing acne less noticeable.

How do you cure a pimple right away?

Soak a clean washcloth in hot water, then apply the warm, damp washcloth to your pimple for 10-15 minutes, three times daily. This will help the deep pimple move closer to your skin's surface so it can heal. Make sure to use a clean washcloth every time, and resist popping the pimple.

Does ice remove pimples?

While ice alone may not cure a pimple, it can decrease swelling and redness, making the pimple less noticeable. Ice also has a numbing effect, which can offer temporary pain relief for severely inflamed pimples.

What dries out a big pimple?

There are also small, medicated "stickers" called hydrocolloid patches that you can place over a pimple. The medication helps dry out the pimple, while the sticker covers the pimple and keeps you from picking at it. Be aware, however, that spot treatment works best for pustules.

What is the best pimple patch?

Does heat help pimples?

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.

How to quickly get rid of acne?

How to pop a zit?

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.