Should I ice or heat a blind pimple?

Author: Dr. Sienna Funk III  |  Last update: Thursday, September 25, 2025

While ice can help reduce symptoms of an inflamed pimple, heat works well on noninflamed, blind pimples. A blind pimple is a type of closed comedo that develops in the deep layers of the skin. This type of acne occurs when a plug of sebum and dead skin cells trap oil, bacteria, and dirt deep within a hair follicle.

How do you draw out a blind pimple?

Apply warm compresses: Place a warm, wet washcloth over the area and hold it there for about 10 minutes, several times a day. Make sure the washcloth isn't too hot. The warmth encourages pus to dissolve or come to the surface.

Can you freeze a blind pimple?

Apply an ice pack

One of the worst parts of a blind pimple is that they feel sore. Applying an ice pack can help relieve pain and swelling. Here's how to try one [1][5]: Drop a few ice cubes or an ice block into a face towel.

Is ice bad for blind pimples?

Use a dermatologist-prescribed cleanser to wash away the dirt and grime. Ice – Ice tends to reduce pain and swelling caused due to Blind Pimples. Wrap an ice cube in paper, and apply it to the affected area for 5-10 minutes.

What not to do to a blind pimple?

Because of how deep-set pimples under the skin are, it's important to avoid squeezing to try and pop them. This will only irritate them and can cause infection. Instead, use supportive formulas which help to unclog and exfoliate the area.

Best & Worst Skincare Hacks

Is heat or ice better for pimples?

For example, if you have inflammatory acne, such as cystic and nodular acne, ice can help reduce pain and swelling. On the other hand, if you have blind acne, a warm compress may be the better option, as it can help the pimple come to the surface of your skin sooner.

Is it OK to put ice on my eye?

Using gentle pressure, place a cold pack, a cloth filled with ice — or even a bag of frozen vegetables — to the area around your eye. Take care not to press on the eye itself. Apply cold as soon as possible after the injury to reduce swelling. Repeat several times a day for a day or two.

How to remove eyelid cyst at home?

Treatment at home

Soak cotton wool or a clean flannel in the warm (but not boiling) water, squeeze it out and gently press onto your closed eyelids for two to three minutes at a time. Massage: starting at the skin crease, gently massage the upper lid downwards to the lashes.

How long to put ice on a pimple?

Ice: Ice can slow down the amount of blood that flows to your pimples, which will reduce inflammation and pain. Apply an ice cube or ice pack covered in a light towel over your pimples for at least 10 minutes. Apply ice to your pimples two to three times a day.

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.

Why does my pimple feel like a knot?

Nodular acne is a severe type of acne. It causes hard lumps or knots (nodules) to develop deep under your skin. The nodules start below the surface and appear on the skin as red bumps. These bumps usually don't have a whitehead or blackhead at the center.

What to put on a popped pimple overnight?

So once you've cleansed and dried the area, spot treat that erupting face volcano with a thick occlusive like petroleum jelly (a.k.a. petrolatum, the main ingredient in Vaseline and Aquaphor). According to Dr. Zeichner, this will lock in moisture and help your skin repair itself.

How to draw out a blind pimple?

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.

Why won't my pimple come to a head?

Blind pimples (also known as cystic pimples or cystic acne) are pimples that are so deep beneath the surface of your skin that they don't have a whitehead or blackhead. The exact cause of blind pimples varies based on multiple factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, medications, stress and even sweat.

What are the disadvantages of applying ice on the face?

While face icing has its benefits, it's not without its drawbacks.
  • Can Cause Redness. If you have sensitive skin, the cold temperature can cause redness and irritation if not done correctly.
  • Risk of Ice Burn. ...
  • May Worsen Certain Conditions.

Why put cucumber on eyes?

Cucumber Slices Cucumber slices are commonly incorporated into skincare regimens and home remedies because of their hydrating and cooling attributes. Applying cucumber slices to the eyes may provide temporary relief by alleviating puffiness and imparting a soothing effect.

Should I ice a blind pimple?

While ice can help reduce symptoms of an inflamed pimple, heat works well on noninflamed, blind pimples. A blind pimple is a type of closed comedo that develops in the deep layers of the skin. This type of acne occurs when a plug of sebum and dead skin cells trap oil, bacteria, and dirt deep within a hair follicle.

How to draw out a pimple overnight?

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.

Does heat bring out pimples?

Charles says, “Heat and humidity, sweating, more time outdoors, and increased use of sunscreen can all cause a greater risk for more frequent and more severe acne breakouts. The issue is that when we sweat, dead skin cells stay stuck to the skin and are less likely to be naturally removed.

Why did my pimple turn into a hard lump?

Causes of a hard pimple

Excess oil on the skin: When the body produces lots of sebum, or facial oil, dead skin cells can stick together and block up the pores. This increases the chances of developing a hard pimple.

Does ice help pimples overnight?

The answer is isn't all that simple. 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 shrink a pimple in minutes?

  1. Apply Ice to the Pimple: ...
  2. Apply a Paste of Crushed Aspirin to the Pimple. ...
  3. Use An Over-the-Counter Acne Spot Treatment. ...
  4. Use Makeup with Salicylic Acid to Conceal Pimples. ...
  5. Apply a Face Mask for Acne. ...
  6. Get a Cortisone Injection to Quickly Get Rid of a Pimple.

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