Should I put a pimple patch on a deep pimple?

Author: Quincy Graham  |  Last update: Friday, October 3, 2025

Though pimple patches can be very effective on existing lesions, they have significant limitations. “Pimple patches don't work at all on closed lesions or deeper lesions or even blackheads and whiteheads, which are called comedones,” Dr. Kassouf explains.

Do pimple patches work on deep pimples?

While pimple patches are effective on open whiteheads and existing breakouts, they are not very useful on closed lesions or deeper pimples such as blackheads. They work best as spot treatments on active pimples but cannot help prevent breakouts. They are also unable to prevent scarring, sadly.

Can you put a pimple patch on an underground pimple?

Pimple patches, acne stickers and acne patches are really helpful, specifically for blind pimples. You'll find unmedicated and medicated versions. Medicated patches, like ones that use benzoyl peroxide, help kill off unnecessary bacteria. But hydrocolloid patches are perhaps the most beneficial.

How do you flatten a deep pimple?

Using a warm compress: Once a white spot, or whitehead, forms in the center of the cyst, apply a warm compress. People can make a warm compress by soaking a clean cloth in hot water and gently pressing it to the pimple for 10–15 minutes. Repeat this step 3–4 times per day until the pimple heals.

Do pimple patches work on broken pimples?

Despite their benefits, pimple patches unfortunately don't work for every type of acne. Avoid using pimple patches on the following: Broken or bleeding pimples: Applying a patch can trap bacteria and worsen the inflammation.

Dermatologist favorite acne patches | Dr. Jenny Liu

Is it bad to put a pimple patch on an open pimple?

While acne patches can be highly effective, there are times when they might not be the best option. For instance, they should never be used on open wounds, including open or freshly popped pimples, as this can actually trap bacteria under the patch and slow the healing process.

How to close a pimple hole?

How to Heal a Popped Pimple
  1. Keep the Area Clean. Cleanse the area with a gentle cleanser twice a day to keep it free from dirt and oil. ...
  2. Apply a Spot Treatment. ...
  3. Prevent Scarring. ...
  4. Salicylic Acid. ...
  5. Benzoyl Peroxide. ...
  6. Hydrocolloid Patches. ...
  7. Keep the Area Clean. ...
  8. Avoid Picking or Popping.

What draws out a deep 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.

How do you shrink a deep pimple fast?

If you have a pimple, using benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or a pimple patch can help it go away faster. Your dermatologist can give you a cortisone injection to make a deep, painful, inflamed pimple heal quickly. Avoid picking or trying to pop your pimple — this can lead to more inflammation, redness, and scarring.

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.

How long does it take for a deep pimple to go away?

Blind pimples can be very painful. But most blind pimples go away in a week or two. If you have several blind pimples or you continue having pain or inflammation, talk to your healthcare provider. You may have a type of acne that requires treatment from a dermatologist.

Is it safe to poke a hole in a pimple?

“Not really”, says Lauren Taglia, MD, PhD, a dermatologist at Northwestern Medicine. “But if you must pop, wait until the pimple has been around a few days and has developed a white head, indicating there is pus near the surface. Avoid popping new pimples or those that are red or sore,” she advises.

Should I put a pimple patch on an underground pimple?

“Pimple patches don't work at all on closed lesions or deeper lesions or even blackheads and whiteheads, which are called comedones,” Dr. Kassouf explains. “They are spot treatments for active bumps and have no ability to prevent acne from coming,” nor can they clear clogged pores or other precursors to acne flares.”

Should I pop a pimple before patching?

Don't pop a pimple before applying the patch, as this will aggravate inflammation and increase the risk of scarring and hyperpigmentation. 3. Don't rely solely on patches as they're a temporary solution. A consistent skincare routine is essential for treating breakouts.

What happens if you leave a pimple patch on too long?

Prolonged use of acne patches might lead to hyperpigmentation or other skin discolorations if the patches are applied incorrectly or left on for too long.

Why was my pimple so deep?

Cystic acne is a type of inflammatory acne that causes painful, pus-filled pimples to form deep under the skin. Acne occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog skin pores. With cystic acne, bacteria also gets into the pores, causing swelling or inflammation. Cystic acne is the most severe type of acne.

Do pimple patches work on blind pimples?

Spot Stoppa Microneedle Pimple Patches | Next Generation Spot Sticker | Treatment for Early-Stage Spots, Blind Pimples & Cystic Acne | Salicylic Acid, Totarol & Green Tea Extract | Hydrocolloid patch | Vegan & Cruelty-Free.

How to get rid of a deep cystic pimple?

Treatment options for acne
  1. Antimicrobials such as benzoyl peroxide, topical erythromycin, topical clindamycin and topical dapsone.
  2. Retinoid medications.
  3. Azelaic acid.
  4. Salicylic acid.
  5. Sodium sulfacetamide.

How do you get rid of deep pimples asap?

  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.

What to do if I popped a pimple in the Triangle of Death?

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.

Do pimple patches work on cystic acne?

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. And they can't prevent flare-ups.

Why did my pimple leave a deep hole?

Acne holes are scars or pick marks from pimples. They usually look like indentations or holes in the skin. Acne holes occur due to damage in the deeper layers of the skin after popping pimples.

How do you treat a deep underground pimple?

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 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.

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