Acne Under Skin: Medical & Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Blind Pimples

Highlights:

What Is A Blind Pimple?
Whiteheads And Blind Pimples
What Is Inside A Blind Pimple?
What Causes Blind Pimples?
Which Areas Tend To Develop Blind Pimples?
What Does A Blind Pimple Feel Like?
How Can You Get Rid Of A Blind Pimple?
Do's And Don’ts For Blind Pimples
How Long Does It Take For A Blind Pimple To Heal?
What Will Happen If You Pop A Blind Pimple?

A blind pimple is acne that develops beneath the surface of the skin. They are usually not noticeable from a distance. But they can be felt when you run your fingers over your skin’s surface.

Blind pimples lack a head. Since they are under your skin’s surface, they are not visible from a distance. However, they may be painful to touch and can disappear on their own. Scroll down to find out more about them.

A closed comedone that develops under the skin’s surface is a blind pimple. This may show up eventually as what we call a ‘whitehead’.

Dirt, oil and bacteria tend to accumulate inside a blind pimple. The components of a blind pimple are no different from the other forms of acne. A blind pimple may or may not be pus-filled.

Just like your typical pimple, blind pimples are caused by dirt, bacteria and oil.

Your skin’s surface is made up of tiny pores, beneath which lie sebaceous glands. These glands produce sebum, an oil that is vital to keep your skin hydrated and maintain its health. At times, these pores may get blocked by oil, dirt and bacteria.

When dead skin cells accumulate over the surface of your skin, they do not allow the pimple to reach the top. This may lead to the development of a pimple beneath your skin’s surface.

A bacteria called P. acnes resides on the skin’s surface. When they accumulate inside a blocked pore, they secrete certain chemicals and enzymes that attract white blood cells. This can also result in inflammation.

Blind pimples tend to develop in places that secrete more oil. These areas usually include your face, chest, neck and back.

A blind pimple feels like a lump in your skin. It may appear as a white or red patch on your skin that is usually painful to touch.

A. Apply A Warm Compress

If your blind pimple is pus-filled, a warm compress may help release the pus and heal your pimple. Warm compresses also help in opening up pores, which may allow your pimple to finally travel up to the surface of your skin (1).

How To Use:

You can make your own by using a clean wash-cloth and warm water. Apply the warm compress for 10-15 minutes, 4-5 times a day. Microwavable warm compresses are also available in the market.

B. Use Warm Green Tea Bags

A warm green tea bag can help relieve your blind pimple of pain and inflammation.

C. Apply A Cold Compress

A cold compress can relieve your pimple of swelling and pain. Cold compresses are available in the market, but you can make one at home too.

How To Use:

Take a clean washcloth and a couple of ice cubes. Wrap the washcloth around the ice cubes and gently press it against your pimple.

D. Pimple Patches (Acne Stickers)

As fancy as the name sounds, acne stickers serve many purposes. Pimple patches contain acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid. They help remove dirt, bacteria and unclog pores. They also work by drawing out excess sebum, one of the major factors of an acne breakout.

These stickers are small in size and are meant to be placed over a pimple.

Where Can You Find These?

You can find acne stickers at your local drugstore. These stickers can barely be noticed and can be worn throughout the day. However, make it a point to change them regularly, as per your doctor’s recommendations or the instructions on the box.

E. Topical Treatments

Topical creams, gels and lotions are available at drugstores to treat different types of pimples.

1. Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide dries-up excess sebum and can also kill the P. acnes bacteria that causes acne. It can be useful in treating blind pimples.

2. Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is widely used in a number of creams, shampoos and cosmetics. It is useful to unclog pores and works as an exfoliator by removing dead skin cells. This can help your pimple reach the surface of your skin and drain out the blind pimples.

3. Alpha Hydroxy Acids

AHAs work as exfoliators and remove dead skin cells. This action unclogs pores, revealing the blind pimple.

4. Topical Retinoids

These are Vitamin A derivatives and widely used in dermatology. They come in the form of creams, lotions and gels. Topical retinoids unclog pores and remove dead skin cells. This can help reveal your blind pimple.

5. Topical Antibiotics

Antibiotics kill the acne-causing bacteria that contribute to blind pimple breakouts. Topical antibiotics may prove to be effective in reducing and preventing blind pimples. They are available in gel form at drugstores.

The most commonly used ones are clindamycin and erythromycin (2) (3). If you have sensitive skin, conduct a patch test before using these. It is recommended to use topical antibiotics two times a day for faster results. They are usually used in combination with other anti-inflammatory and anti-acne gels like benzoyl peroxide.

Most of the above ingredients do not require a prescription. However, if you want a topical cream containing higher concentrations of these, visit your dermatologist.

6. Tea Tree Oil

Studies suggest that 5 percent topical tea tree oil can reduce symptoms of mild to moderate acne (4). Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties that kill acne-causing bacteria. This can help reduce swelling and prevent future breakouts.

Dos

A. Wash Your Face Two Times A Day

Cleansing your face is vital to prevent dirt, dead skin cells and bacteria from accumulating on your skin. To avoid breakouts, cleanse your face two times a day.

B. Wash Your Pillows Regularly

Your pillow covers may transfer existing dirt and bacteria onto your skin. Wash them regularly to avoid acne breakouts.

C. Remove Makeup Everyday

Sleeping with makeup on can clog your pores and get debris to accumulate on your skin. Make it a point to remove your makeup everyday before you go to bed to allow your skin to breathe.

D. Drink More Water

Your skin may produce too much sebum when it lacks water. It does this to keep itself moist, which is vital for healthy skin. However, too much sebum can clog your pores. It is important to keep your skin hydrated by moisturizing it regularly and drinking at least 2 litres of water everyday.

Don’ts

A. Don’t Pop

If you try to pop a blind pimple, you’re damaging your tissues. This can contribute to inflammation and eventually, scarring. Popping a blind pimple can also contribute to more pain and infection under the surface of your skin. Squeezing can also push the contents of the pimple deeper into your skin, contributing to breakouts.

B. Don’t Scrub Too Hard

Scrubbing your face can aggravate breakouts and contribute to inflammation.

Blind pimples are not your average surface pimples. They affect the deeper layers of your skin, making them more prone to infection and inflammation. They take longer to heal than regular pimples.

Blind pimples usually tend to go away on their own after a few weeks. It can even take upto months for them to fade away. Under treatment, a blind pimple may take a few days and upto weeks to heal (5).

Since blind pimples occur within the deeper layers of your skin pores, popping them can cause infection and inflammation. An attempt to squeeze these can also result in tissue damage and scarring.

Be it a blind pimple or a surface pimple, all forms of acne can be emotionally draining. However, addressing them the right way can prevent scarring and breakouts. Following a proper skincare regimen and using the right products will reduce the chances of blind pimples.

Begin By Knowing Your Skin