How-To: Bring a Pimple to a Head
Pimples under the surface of the skin can be painful, annoying, and just plain stubborn. Recently, a reader contacted me about an unfortunate case of an under-the-surface pimple on the chin. "I've tried a deep-cleansing pore mask, alcohol wipes, and soaking it with hot water and no luck," she said. Making a hot compress to apply to the problem area is one of my favorite ways to bring a pimple to a head, but since it doesn't seem to be working in this instance, I've done a little research on the topic. Find out how to get that pimple out fast when you read more.
- Tea bag compress: A warm tea bag cannot only help bring the pimple to the surface, but the tannins within, particularly in black tea, help reduce inflammation.
- Patch it up: This bit of advice comes from Dr. Adrienne Denese. Simply dab hydrocortisone cream on the infected area and cover with a Band-Aid. This simple remedy will help quell inflammation. (Psst: I've also done antibacterial cream and a Band-Aid with great success, and some folks even use honey for similar results.)
- For the unconventional: Joey Green, author of Amazing Kitchen Cures ($10) recommends Kiwi White Liquid Shoe Polish ($3.50) to help dry out pimples and bring them to the surface. He also recommends dabbing on some Preparation H ($6.50) to shrink the spot.
- Once it's ready: Make sure your hands are sanitized first before touching your face. Don't pop, but squeeze. You don't want to push the bacteria deeper into the skin. Once the pimple has been extracted, resist the urge to touch it, and treat with an antibacterial cream or tea tree oil, a natural antiseptic.
- If it's bad enough: Ask you doctor if a cortisone shot is right for you.
