How to Treat Pimples

Introduction

Although many people suffer from this condition only during the teenage years, pimples can occur throughout adulthood, depending on your hormonal activity, heredity and hygiene. Some people have more severe cases of pimples than others and might need to see a dermatologist for drastic improvements.

By: eHow Fashion, Style & Personal Care Editor

Length: 1:24

Comments: 361

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Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Tips & Warnings:

If you're desperate (you get an unsightly blemish two days before your wedding, perhaps), consult a dermatologist about receiving a shot of cortisone to eliminate a pimple.
Pimples can indicate the presence of acne, a chronic skin disease. If you have recurring pimples, talk to a dermatologist about acne medication. Your dermatologist may prescribe antibiotics, certain brands of birth control pills, or even Accutane for severe acne.
Consider carefully before using Accutane. Although this is the only truly long-term solution for severe acne, it can have serious side effects and is known to cause serious birth defects when taken during pregnancy. Sexually active women who use Accutane should use two forms of birth control.

Step1

Resist the urge to attack when these plugged sebaceous glands pop up. In other words, don't pop your pimples, this can cause infections and even scarring.

Step2

Keep in mind that a combination of hormonal activity, a buildup of bacteria and the shedding of dead skin cells causes pimples. Do what you can to prevent a breakout by establishing a skin-care routine appropriate for your skin type.

Step3

Have patience. It could take up to one month for a blemish to disappear completely. The less you poke at it, the better.

Step4

Buy an antibacterial, oil-free concealer that can blend the redness of the pimple into your own skin color. Green shades tend to offset redness the best. (This might not be an option for those who don't wear makeup.)

Step5

Try a facial mud mask. This may shrink a pimple.

Step6

Realize that despite the happy teens in the commercials, "zit zapping" solutions, medications you apply directly to pimples, don't do much more than dry out the top layer of skin covering the pimples. These medications don't provide a long-term cure.

Step7

If you are going to break the rules by "extracting the blemish," aesthetician-speak for popping your pimple, wash your hands, then lightly squeeze the top of the pimple with a tissue or cotton swab. Clean the area thoroughly when you're done. If nothing happens, leave the pimple alone until it's ready to pop.

Step8

Apply a benzol peroxide acne medication to the pimple and avoid applying medication to the surrounding area.

Comments

AshleyB said

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on 1/24/2008 Never use hydrogen peroxide to "disinfect" the needle - it erodes metal, causing it to flake off which can cause an infection. Same goes for trying to clean pierced ears with peroxide - major no-no, you've just ruined those earrings. And while we're on that subject, treating pierced ears with rubbing alcohol just dries out the wound so it'll never heal correctly.

Steph150 said

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on 11/28/2007 I just finished reading The Clear Skin Diet. Many people and dermatologists believe that acne has no relation to diet. In fact acne is a combination of genetics, diet, stress and lifestyle. If you have tried everything else I recommend this book! Most people do not alter their diet to try and suppress acne because they have been told (even by their dermatologists) that it has no effect. But if you think about the companies that support the profession (Accutane etc.) it makes sense that most doctors just give you the easier fix even though it can be detrimental to your health. I was skeptical before I read this book and now I am a strong believer that you have to attack acne at all ends including a healthy diet. If it doesn't work, well at least you are eating properly. Don't give it up after a week though. You need about 3 months (90 days) to see significant results.

Steph150 said

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Steph150 said

Flag This Comment

on 11/28/2007 I just finished reading The Clear Skin Diet. Many people and dermatologists believe that acne has no relation to diet. In fact acne is a combination of genetics, diet, stress and lifestyle. If you have tried everything else I recommend this book! Most people do not alter their diet to try and suppress acne because they have been told (even by their dermatologists) that it has no effect. But if you think about the companies that support the profession (Accutane etc.) it makes sense that most doctors just give you the easier fix even though it can be detrimental to your health. I was skeptical before I read this book and now I am a strong believer that you have to attack acne at all ends. If it doesn't work, well at least I know I am eating properly. Don't give it up after a week though. You need about 3 months (90 days) to see significant results.

matthew555 said

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on 10/11/2007 HI.

I have terrible acne for YEARS. the only thing that works is roaccutane. Its a powerful drug that closes all sweat glands. You take for 3 months and ALL acne disappears permanently (for 2 years +). Its a dnagerous drug and needs a specialist persciption, but if you are in hell, then it helps. Thank Jesus!

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