If you don’t have ice readily available, try using a cold towel or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a clean cloth. [2] X Research source Always apply ice with material between the ice and your skin, and never apply ice for more than 15-20 minutes.
Wash your hands before and after touching a pimple. A whitehead designates that the pus is near the surface of your skin. Squeezing a pimple can damage your skin and help spread bacteria to other parts of your face.
As an alternative, you can apply all-natural solutions like witch hazel or warm water with salt to the area if you don’t have an antibiotic ointment. For minor pimple wounds, an antibiotic ointment can help it heal in a couple of days.
Picking at your pimple can slow down the healing process. Every time you touch your popped pimple, you are transferring bacteria and other contaminants to the open wound. It’s especially important that you do not pick at pimples or whiteheads that form under the skin. Irritating or causing an injury to the deeper part of the skin, known as the dermis, can lead to irreversible scarring. [7] X Expert Source Margareth Pierre-Louis, MDBoard Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 15 May 2020.
Honey is an astringent and it has antiseptic properties and promotes wound healing.
Start with a larger ratio of water to vinegar if you have sensitive skin.
If your skin is sensitive, you should spot test the oil on your skin first. Some examples of antiseptic oil includes tea tree oil, oregano, spearmint, calendula, rosemary, and lavender. [12] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Ice the pimple a few times before bed.
If the dressing is already an appropriate size for your pimple, you can skip this step. If your dressing does not have adhesive, you can secure the edges of the dressing with medical tape.
Hydrocolloid dressings absorb fluids in a wound and reduce swelling. Examples of hydrocolloid dressings include Nexcare Acne Absorbing Covers, Johnson & Johnson Tough Pads, or DuoDERM Dressing.
If your skin gets irritated or a rash forms, stop using hydrocolloid dressings. Gently pick up one corner of the dressing and peel it away to remove it.
