A dermatologist's advice on how to get rid of a pimple - now!

A dermatologist's advice on how to get rid of a pimple - now!

You wake up the morning of an important work presentation and find – surprise! – an angry red pimple staring back at you in the mirror.

If you often find yourself in this situation, consider making an appointment with a dermatologist who can create a care plan to keep your skin clear.

Best over-the-counter pimple creams

The best way to make a pimple disappear quickly is to apply a dab of benzoyl peroxide, which you can purchase at the drugstore in the form of a cream, gel, or patch, says Dr. Shilpi Khetarpal. It kills bacteria that clog pores and cause inflammation. You can buy it in concentrations ranging from 2.5% to 10%.

“It's inexpensive, it's been around for many years and it's very effective,” says Dr. Khetarpal.
However, there is a downside: if you apply it to the same area over and over again, it can dry out or irritate your skin. So if your skin is sensitive, you should choose a product with a lower concentration of benzoyl peroxide.

What NOT to do to get rid of a pimple

You can watch videos about popping pimples online to your heart's content, but Dr. Khetarpal advises against trying this in real life.

"Any manipulation of a pimple can cause further inflammation, increasing the risk of scarring," she explains. “Plus, your hands are dirty, so you're introducing more bacteria and potentially making the problem worse.

It's best to spot treat the pimple with benzoyl peroxide and then leave it alone.

Alleged home remedies for pimples

"It's fine to wear makeup and cover the pimple, but don't pick or squeeze it," recommends Dr. Khetarpal. “It will go away on its own.
Do these self-help measures work in an emergency?
If you search the internet you will find many quick recipes for pimples. Here is Dr. Khetarpal's opinion on some of the most common.

toothpaste

Many toothpastes contain ingredients like alcohol or baking soda, which can help dry out a pimple. But toothpaste also contains other ingredients that shouldn't be applied directly to the face. She warns that using toothpaste to treat a pimple could potentially irritate your skin.

Tea tree oil

There's some good news here: Studies have shown that a small amount of tea tree oil can fight acne. Dr. However, Khetarpal warns that a small percentage of people have an allergic reaction to it. "If it works for you, great, but if you put it on your skin and find out you're allergic to it, you have a whole different problem," she says.

aspirin

Some people swear by crushing up an aspirin, adding a few drops of water to it, and dabbing the mixture onto the pimple. Aspirin's active ingredient, acetylsalicylic acid, is similar to salicylic acid, which is found in many skin care products as an anti-inflammatory agent. However, according to acne treatment guidelines published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, there is limited clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of salicylic acid in treating acne. “Many dermatologists are of the opinion that it just dries out the skin without providing any significant benefit,” says Dr. Khetarpal.

Ice or heat

If a pimple is red and swollen, ice can temporarily help relieve the inflammation, but the effects wear off quickly, she says. Likewise, a warm washcloth may temporarily soothe irritated skin, but it won't help with the pimple itself. "These remedies only temporarily relieve the discomfort, but the medications are more effective at actually getting rid of the pimple," she says.
While there are some things at your local pharmacy that might help in an emergency, it might be worth investing in a product containing benzoyl peroxide to have on hand for skin care emergencies.
The following items can
The following articles may also help you as they look at the same topic from a different light:

Related articles:

[fu_postlist search=’stuff’ maxposts=10 search=”Pimple”]