The Best Way to Get Rid of a Blind Pimple

A blind pimple, also known as cystic acne, is a pimple that lives beneath the surface of your skin and doesn’t come to a head. It is often in the form of a red, painful bump beneath the skin.

If you’ve ever had a blind pimple, you know how painful it can be. These bumps aren’t like a typical whitehead pimple, and they’re even tougher to get rid of as they are basically a pimple with no head.

What’s the best way to get rid of a blind pimple? Is there any hope for those of us who get them regularly? Let’s dive into the specifics of how to treat cystic acne, from the experts at Skin Spa New York.

What is a blind pimple?

A blind pimple, also known as cystic acne, is a pimple that lives beneath the surface of your skin and doesn’t come to a head. It is often in the form of a red, painful bump beneath the skin.

Blind pimples are caused by oil getting trapped beneath the skin. An overproduction of oil might occur during certain parts of your hormonal cycle, which is why many women get these types of pimples at a certain time each month.

What is the best way to get rid of a blind pimple?

Unfortunately, there’s no magic trick to getting rid of a blind pimple in a few minutes. (Don’t use toothpaste as an overnight treatment.)

The issue with these types of pimples is they cannot be accessed topically, meaning you cannot pop them, and your normal acne wash will not work. Really, there are only two ways to tackle these at home. Eventually, they will go away on their own, but these two options will help give you some relief.

If you’re interested in learning how to get a blind pimple to come to a head, here are a few ways to help you do just that:

How to get a pimple to come to a head

A Warm Compress

Your best course of action is to use a warm compress to help calm inflammation and possibly relieve some pain. Use a clean, warm washcloth for 10-15 minutes, 4-5 times a day. 

Complexion Treatment Pads

Complexion Treatment Pads are designed to reveal glowing, healthy skin with just a few sweeps across the face. Power compound glycolic acid works hand in hand with salicylic acid to gently exfoliate, rejuvenate and reduce fine lines on the skin’s surface. Aloe leaf extract nourishes skin while keeping it balanced, smooth, radiant and prepped for a full skincare routine.

Acne Patches

Acne patches are concentrated treatments that you place directly on the affected area. They reduce inflammation, calm redness, remove excess oil, and kill bacteria. Pimple stickers are especially good at removing sebum, which is one of the major causes of blind pimples and cystic acne.

These stickers are made so you can wear them anytime—even during the day! They’re nearly invisible on the skin, so you don’t have to worry about walking around with a sticker on your face. You can find them at most major drugstores in the skincare aisle!

Alternate option: tea tree oil

It might seem counterproductive to put oil on a pimple that is caused by an excess of oil, but tea tree oil can help kill bacteria that causes acne. Put a few drops onto a cotton round, and gently dab on the affected area. Do this every day for a few weeks, and see if you notice a difference!

What causes blind pimples?

Blind pimples are typically caused by a cyst or nodule that develops underneath the skin. They develop when sebum, dirt, and bacteria get trapped in a hair follicle. If you have oily skin, you are more likely to develop blind pimples than those with dry skin.

Types of pimples

There are a few different types of pimples. If you have a pimple but you’re unsure which kind it is, check out this list to learn the different types of pimples.

• Blackheads: Blackheads are oil plugs that occur in a hair follicle, and they typically have an open head at the very surface of your skin.
• Whiteheads: Whiteheads are closed skin pores that are typically clogged with oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells.
• Papules: Papules are small, raised bumps that develop from excess oil and clogged pores. They have no visible pus.
• Pustules: Pustules are bulging patches of skin that are full of pus.
• Blind acne: Blind pimples are acne that develop deep under the skin, and unlike other types of acne, they don’t have heads that you can pop.

Do You Get Blind Pimples Regularly? 

If no home remedy is working for you, it might be time to see a professional. Dermatologists can help you find a medication to treat persistent cystic acne, as well as any scarring that might result from it. You might receive a cortisone shot, an ingestible antibiotic (for a short period of time), or topical creams or ointments.