How to Get Rid of a Hard Pimple

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1 Getting Rid of Hard Pimples with Over-the-Counter Treatments

2 Getting Rid of Hard Pimples with Home Remedies

3 Getting Rid of Hard Pimples with Medical Treatments

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Article Summary

Co-authored by Paul Friedman, MD and Bailey Cho

Last Updated: July 23, 2024 Fact Checked

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Are you dealing with hard, painful pimples? Often associated with nodules and cysts, hard pimples are blemishes that form under the skin’s surface. Although they can be stressful when they show up, hard pimples are a common skin condition. If you’re struggling with acne, don’t panic—this guide will teach you how to get rid of a hard pimple under your skin.

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Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Getting Rid of Hard Pimples with Over-the-Counter Treatments

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1. 1
   Use an ice pack to reduce pain and swelling. When you notice a pimple forming, wrap an ice cube in a light towel and apply it to your skin for at least 10 minutes. Repeat this process 2-3 times a day.

   • If your pimple has become a whitehead, you can also apply a warm compress. Soak a clean washcloth in very warm water, then apply it to your pimple for 10-15 minutes. Repeat this process 3-4 times a day until the pimple releases its pus and heals.
2. 2
   Apply benzoyl peroxide to your pimple. Most drugstores offer products with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide for over-the-counter use. After washing your face, use your fingers to apply a thin layer of gel onto your pimple and let it absorb. Use benzoyl peroxide on your skin 1-2 times a day.

   • Benzoyl peroxide works by reducing the amount of bacteria on the surface of your skin.
   • As a peroxide product, benzoyl peroxide can bleach your hair, clothes, towels, and bedding. Keep it away from your clothing, and consider sleeping on white sheets or towels if you’re applying it before bed.
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3. 3
   Spread adapalene gel on your acne. Adapalene gel is an over-the-counter retinoid that stops pimples from forming under the surface of your skin. Apply a pea-sized amount of 0.1% adapalene gel onto your pimple once a day, preferably at bedtime. The gel will clear out your pores and reduce inflammation from acne.
4. 4
   Use a product with salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is another proven method to unclog pores and remove sebum and oils that can cause pimples. Drugstores offer over-the-counter salicylic acid products in concentrations of 0.5% to 2%. Follow the instructions on the product label to see how often you should apply the treatment.

   • Higher concentrations of salicylic acid products are available up to 60%, but only by prescription. Higher over-the-counter concentrations are likely to produce more noticeable side effects, such as irritation, burning, or peeling of the skin.
5. 5
   Wash your face and other affected areas twice a day. Use your fingertips to apply a mild facial cleanser, and gently rub it on your face in a circular motion. Try not to scrub your face or harshly exfoliate it. This can cause permanent scarring and your skin will take longer to heal.

   • Avoid washing your face much more than twice a day, since this can dry out your skin. Wash your face once in the morning and once before bed, and after you sweat or exercise.
   • Look for a cleanser labeled as “non-comedogenic.” This means that the product does not cause blackheads or whiteheads.
   • Harsh soaps and cleansers can dry out your skin and make you more prone to acne. Opt for gentle cleansers, and switch to another product if you get rashes or other negative reactions.
   • Nodules form when your pores become blocked, usually if your skin produces too much sebum or you don’t clean your skin properly. Keeping your face and body clean can decrease the amount of sebum and cell debris that are at the root of pimples.
6. 6
   Cut out foods from your diet that have a lot of sugar. High-glycemic (high sugar) foods have been shown to lead to inflammation and the build-up of bacteria associated with acne. Dairy products can also affect some people this way. Changing your diet may lead to a reduction in acne outbreaks.

   • Foods that are low-sugar include vegetables (like peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, lettuce, and eggplants), fruits (like strawberries, apples, lemons, limes, and pears), legumes (like chickpeas and beans), nuts (like cashews and peanuts), and dark chocolate with more than 70% cocoa.
   • Consider eliminating sugary soft drinks from your diet and reducing the amount of foods you eat with processed sugar, like candy, donuts, baked goods, and other similar foods.
7. 7
   Get more skin-friendly nutrients to avoid breakouts. Vitamins A, B, C and D are important for overall skin health. Omega-3 fats are another nutrient that can help reduce acne due to their anti-inflammatory properties.

   • Vitamin A rich foods include spinach, carrots, broccoli, red peppers, sweet potatoes, and summer squash. Fruits that contain vitamin A include mangos, cantaloupe, and apricots. Legumes are a good source of vitamin A, as well as meat, and fish, such as herring and salmon.
   • The easiest way to get Vitamin D is to go out into the sun for 5-30 minutes in the morning or late afternoon at least twice a week. Foods with high levels of vitamin D include fish like salmon and tuna, along with cod liver oil. Vitamin D is also found in dairy, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese.
   • Omega-3 fatty acids are found in nuts and seeds, such as flaxseeds, flaxseed oil, chia seeds, butternuts, and walnuts. Other great sources for omega-3s are salmon, sardines, mackerel, and whitefish. Vegetables, like brussel sprouts, spinach, kale, and salad greens, also contain omega-3s.
8. 8
   Steer clear of skin irritants. Wearing tight clothes or using clogging makeup on your skin can make hard pimples worse. These irritants can clog pores or cause irritation. If you do use makeup, make sure to remove it before bed.
9. 9
   Be gentle with your skin. Roughly touching your skin can cause irritation and make acne worse. Avoid picking at or popping your nodules or cysts, since this can cause flare-ups and lead to longer healing times.

   • The American Academy of Dermatology also recommends avoiding products that irritate the skin. This includes astringents, toners, and exfoliants.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Getting Rid of Hard Pimples with Home Remedies

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1. 1
   Use tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is one of the most popular ways to remove hard pimples. It has antiseptic, anti-fungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. You can apply a small amount of tea tree oil to a cotton round and rub it onto your pimples twice a day, or you can dilute 1-2 drops of tea tree oil in 12 drops of a non-comedogenic carrier oil, such as coconut, jojoba, or olive oil.

   • If you want the tea tree oil to have the consistency of a toner, dilute tea tree oil into witch hazel instead.
   • Put some tea tree oil on a cotton ball or swab and apply it directly to the deep pimple. If you have a sensitivity to tea tree oil, use a carrier oil.
   • Tea tree oil may be just as helpful as benzoyl peroxide in treating acne.
   • Be careful not to get any tea tree oil in or around your mouth.
   • Tea tree oil can cause sensitivity and rashes for some people, so always test it first. Put a single drop of the oil on your inner forearm twice daily for 7-10 days. If there’s no skin reaction, you should be able to use the oil.
2. 2
   Try green tea. Studies show that green tea polyphenols may have several properties to help treat acne—it is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and has been shown to reduce sebum production. Mix dry green tea leaves with water, then massage the wet leaves into your skin using small, circular motions for 30 seconds. Rinse your face with water when you’re done.

   • You can also make a facial spray with green tea and mineral water to treat minor cuts, sooth sunburns, and reduce swelling.
   • Alternatively, freeze freshly brewed green tea into ice cubes to use as a toner. After cleansing your face, let the ice thaw slightly and sweep it over your skin.
3. 3
   Apply an herbal mask. Herbal masks could help reduce the size of hard pimples. Astringent herbs, like white oak’s bark and walnut’s leaf, may kill bacteria and treat acne. Herbal masks can be made with things in your kitchen, and you can add essential oils if you wish.

   • Begin by mixing 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of raw honey with 1 egg white. Honey has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
   • Then, add 0.5 US tbsp (7.4 mL) of peppermint, lavender, calendula, or tea tree, or thyme oil.
   • Spread the mixture over your face or wherever else you have acne. If you’d like, use a cotton swab to spread the mixture over specific problem areas.
   • Allow the mixture to dry for 15 minutes. Then rinse it off completely with warm water.
4. 4
   Make a natural exfoliant for your skin. Exfoliation is often not recommended by many skin specialists because it can irritate your skin. Scrubbing your face can swell your pores and make acne worse, but a little gentle exfoliation can help keep your skin clear. Gently exfoliating the skin can remove dead skin cells and prevent them from clogging your pores. Try the following natural exfoliants that you can make yourself:

   • Make a honey-baking soda exfoliant by mixing 1 teaspoon (5.7 g) of baking soda with 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of honey to form a paste.
   • For an oatmeal exfoliant, combine 1 teaspoon (5.7 g) of finely ground oats, 1 teaspoon (5.7 g) of ground almond meal, 1 teaspoon (5.7 g) of powdered milk, and 0.5  tsp (2.5 mL) to 1  tsp (4.9 mL) of olive, jojoba, vitamin E, avocado, or almond oil.
   • To make a sugar-coconut oil exfoliant, mix 1 cup (200 g) of sugar with 0.5 (120 mL) of coconut oil. You can also use castor, jojoba, vitamin E, avocado, or almond oil.
   • Make a sea salt exfoliant by combining 0.5 cup (150 g) of sea salt with 0.25 cup (59 mL) of olive oil.
   • When using a homemade exfoliant, apply it to your face or any affected areas. Massage your skin in gentle, circular motions for 30 seconds, then rinse with warm water.
5. 5
   Give yourself a steam treatment. Pour hot water into a large bowl, then place a towel over the back of your head. If you like, add 1-2 drops of an essential oil like spearmint, peppermint, lavender, tea tree oil, or calendula to the water. Close your eyes and lean about 1 ft (30 cm) away from the pot to avoid a steam burn.

   • Wash your face before steaming and keep your head over the water for 10 minutes at a time, up to 2-3 times a week. The steam will open your pores and soothe your skin.
   • Pat your face dry after you're done with the treatment and apply a hydrating, non-comedogenic moisturizer.
   • If your acne is on a location other than your face, you can turn your bathroom into a steam shower by using towels to cover gaps below the door and turning on your shower to the highest heat setting. Remove your clothes and sit in the steam for no longer than 15-20 minutes.
   • To include essential oils when using your shower as a steam room, add a few drops of oils into a bowl of steaming water. Place a towel over your head and over the bowl of water, then breathe in deeply.
   • If you begin to feel dizzy while in your bathroom, turn off the shower, leave the room immediately, and drink some cold water to keep you from becoming dehydrated.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Getting Rid of Hard Pimples with Medical Treatments

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1. 1
   Visit your dermatologist. If you have hard pimples, it’s a good idea to see a dermatologist. They can treat your acne and help prevent scarring. If you have tried over-the-counter products or at-home methods and haven’t seen any improvements, visit your doctor.
2. 2
   Take medicine prescribed by your doctor. This medicine may be able to be used in conjunction with at-home treatments. See your dermatologist to discuss your specific case of acne, medication options available, and any side effects.

   • Common treatments include retinoids, topical or oral antibiotics, oral contraceptives (for women), isotretinoin, or hormone therapy.
   • According to board certified dermatologist Paul Friedman, MD, if you have an isolated acne lesion, “an injection of an intralesional steroid” is one of the quickest ways to clear acne.
3. 3
   Try skin therapy if standard solutions aren’t working. If you have tried at-home treatments and medication with no success, your doctor may suggest a different treatment. These include:

   • Lasers and other light therapies: Lasers and light therapies can kill off and reduce bacteria that cause pimples.
   • Chemical peels: These are professional strength chemical peels. Though these are most often used to treat blackreheads and papules, your dermatologist may feel that these can benefit you.
   • Acne removal: This procedure is called drainage and extraction and is used for larger nodules and cysts. It may be an option when the nodules or cysts do not respond to other treatments.
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Expert Q&A

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• Question

  Is it bad to pop pimples?

  

  Alicia Ramos
  Skincare Professional

  Alicia Ramos is a Licensed Esthetician and the owner of Smoothe Denver in Denver, Colorado. She received her license at the School of Botanical & Medical Aesthetics, with training in lashes, dermaplaning, waxing, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels, and now provides skin care solutions to hundreds of clients.

  

  Alicia Ramos

  Skincare Professional

  Expert Answer

  Yes, it can make your acne worse. If you try to pop a pimple, you can break the papule underneath your skin, causing the bacteria to spread and make your acne spread.

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