Everything You Need to Know About Blind Pimples: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
What are Blind Pimples?
Blind pimples, also known as cystic acne, are formation of pimple or acne deep under the skin (1, 2). They can be nearly invisible or appear large or small in size and are painful to touch. Treatment of blind pimple includes antibiotics or home remedies (1, 2).
As the name suggests, a blind pimple is not always obvious; however, a lump can be felt upon touching it. The area where the blind pimple has developed can be red or painful and have some inflammation too. Blind pimples can develop as a result of a nodule or a cyst beneath the skin and should not be confused with regular pimples and blackheads and whiteheads, which develop on the surface of the skin.
By nature, blind pimples are stubborn and treating them can be challenging. As they are present under the skin, they do not have any visible head that can be “popped.” In few cases, one can try to form an opening on the blind pimple, but need not always be successful.
What are the Causes of Blind Pimples?
The cause of formation of blind pimples is accumulation and trapping bacteria, sebum and dirt under the skin within a hair follicle resulting in a painful lump under the surface of the skin which does not have a “head” like regular pimples (1). In case of oily skin, the risk for blind pimples is more. Hormonal fluctuations also contribute to increased sebum and can cause formation of blind pimples (1). Certain medications can also cause blind pimples, such as oral corticosteroids and some birth pills (1).
It can be challenging to treat blind pimples and they need lot of care and patience to get rid of.
How Long Does A Blind Pimple Last?
A blind pimple can lurk around for about 1 to 3 weeks and with the right treatment, it can resolve faster.
HOME REMEDIES for Treating Blind Pimples (1, 2)
Home remedies can surprise you and help in getting rid of even stubborn blind pimples. Before trying any home treatment, make sure that your hands are clean.
Never try to squeeze The Area of the Blind Pimple
Blind pimples develop within the skin’s surface and cannot be squeezed or popped. If one tries to do so in that region, then it will cause more irritation and lead to infection and scarring (1). So, one should try to bring the pimple to the surface so it can drain and heal from the skin like a regular pimple.
Warm Compress Will Help with Pain
Warm compresses can be applied to the area of the blind pimple to alleviate the pain and should be held against the affected region for around 10 to 15 minutes around four times a day. Doing this also helps in releasing the pus from the pimple and helps it to heal.
Benzoyl Peroxide for the Win!
Benzoyl peroxide is an effective OTC treatment for pimples of any kind including blind pimple. It works by killing off the bacteria present beneath the skin. Many over-the-counter acne treatments and cleansers have Benzoyl Peroxide in them.
Apply Ice for Inflammation and Pain
Ice or cold compress helps in relieving swelling, inflammation and pain. Wrap an ice cube in a thin towel or paper and apply to the area of blind pimple for 5 to 10 minutes two to three times a day.
Use an Acne Patch
An acne patch is a small sized medicated bandage that is placed directly on any pimple including blind pimple. These pimple patches contain salicylic acid and other such acne-fighting agents, which will help with the redness pain and healing of the blind pimple. Placing a pimple patch will also prevent from accidental touching of the area of the blind pimple.
Raw Honey for Treating Blind Pimples
Raw honey is a great natural alternative to other products and it has natural antimicrobial properties that help in fighting the acne causing bacteria. Raw honey soothes the area of blind pimple and also helps with other skin problems. Apply a small quantity to the affected area and keep it for an hour and rinse it off. You can follow it with a topical acne medication.
MEDICAL TREATMENT for Treating Blind Pimple
If home remedies do not get rid of blind pimple and it is painful and inflamed, then it is better to seek medical consultation. The doctor will prescribe medications, including topical and oral antibiotics, which help in treating the blind pimples.
Some of the clinical treatments for blind pimples are (1, 2):
Topical Antibiotics: These are applied to the blind pimple to fight the acne causing bacteria and alleviate the inflammation also. Clindamycin and erythromycin are the commonly used topical antibiotics for treating acne and blind pimples. If you have sensitive skin, then topical antibiotics need to be applied once a day and then see how the skin reacts before increasing the application to twice a day. Along with topical antibiotics, another acne fighting products, such as benzoyl peroxide should also be used for effective treatment. The antibiotic gets rid of the bacteria and inflammation, and the benzoyl peroxide helps in drying the blind pimple.
Oral Antibiotics for Treating Blind Pimple
Oral antibiotics are prescribed to treat moderate to severe acne and they consist of: doxycycline, minocycline and sarecycline. For infected or too many blind pimples, oral antibiotics are prescribed along with topical antibiotics.
Cortisone Shots as a Last Resort
If the blind pimples are very large, painful or swollen, then a cortisone injection is given for treatment. A diluted cortisone solution is injected directly into each blind pimple to dry it out and to treat it.
Why are Blind Pimples More Painful Than Regular Pimple?
Blind pimples are usually painful because they develop deep within the skin, where nerve endings are more. The pressure and inflammation caused by the trapped oil and bacteria can cause more pain.
Conclusion
Blind pimples are also known as cystic acne, which form deep under the skin and are painful to touch. Blind pimples can be stubborn but they can be treated at home too. For chronic cases of blind pimple, medical help should be sought for prescription medications and for management of recurring blind pimples.
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