How Long do Pimples Last & Ways to Get Rid of it Fast?

About Pimples:

With more than 80 percent of American teenagers getting pimples at some point of time or the other, pimples happen to be one of the most common and ugly-looking skin problems worldwide. Being a small papule or pustule, pimples can be defined as small skin lesions which cause skin inflammation and can be troublesome for the person getting it. While most of us are aware of the problems it causes, it is important to understand how long do pimples last and how to get rid of it fast.

A pimple is caused when the oil glands, also known as sebaceous glands, get infected or clogged. This results in formation of red-colored swollen lesions which are filled with pus and commonly called pimples. Excess oil production, clogged pores, dead skin cells and bacteria are other major factors which contribute to the development of bacteria. Pimples are most commonly found on the chest, back, face and shoulder region.

The other name for pimple is zits or spots. There are different types of pimples and each one has their unique set of signs and symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of pimples include the formation of whiteheads, blackheads, pustules, papules, cysts or nodules on the affected area.

How Long do Pimples Last?

How Long do Pimples Last?

Not everyone is aware of the fact that the process which gives way to pimples starts weeks before it actually becomes visible to the naked eye. You might notice the occurrence of blackheads and whiteheads which slowly getting inflamed.

In a normal scenario, old skin cells line the follicles of hair deep within our pores and are generally brought to the surface by sebum. However, if these skin cells mix with the sebum instead it forms a plug. A plug is one which has trapped oil beneath it allowing bacteria to thrive easily in the follicles of the hair. The oil helps the bacteria to eat and multiply quickly. As this happens, the oil glands and hair follicles start getting irritated resulting in a rupture. This rupture further leads to swelling and redness in the affected area while the body tries to fight off the infection.

People commonly wonder, how long do pimples last? The duration for which pimples last differs from one person to another. In some cases it improves with age and disappears completely by adulthood while in some cases pimples begin to appear only once the person has reached their adult years.

How long a pimple lasts mainly depends on the inflammatory reaction which takes place in your body, the types of pimples and a person’s overall health. Let us analyze the different types of pimples and its life cycle.

  • A pimple which occurs without a head is called a red bump and goes away in about 2 to 7 days time.
  • In most cases, pimples take several days to almost 2 weeks to clear up completely.
  • If you are suffering from a deep-seated cyst it may happen that its contents might get discharged inward instead of oozing out. In such cases, the cyst may take almost 30 days to die down.

Thus, the type of infection and your skin quality plays an important role in deciding how long pimples last. The best thing you can do is to maintain good health and learn effective ways to get rid of pimples.

How to Get Rid of Pimples Fast?

Like most individuals, you too must wish to quickly recover from the pimples on your face, neck or chest and give way to clean and clear-looking skin. Though it might be quite tempting to pop your pimple, you must avoid doing so as it will in no way solve your problem but only make it worse. Popping a pimple leads to scarring which may also be permanent in nature.

Instead, here are some simple ways to get rid of pimples fast and in an effective manner which are not at all painful (popping a pimple is). Moreover, some of these methods actually work overnight which is undoubtedly the best time to treat pimples quickly. The skin regenerates and recharges smoothly while you sleep and can also help get rid of pimples before its morning!

Medical Treatment to Get Rid of Pimples Fast

Apply a Retinoid

Retinoid can help quite helpful in brightening and healing skin which is affected by pimples and also clearing the bumps fast. Retinol is an over-the-counter product which contains retinoid and is good for healing pimples. It is advisable to seek your doctor’s advice before using it and always use the product as directed.

Corticosteroid

For faster recovery from pimples, you can get an injection of corticosteroid which is injected right onto the bump. This helps heal it fast and also prevents scarring.

Microdermabrasion Treatment

This is another way to get rid of pimples fast and recover from it rapidly. It is also quite effective in treating the scars caused due to pimples. In this procedure a minimally abrasive instrument gently sands your skin and eliminates the uneven and thicker outer layers of the skin.

Salicylic Acid Based Face Wash

This is a great and simple medical treatment for fast recovery from pimples. Such a face wash helps eliminate all the excess oil or sebum from the skin which is one of the major causes of pimples.

Home Remedies to Get Rid of Pimples Fast

Follow a Proper Cleaning Regime

If you wish to quickly recover from your pimples and get clear-looking skin, it is imperative for you to follow a proper cleaning regime which includes a cleaning, toning and moisturizing routine twice daily. Also avoid sleeping with makeup on as it will only worsen the condition. Use a mild cleanser to wash your face and say no to any facial products which contain harsh chemicals in it. Plain milk is also a natural cleanser and can be used depending on your skin type.

Use Toothpaste

Applying toothpaste on the pimple not only helps you get rid of it fast but also prevents the occurrence of scars on it. Toothpaste eliminates extra oil from your skin thereby leaving the skin pores free from debris and sebum and absolutely clean. Simply rub some toothpaste on your pimple at night and wash it in the morning with plain water to see it work its magic.

Drink Loads of Water

Drinking loads of water (like 10 glasses of water) every day will help to eliminate the toxin from your body. This also clears of toxins under your skin, thus giving way to clear, glowing skin which is free from zits and pimples. Also, a dehydrated body runs a higher risk of developing clogged skin pores as compared to a well-hydrated one.

Honey

Being a natural antibacterial product, honey is quite effective in drawing out impurities from the skin which can easily develop into pimples if left unattended. Apply a good amount of honey on your pimples and let it rest for half an hour. Wash off with cool water and follow with a moisturizer that does not block pores (non-comedogneic) or as advised by your physician.

Change Your Pillow Cover

It may happen that your pimples are occurring due to the dirty pillow covers and cases you use every night. Change your bed sheet, pillow cover and case and replace it with washed and cleaned ones to see the difference.

Green Tea

This is another great home remedy to get rid of pimples fast. Being rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, green tea is not only good for your internal body but great for the external too! You can drink 2 to 3 cups of green tea every day to relieve inflammation when suffering from pimples. Alternately, you can apply brewed green tea to the affected area to clean pores and reduce pimples considerably.

Garlic

Garlic has great anti-bacterial properties which make it ideal for getting rid of acne fast. Simply crush a few cloves of garlic and apply its juice on the pimple. Rinse off with a mild facial cleanser and water after 20 minutes for quick healing.

Use Vitamin C Rich Products

Vitamin C rich products such as lemon juice, oranges can be quite effective in getting rid of pimples fast. You can apply a slice of lemon, orange or tomato directly on the pimple. Let it rest for a few minutes and wash off with cold water when done to quickly recover from pimples.

Use a Homemade Face Mask

Use this homemade face mask for fast recovery from pimples. Take some plain oatmeal and pour in the blender. Add to it, half a tablespoon of baking soda and some water. Blend well to make a smooth paste. Oatmeal has natural healing properties while baking soda has the ability to neutralize those acidic agents which cause pimple in the first place. Apply the smooth paste of oatmeal and baking soda on the pimples and let it dry for 30 minutes, rinse off with cool water when done. Repeat once for 2 to 3 days to get rid of pimples fast.

Conclusion

Pimples can give your face and body an unpleasant look and should be dealt with at the earliest to prevent scars. Though treating some stubborn pimples can take time, using the right methods will help you get rid of it fast without you having to worry too much about it.

Also, now that you know how long pimples last and how different types of pimples take different amount of time to heal, you will be able to manage it better. Make use of these simple medical treatments and home remedies to get rid of pimples fast and enjoy a great looking and healthy skin.

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Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:July 6, 2017

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