Ugh, the struggle is real when you feel a monster pimple brewing under your skin! That painful bump can turn your day upside down, especially when you keep putting on creams, and nothing seems to work. Right now, I'm dealing with two on my cheek. The worst? When they’re headless, a.k.a. cystic pimples.
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So, what’s the deal with these cystic pimples? Unlike your typical poppable ones, cystic pimples burrow deep into the skin and refuse to show their heads. They might not disappear right away, but they’re not something you have to live with forever. Here’s how to shrink a cystic pimple overnight.
What exactly is a cystic pimple?
A cystic pimple happens when oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells get stuck in a hair follicle or pore. It’s not pretty—think boils that hurt when you touch them! These annoying bumps can be triggered by hormonal changes (like your period or menopause) or even your genes, which can make you produce excess oil.
How to deal with cystic pimples
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Hands off!
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First things first—do not pop or pick at those cysts! Pushing on them can lead to scarring and infections, which are way worse than a single pimple. You might even end up with discoloured spots that stick around long after the cyst is gone.
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Warm compresses
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Grab a clean cloth, soak it in warm water, and press it on the bump for about 10–15 minutes, three times a day. The heat helps soften the gunk inside and may draw it closer to the surface. Just be careful—it shouldn’t be scalding hot, or you’ll end up irritating your skin even more!
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Topical treatments
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If the pimple is nearing the surface, consider using topical treatments. Look for products with active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or azelaic acid. They can work wonders! Check out these products that can do the trick here.
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Microdart patches
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Ever heard of microdart patches? They have tiny, dissolving microneedles that deliver active ingredients right into your pimple. Sounds intense, but don’t worry, they’re not sharp enough to hurt! While they might not be a miracle solution for a stubborn cyst, they could be worth a try, especially to keep your hands off the area.
When to see a dermatologist
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Sometimes, it’s best to get a pro involved. We know, it’s not always easy to see a dermatologist—appointments can be pricey, and they can fill up fast. But if you’re tired of dealing with these cysts, a board-certified dermatologist can help. They can check for any underlying issues and prescribe stronger treatments based on your condition to help reduce oil production.
One quick solution is a steroid shot. The doctor injects a corticosteroid directly into the cyst, and you could see results in just a couple of days! Just keep in mind that this is more for occasional bumps than chronic breakouts, and you should always consult a board-certified dermatologist before making any decisions.
While these tips might not give you an instant fix, sticking with them can help shrink that cystic pimple over time. Just be patient, and if you’re not seeing improvement after a few weeks, don’t hesitate to reach out to a dermatologist. You’ve got this!