Formed due to excess oil that accumulates on the skin, pimples can be very ugly and annoying. Even after they've burst, the skin around them can be red or inflamed. While it's quite difficult to make a popped pimple go away overnight, you can take steps to reduce the inflammation and redness caused by acne. Simply apply a hydrocolloid dressing or rub some natural ingredients such as witch hazel or aloe vera over the area to considerably lessen the signs of a popped pimple.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Draining the Spine
Step 1. Apply a warm compress to the pimple
Never squeeze a pimple. Normally, they burst of their own accord after forming a little white head. Removing the pus from the spine reduces the chances of infection and can reduce inflammation. To do this, press down on both sides of the spine with a cloth until it releases all the pus.
- Always wash your hands before and after touching the spine.
- The little white head indicates that the pus is close to the surface of the skin.
- Squeezing a pimple can damage your skin and spread bacteria to other parts of your face.
Step 2. Apply antibiotic ointment on the spine
A burst pimple is an open wound. Applying a solution or ointment to it can help the skin heal faster. Apply antibiotic ointment, such as Neosporin, on the spine to help close and protect it.
- Another option is to invest in natural solutions, such as witch hazel or warm salt water, if you don't have an antibiotic ointment.
- A good antibiotic ointment can close a small bruise in up to two days.
Step 3. Don't move your spine
After squeezing the pimple, you may be tempted to tear off the scab that usually forms on the bruised skin. Do not do this. Shaking the spot too much will cause the pimple to swell and become irritated and even redder.
Poking around the pimple can slow down the healing process. Whenever you touch a blown pimple, you pass bacteria and other contaminants into the wound
Method 2 of 3: Using a Hydrocolloid Dressing
Step 1. Wash your face
Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your face. Then wash your face thoroughly with a mild soap or facial cleanser and warm water. Apply the soap in very gentle circular motions and rinse your face with warm water. Pat it dry with a clean cotton towel.
Step 2. Cut a hydrocolloid dressing to the size of the pimple
Hydrocolloid dressings are available at the best pharmacies and supermarkets. Cut a piece of the dressing large enough to cover the area of skin affected by the pimple. When the dressing is the right size, remove the paper from the adhesive side of the dressing.
- Skip this step if the dressing is already the right size for the pimple.
- If your dressing does not have adhesive, attach it by the edges with tape.
Step 3. Cover the spine with the bandage
Press the adhesive side of the dressing against the pimple and smooth it over the skin, thoroughly removing all wrinkles and folds from the material.
- Hydrocolloid dressings absorb fluid from wounds and reduce swelling.
- Some brands that produce hydrocolloid dressings are Nexcare, Johnson & Johnson and DuoDERM.
Step 4. Change the dressing
Leave the hydrocolloid dressing on your face overnight. Change it as soon as you wake up. You will notice a reduction in the amount of pus and inflammation in the area around the spine.
- Stop using bandages if your skin becomes irritated or hives.
- To remove the dressing, gently lift a small tip of it and pull it off.
Method 3 of 3: Trying Natural Remedies
Step 1. Apply calamine lotion to the burst pimple
Calamine lotion helps reduce acne scarring as well as redness and inflammation. With a cotton swab, apply lotion to the pimple and let it work overnight. Wash your face when you wake up to remove it.
Step 2. Apply an Aloe vera gel on the spine
Aloe vera reduces inflammation and stimulates the healing process, making the pimple look much smaller. With a cotton swab, apply the gel to the burst pimple. Do this every night until she is almost invisible.
Step 3. Rub witch hazel onto the spine
Witch hazel is an astringent that sucks fluid from the pimples, reducing inflammation and redness throughout the night.
Step 4. Try an antiseptic oil
Some oils have antiseptic properties and can help treat pimples. Use a cotton swab or cotton ball to apply some oil to the spine. Leave it on the skin until it dries and reapply.
- If your skin is sensitive, test the oil on a small area.
- Some examples of antiseptic oils are tea tree, oregano, peppermint, calendula, rosemary and lavender oils.
Step 5. Sprinkle some honey on the spine
Covering the burst pimple with a layer of honey can be a great way to help the wound heal overnight. Apply a thin layer of oil to the burst pimple with a cotton swab and let it dry.
Honey is astringent, has antiseptic properties and stimulates healing
Step 6. Use apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is antibacterial, antimicrobial and has antiseptic properties. Apply it to the pimple to reduce redness and inflammation and encourage healing. Dilute one part vinegar with four parts water and rub it directly onto the skin with a cotton ball.