Blind Pimples - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Introduction:

Sometimes, acne may develop under the skin and is not noticeable but feels like a lump. The skin over the lump may be red, painful, and inflamed. They are so stubborn that they do not show a head for one to pop. They differ from black and whiteheads, found closer to the skin surface. These pimples, which hide beneath the skin's surface, are called blind pimples. This article will focus on how to eliminate those pimples before popping out.

What Is a Pimple?

A pimple is a small papule that develops from clogged or infected sebaceous or oil glands that lead to a pus-filled red and swollen lesion. They are also called spots or zits and more commonly occur around puberty.

What Are the Common Areas Pimples Can Occur?

• Face.

• Back.

• Chest.

• Shoulders.

What Are the Types of Pimples?

• Whiteheads: They are called a closed comedo, which is skin-colored, small, and remains under the skin.

• Blackheads: They are called an open comedo, which is black-colored and visible on the skin's surface. The black color is due to the oxidation of melanin pigment in the skin. Scrubbing is not recommended in the case of blackheads, as they can irritate the skin and cause skin issues.

• Papules: These are solid, pink-colored raised lesions on the skin.

• Pustules: These are pimples filled with pus with a red base and are visible on the skin's surface.

• Nodules: These are painful, large papules that are found deep into the skin.

• Cysts: These are painful pus-filled swellings that are visible on the skin. They usually cause scars.

What Are the Causes of Blind Pimples?

Like every other pimple, blind pimples develop when tiny holes in the skin called pores are blocked. The pores tend to get clogged with bacteria, dead cells, hair, and sebum. In addition, increased oil production and poor skin hygiene maintenance can cause the build-up of oil under the skin and form pus. There are various factors causing the pores to block and result in pimples. They are,

• Family History: Children tend to develop if parents have blind pimples.

• Hormonal Changes: Teenagers going through puberty are more prone to pimples due to shifts in hormone levels. Women usually get pimples during their menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

• Medications: Certain drugs, such as corticosteroids, can worsen acne breakouts.

• Sweat: The sweat produced during strenuous activity can worsen pimples.

• Skin Care Products: If skincare products have heavy ingredients, they may clog the pores, leading to pimples.

• Stress Levels: Stress can cause an elevation in cortisol levels, which causes increased sebum production, leading to pimples.

• Air Pollution: Dust and impurities in the air can stick to the skin surface and clog pores leading to pimples.

• Friction: Friction from helmets and tight clothes can also cause pimples.

• Using Exfoliants: Using harsh exfoliants that may irritate the skin and leads to acne breakouts.

• Squeezing Pimples: Squeezing and scratching at the pimples.

What Are the Symptoms of Blind Pimples?

The signs of blind pimples are:

• A small lump fell under the skin.

• Pain around the swelling.

• Swelling, redness, and inflammation of the site.

• Some blind pimples can move through the skin and form white and blackheads.

What Can an Individual With Blind Pimples Expect?

Blind pimples usually subside in a week or two with proper remedies. But they can stay under the skin for a few months, causing pain. In addition, the oil and dead skin cells may clog the pores trapping bacteria and causing infection in severe cases.

Can Blind Pimples Be Popped?

The practice of squeezing and popping the pimples should be avoided. They can cause the oil and bacteria to get deeper into the skin and increase inflammation and infection. They can also lead to scarring of the skin.

How to Diagnose Blind Pimples?

The individual itself can identify the signs of a blind pimple. However, if the pain is severe or there is a recurrence of the blind pimples, dermatologists have to be consulted, who will examine the skin and provide the necessary treatment.

How to Treat Blind Pimples?

• Warm Compression: Immerse a cloth in warm water and not in hot water, place it over the affected area, and hold it for 10 minutes. This warm compress will dissolve the pus to release it.

• Acne Sticker: An acne sticker with a medication such as salicylic acid helps treat pimples. The sticker can be placed over the acne, which releases the medication within hours.

• Natural Remedies: The bacterial contamination and swelling over the region can be treated by applying raw honey. Using tea tree oil over the blind pimple twice a day would help reduce the inflammation.

• Topical Treatments: Benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, and antibiotics are common topical medications. Benzoyl peroxide is available in gel and cream form, reducing skin bacteria. Retinoids are available as gels and creams, which aid in the reduction of sebum production and promote skin cell turnover rate. Topical antibiotics are lotions or gels that reduce bacteria and prevent the pimple's worsening.

• Cosmetic Treatments: Phototherapy with blue light might help reduce acne, and a skin resurfacing procedure called chemical peels can be utilized to remove the superficial layer of the skin.

How to Prevent Blind Pimples?

The prevention of all blind pimples may not be possible. But the chance of reducing them and preventing them from worsening can be done by:

• First, wash the face in the morning, at night, and after sweating.

• Avoid squeezing or picking the pimples.

• Using skin care products with safe and light ingredients.

• Wearing sunscreen, sun-protective glasses, clothing, and hats.

When to Consult a Doctor for Blind Pimples?

It may sound unnecessary to reach a healthcare provider for a pimple. But it may be mandatory for some instances, such as:

• If there are multiple recurring blind pimples.

• If pain and inflammation are severe.

• If the individual has signs of infection, such as fever.

Conclusion:

Blind pimples may be painful but can either break out and heal or subside within a few weeks. Following homemade remedies would help in some cases. But if the pain gets severe, it is better to visit a dermatologist before it worsens.