Pimples That Do Not Go Away: Causes And Treatment

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Causes

a woman with a pimple on her face that won't go away. — Washing the face twice a day may help reduce the risk of pimples developing.

Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that can cause pimples to form in various areas. Pimples tend to form where more oil glands are present, and they most commonly affect the:

face
neck
shoulders
back
chest

Pimples develop when oil glands produce excess oil, preventing dead skin cells from naturally leaving the pores. This buildup of oil and dead cells blocks the pores and causes pimples to form.

Bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes can also cause pimples to form, as can fluctuations in hormone levels.

Types of pimple

The various types of pimple can look and feel slightly different. Pustules are pus filled pimples that may appear on the face or elsewhere on the upper body.

Pustules may last for a few weeks, but if they last longer than 6–8 weeks and do not respond to treatment, it might be a good idea to see a doctor or dermatologist.

Cystic acne causes swollen, red bumps to form. These also tend to develop on the upper body, particularly the face.

Cystic acne may be longer lasting because it forms deep within the skin. With treatment, some people see an improvement in 6–8 weeks. If this does not happen, the dermatologist may recommend a change of treatment.

Acne on the back may be persistent. With treatment, people may see an improvement in 6–8 weeks, while complete healing may take 3–4 months.

Sometimes, what appears to be a pimple is a different kind of blemish. Ingrown hairs, for example, can cause red, swollen bumps that tend to form after shaving the face or legs.

Home care and treatments

A wide range of home care strategies, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and prescription treatments can reduce or get rid of pimples. Try:

Washing the face twice a day

The American Academy of Dermatology recommend washing the face twice a day and after sweating to help prevent the pores from clogging.

People can also try applying a nonabrasive cleanser to the face with the fingertips, using gentle, circular motions. They should then rinse the face with lukewarm water and gently pat it dry with a clean towel.

Using ice for deep, painful pimples

Applying ice to deep pimples can help reduce swelling and redness. First, a person can wash the face with a nonabrasive cleanser and pat it dry.

Next, they can wrap a piece of ice in a paper towel or clean cloth and hold it against the pimples for 5–10 minutes. It is best to remove the compress then and wait for 10 minutes before repeating the process.

Avoiding aggravating the skin

Popping pimples may slow healing and increase the chances of scarring. Also, scrubbing the skin can aggravate it and worsen acne.

The goal is to avoid touching affected skin, particularly with unwashed hands. Avoiding this will help prevent bacteria on the hands from transferring to the face, contributing to pimples.

Trying a warm compress

A whitehead is a pimple with a white center, which is pus. A person can use a warm compress to help release the pus. Doing this will speed healing.

People can make a compress by running a clean cloth under hot water and then squeezing any excess water out. Holding the cloth against the pimple for 10–15 minutes and repeating this 3–4 times a day can help the pimple heal.

Washing sheets and pillowcases regularly

Bacteria, dead skin cells, and dirt can collect on surfaces that the body comes into contact with regularly, including pillowcases, bedsheets, and clothing. These substances can block pores and cause pimples to form.

If pimples tend to form in a certain area of the body, regularly washing anything that comes into contact with that area can help reduce breakouts.

Changing bedsheets every week and pillowcases 2–3 times a week can help keep pimples from forming or worsening.

Trying OTC creams

Benzoyl peroxide is an ingredient in many OTC acne products. It helps kill bacteria that can cause acne. It may be best to start with a cream or ointment that contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide — the lowest level common in these products.

Some other effective ingredients in OTC acne products include retinoids, which can help clear pores and reduce excess oil, and salicylic acid, which can also reduce inflammation.

Using prescription medications

If pimples are deep and long lasting, it may be a good idea to see a dermatologist.

The dermatologist may prescribe antibiotics to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria that could be causing pimples. In some cases, they might prescribe birth control pills to adjust hormone levels.

Changing the diet and lifestyle

Acne occurs more frequently in Western countries, where its prevalence is over 80%. This fact has led researchers to think that diet and lifestyle may play a part in acne and pimple formation.

A 2018 review of 14 studies found that in people between the ages of 7 and 30 years, intake of dairy may have a link to acne.

Amino acids that are present in dairy products cause insulin secretion in the body, which increases the production of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Researchers suggest that IGF-1 may play a large role in causing acne.

However, researchers still need to rule out factors that could interfere with the results of these studies, such as age, gender, and genetics.

Other dietary and lifestyle factors may also affect acne. Anecdotal reports suggest that the following may reduce pimple breakouts:

lowering levels of stress
eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, protein, and healthful fats
getting regular, high quality sleep
engaging in regular exercise

When to see a doctor

Pimples are a common and usually harmless skin condition. However, if they do not go away or improve with at-home treatment, it may be time to see a dermatologist.

The dermatologist will identify the type of pimple and determine the best course of treatment.

If a person finds that pimples are affecting their self-esteem, self-confidence, or mental well-being, they should speak with a healthcare professional.

Sometimes, the symptoms of other skin conditions may resemble pimples. The health problems that can cause lesions similar to pimples range widely in severity — from cold sores to skin cancer. Anyone who has unusual-looking pimples or pimples that accompany other symptoms should consult a doctor.

In particular, see a doctor if:

pimples itch, burn, or ooze
pimples occur only around the mouth
pimples feel itchy, look like blisters, or crust over
large bumps or cysts form under the armpits or around the groin
a blemish changes shape, size, or color in a short period
pimples accompany irregular menstrual periods, patches of darker skin, or hair loss

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Summary

Pimples are a common skin condition that typically affects the upper body, particularly the face.

They tend to be harmless, and some go away within a few days or weeks. However, certain types of pimples persist and may only resolve with treatment.

Hygiene strategies, home remedies, and OTC products often help. If these are ineffective, a dermatologist can develop a treatment plan. With treatment, people may see an improvement within a few months.

Dermatology
Birth Control / Contraception
Melanoma / Skin Cancer

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

10 things to try when acne won't clear. (n.d.). https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/DIY/wont-clear
Acne. (2012). https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/acne
Acne resource center. (n.d.). https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne
Juhl, C. R., et al. (2018). Dairy intake and acne vulgaris: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 78,529 children, adolescents, and young adults. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/10/8/1049/htm
Stubborn acne? Hormonal therapy may help. (n.d.). https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/derm-treat/hormonal-therapy
Tan, A. U., et al. (2018). A review of diagnosis and treatment of acne in adult female patients.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5986265/

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Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — Written by Beth Sissons on March 24, 2020

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Causes

Types of pimple

Home care and treatments

Washing the face twice a day

Using ice for deep, painful pimples

Avoiding aggravating the skin

Trying a warm compress

Washing sheets and pillowcases regularly

Trying OTC creams

Using prescription medications

Changing the diet and lifestyle

When to see a doctor

Summary

How we reviewed this article:

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