Pimples That Do Not Go Away: Causes And Treatment

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Key takeaways

While many pimples resolve on their own, some may require home remedies or medical treatments to help them heal.
Hygiene changes, warm compresses, and lifestyle changes can help treat many pimples. Some remedies can also help prevent them from returning.
For deep or long-lasting pimples, a dermatologist may recommend medical treatments such as antibiotics.

Pimples can develop anywhere on the body, including the face, back, and chest. Some pimples go away by themselves, but some can persist.

Read on to learn more about the home remedies that can help reduce pimples. This article also looks at medical treatments a dermatologist may prescribe, as well as when to contact a healthcare professional.

Wash the face twice a day

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends washing the face twice a day, as well as 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.

Apply ice for deep, painful pimples

Applying ice to deep pimples can help reduce swelling. 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 to 10 minutes. It is best to remove the compress then and wait for 10 minutes before repeating the process.

»Learn more:Can you treat acne with ice?

Avoid 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, which can contribute to pimples.

Try 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 or drain the pus. Doing this can help speed healing.

People can make a compress by running a clean cloth under hot water and then squeezing any excess water out. Make sure that the water is warm but not hot.

Wash bed 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.

It may be particularly beneficial to wash bed linen at least twice per week. This can help remove some allergens that may cause skin irritation.

Try over-the-counter creams

Benzoyl peroxide is an ingredient in many over-the-counter (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.

Use prescription medications

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

»FIND CARE:Find a dermatologist in your area today.

Consider dietary and lifestyle changes

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, while avoiding consuming large amounts of dairy may help, 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 healthy fats
getting regular quality sleep
engaging in regular exercise

»Learn more:Can dietary changes help acne?

How long do pimples last?

The various types of pimples can look and feel slightly different. How long they last can also differ.Pustules are pus-filled pimples that may appear on the face or elsewhere on the upper body. They may last for a few weeks.

If pustules last longer than 6 to 8 weeks and do not respond to treatment, it might be a good idea to contact a dermatologist.

Cystic acne causes swollen 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 to 8 weeks. If this does not happen, a dermatologist may recommend a change of treatment.

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

When to contact a doctor

If pimples do not go away or improve with at-home treatment, it may be time to contact 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, it is best to 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.Anyone who has persistent or unusual-looking pimples or pimples should consult a doctor.

In particular, contact 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

Learn more

Home remedies to get rid of acne
Hormonal acne: What you need to know
Pimple types: 6 types of acne
What to do about chin pimples
What to know about acne face maps

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.

About benzoyl peroxide. (2022).https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/benzoyl-peroxide/about-benzoyl-peroxide/
Acne. (2025).https://womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/acne
Acne resource center. (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne
Genital area skin lumps, bumps, and pain. (n.d.).https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/structured-content/genital-area-skin-lumps-bumps-and-pain-2278863
Juhl CR, 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
Lambert A. (n.d.). Such stuff as dreams are made on: Eczema-friendly bedding.https://eczema.org/wp-content/uploads/165-Exchange-Bedding-article.pdf
Tan AU, et al. (2017). A review of diagnosis and treatment of acne in adult female patients.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5986265/

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Medically reviewed by Bukky Aremu, APRN — Written by Beth Sissons — Updated on February 6, 2026

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Key takeaways

Wash the face twice a day

Apply ice for deep, painful pimples

Avoid aggravating the skin

Try a warm compress

Wash bed sheets and pillowcases regularly

Try over-the-counter creams

Use prescription medications

Consider dietary and lifestyle changes

How long do pimples last?

When to contact a doctor

Learn more

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