One Minute Clinic: How to Treat a Zit
No matter what type of pimple or blemish may come your way, Dr. Heather Rogers has you covered. Here are the tried and true tips to healing your skin like a pro.
Red, Deep & Tender Pimples
- Do not squeeze or pop - This will lead to scarring.
- Take ibuprofen for pain and inflammation.
- Use a warm washcloth to bring the blemish to the surface.
- Visit your dermatologist for a kenalog injection to diminish the appearance and heal quickly.
- If occurring frequently (5-7 a month), talk to your dermatologist about starting an oral medication.
White Heads
- You can pop these with clean hands and a clean needle. Poke a hole at the base of the zit and gently squeeze with tissue paper.
- If there is bleeding, apply a cold washcloth to help it stop.
- Cover with a pimple patch to continue to draw out the remaining fluid.
Black Heads
- Incorporate a product that promotes cell turnover into your nighttime routine like tretinoin, retinol, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid, on a regular basis.
- Apply a charcoal or clay mask to the affected area once a month or as often as once a week, depending on how oily your skin is.
Want to learn more? Check out this video.
Heather D. Rogers, MD stands apart in a world dominated by financially motivated endorsements. Her recommendations are thoroughly researched, focusing on effectiveness and safety. She prioritizes your skin and health over external pressures or personal gains. Driven by the need for superior options, she created Doctor Rogers Skin Care. Dr. Rogers is a double board certified dermatologist with two decades of experience. She sees 100+ patients per week as a full-time procedural dermatologist and surgeon at her practice Modern Dermatology in Seattle.