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Jessica Isaac/Demand Media

Under-the-skin pimples, or cysts, can be painful facial afflictions that are also quite frustrating to deal with. Even though they may not be visible, chances are they will be soon, and the pain associated with them can be unpleasant. If you’ve got a pimple under the skin, take steps to get rid of the sore blemish as quickly as possible.

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Jessica Isaac/Demand Media

Apply a hot compress to the area. Hold a soft, clean cloth soaked in some warm tap water over the area for about three to four minutes, re-soaking it with more warm water halfway through. This will help draw the pimple and oils to the skin’s surface, and open pores.

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Jessica Isaac/Demand Media

Put some astringent with salicylic acid in it onto a cotton ball, so that the ball is well saturated, then apply the cotton ball to skin immediately after you remove the compress. This will help clear and dry up any dirt or oil that has been drawn to the surface. Continue doing these two steps twice a day until the pimple is brought to the surface and forms a whitehead.

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Jessica Isaac/Demand Media

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and some warm water, then apply a mild exfoliator atop the pimple in very gentle circles. This will diminish any excess oil, or any dead cells that may make the pimple worse.

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Jessica Isaac/Demand Media

Take two pieces of tissue and wrap one around each index finger. Gently press your index fingers together around the pimple and squeeze. It should be ready to pop, and once it does, take another cotton ball with astringent and dab it onto the area to dry it up. If it doesn’t pop after a few gentle squeezes then wait and continue with the previous steps until the pimple is ready; it may take only another day or two.

Tip

The best way to treat pimples, over or under your skin, is to prevent them, which can be done by washing your face twice daily and generally having a good skin regime. Talk to your dermatologist about what your individual skin type needs to stay clear. Never try to pop a pimple that is still under the skin, as this can lead to more pain, spreading of the pimple under your skin, and redness in the area.

Warning

If the pimple under your skin presents with extreme pain, or a large abscess, seek help from a dermatologist or your primary care doctor, as this can be sign of infection or a worse underlying problem.