What are the alternatives to pimple patches?

What are you replacing the patch for?

Hydrocolloid patches absorb fluid and cover a blemish to limit picking. They work best on open, oozing pimples and are less useful for closed spots, blackheads and deeper whiteheads. Patches treat individual blemishes rather than preventing acne, which is a very small job description. If adhesive bothers your skin, a treatment without a sticker avoids that particular problem.3

Which alternative should you choose?

How to use a warm compress

1. 1Wet a clean washcloth with warm water.
2. 2Hold the warm, damp cloth over the pimple for 10 to 15 minutes.
3. 3Repeat three times daily, using a clean washcloth each time.
4. 4Leave the pimple alone rather than squeezing it when it reaches the surface.

A deep bump without a visible head is often called a blind pimple. A warm compress can help it become smaller and less painful. Tea tree oil is less well studied for acne than common acne medicines and can cause allergic reactions, so it is not the first alternative to reach for.5

How to use an acne medicine instead

For recurring mild acne, choose one active ingredient and use it as directed for 6 to 8 weeks before adding another product. Apply a thin layer across the acne prone area, not just each visible spot. Treating only the pimples you can see leaves prevention off the guest list. Wash gently twice daily and avoid scrubbing, which can irritate skin and worsen acne.26

Benzoyl peroxide usually goes on once or twice daily; follow your product's directions rather than assuming it belongs only in an evening routine. A gel stays on clean, dry skin, while a wash is rinsed off after 1 to 2 minutes. Follow with moisturizer. Keep benzoyl peroxide away from eyes, mouth, broken or infected skin, clothing and hair, which it can bleach. Use sunscreen because it increases sun sensitivity.34

How quickly will alternatives work?

Acne medicines are not overnight replacements. An effective treatment can mean fewer breakouts after 4 to 8 weeks and clearing around 16 weeks. For a large, painful bump, a dermatologist can consider a cortisone injection to reduce swelling and pain within a few days.25

Who should be careful?

Benzoyl peroxide can cause dryness, peeling and irritation; using it less often can help. Ask a pharmacist or doctor about symptoms that persist. Stop using it and seek emergency help for throat or tongue swelling or difficulty breathing. Combine benzoyl peroxide with other acne treatments, including prescriptions, only with pharmacist or doctor approval. If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, check your acne treatment before starting.24

What if the pimple has already popped?

Clean the area with mild soap and water, then leave it alone. Do not apply benzoyl peroxide to broken skin. Further squeezing can push bacteria and inflammation deeper, increase scarring and introduce infection through the opening.457

See a doctor for multiple deep, painful spots, scarring, acne that is not improving, or hot, swollen, red skin suggesting infection. Redness can be harder to see on brown and black skin. Acne affecting your mental health is also a reason to get help.6