Why does acne hurt?

What makes a blocked pore painful?

Acne starts when oil and dead skin cells block a hair follicle, the opening where a hair grows. Bacteria normally present on the skin can multiply inside that blockage. If pressure breaks the follicle wall, its contents enter the surrounding skin. Your immune system responds by sending white blood cells, producing the swelling, pus and tenderness associated with an inflamed spot.123

The reaction involves both the hair follicle and its oil gland. Oil, debris and chemicals produced by acne bacteria contribute to inflammation around them. An inflamed bump usually follows a break in the wall of a whitehead, but it can also appear in skin that previously looked clear.4

Does acne hurt?

Some acne hurts; some does not. Blackheads and whiteheads are usually not swollen or painful. Papules, which are small inflamed bumps without pus, can feel tender. Pustules contain pus. Nodules are deeper, hard lumps, while cysts contain pus and feel softer. Deep acne can be easier to feel than to see, so a small visible bump does not necessarily tell you how much inflammation sits beneath it.1256

What can you do for a painful pimple?

1. 1Leave the bump alone. Picking or squeezing can increase pain, push bacteria deeper and cause infection or scarring.
2. 2Apply a warm, damp washcloth for 10 to 15 minutes, three times daily. Use a clean cloth each time. This can help a deep pimple move closer to the surface and heal; do not squeeze it afterwards.
3. 3Apply a thin layer of an acne treatment containing adapalene, azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Treatments applied to the skin work better once the pimple is nearer the surface. Using too much can irritate the skin.
4. 4Consider a hydrocolloid acne patch to protect the spot and support healing.
5. 5Protect exposed skin with broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. Some acne ingredients increase sun sensitivity, and sun exposure increases the risk of dark marks after inflammation.

Avoid making the soreness worse

Wash with a gentle cleanser twice daily rather than scrubbing; scrubbing can irritate skin and worsen acne.37

A pharmacist can help you choose a treatment such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.37

How long will the painful bump last?

Individual acne spots usually last less than two weeks, but deeper papules and nodules can persist for months. Clearing recurring inflammatory acne often takes several months of skincare and treatment. Continue your skincare routine after improvement, because inflammatory acne can return during or after treatment.15

When should you see a doctor?

Arrange medical help for deep, painful spots, multiple deep bumps, scarring, or acne that is not improving with home treatment. Also seek help for signs of infection, such as hot, swollen, red skin; redness can be harder to see on brown and black skin. Acne affecting your mental health is another reason to get support.3

A dermatologist can prescribe stronger treatment. For an extremely painful nodule or cyst, an injection into the bump can reduce pain and help it clear more quickly.26