Whiteheads (also known as closed comedones) are pus-filled acne pimples caused by the buildup of sebum and dead skin cells. Before taking any action, you must try to treat and prevent them. Squeezing acne pimples can cause scarring, so it's best to avoid teasing any blemishes on the skin. however, if you absolutely cannot avoid it, you need to do the best to reduce the risk of scarring. After crushing one, don't forget to start treatment right away to help it heal.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Protect the Skin
Step 1. Determine if it is actually a white dot
Look for a white or whitish area on the top of the pimple. If the base is reddish, you should immediately notice the top; if you don't see this white "head" filled with pus, don't try to squeeze it, otherwise you could damage the skin and cause an infection. Whitehead is an infection in itself, and if you squeeze it, you risk worsening the inflammation.
- If it is large and sore, it takes a few days for the top to develop. If you want to speed up the process, you can apply a warm compress for about five minutes; repeat every 3-4 hours for one or two days.
- For more information on how to understand whether or not it is appropriate to crush the blackhead, read this article.
Step 2. Wash and disinfect your face
Use warm water and your regular cleanser, scrubbing in upward circular motions until all grime and make-up have been removed. Pat your face dry and proceed with applying an antiseptic product or toner if you have acne-prone skin; leaves the white point moist in order to keep the epidermis more elastic.
- Avoid rubbing it or otherwise rubbing it too aggressively, otherwise you could cause more inflammation, spreading pus and bacteria to other areas of the face.
- If you don't have a specific antiseptic product for acne-prone skin, you can use denatured alcohol, but don't make a habit of it, as this substance can excessively dry out the epidermis.
Step 3. Wash your hands with warm soapy water
Make sure you get a nice lather and rub your hands together for the time necessary to sing "Happy Birthday"; focus mainly on the fingertips, which are the ones that will come into direct contact with the white point. If possible, rub under your nails as well.
Step 4. Wrap the index fingers of both hands in a tissue
This way you avoid breaking the skin with your nails. You must use the fabric even if you have short nails; if possible choose a tissue for the face or a napkin for each finger.
Part 2 of 4: with a sewing needle
Step 1. Disinfect the needle
Please note that this procedure is not recommended by dermatologists or the medical community in general, so it is at your own risk; however, if you want to break the blackhead with the needle, get a standard one from the sewing kit, as it is sharp enough to do a neat job while minimizing the risk of scarring. Soak the tip in denatured alcohol or hydrogen peroxide for one minute.
Alternatively, you can hold the tip over the flame of a match or lighter before dipping it in alcohol or hydrogen peroxide
Step 2. Pierce the surface of the white dot
Insert the needle diagonally; if you stick it vertically, you may hit the live skin under the pus. Remove it as soon as you see pus coming out of the white spot.
If you see clear fluid or blood coming out instead of pus, stop immediately; If you drain a closed blackhead that isn't ready, you could cause swelling and slow healing.
Step 3. Gently squeeze it
Place the index finger of both hands at the base of the white dot and press it down and in. Proceed gently so as not to damage healthy skin; use the handkerchief that wraps your fingers to carefully squeeze the pus. Then replace the handkerchief with another clean one so as not to risk infecting the skin and continue until you have eliminated all the material.
Part 3 of 4: with the Steam
Step 1. Take a facial steam bath
Fill a saucepan halfway with water and bring it to a boil; then remove it from the heat and wait for it to cool for a few minutes. Put a towel over your head and grab it with your hands, so as to create a kind of curtain; lean your face over the pot until you feel the steam and let it pervade your entire face for about five minutes.
This method is most effective if the white spot is on the face or neck; if it is on the back or shoulders, it is quite uncomfortable
Step 2. Stretch the skin of the area to be treated
After wrapping your fingers in the tissues, place them on both sides of the pimple and gently pull it outwards. At this point it should break; when this happens, apply little pressure and remove secretions. Remember to replace the tissues to avoid spreading germs.
Step 3. Remove all pus
Put your fingers on the sides of the blackhead, press very slowly to avoid damaging the skin and squeeze all the purulent material; continue until you have completely drained the pimple.
Stop immediately if you see blood and / or clear fluid coming out, regardless of whether or not you have been able to drain all the pus
Part 4 of 4: Treating the Affected Area
Step 1. Stop the bleeding if necessary
The white spot may bleed a little after pus comes out. If this happens, apply gentle pressure with a tissue until the bleeding stops. 5-10 minutes should be enough.
Step 2. Apply an antiseptic product
You can use a toner or antiseptic solution formulated specifically for acne. If you only have denatured alcohol available, you can use it to disinfect the area; However, remember that an overdose can dry out the skin.
Step 3. Apply topical medication
Purchase a localized benzoyl peroxide solution or another over-the-counter medication, such as retinoid cream, antibiotic ointment, or salicylic acid. Squeeze a small amount onto the tip of a cotton swab and gently dab it on the pimple.
Alternatively, you can apply a clay or benzoyl peroxide mask; wait for it to dry completely and then remove it following the directions on the package
Step 4. Continue dressing the white spot
Continue applying the topical product and washing your face for another day or two; if you prefer to use a herbal remedy, you can purchase a jar of tea tree oil at your nearest health food store. Spread a drop or two on the affected area for a few days, until the skin blemish goes away.
If you usually wear cosmetics, do not apply them to the area affected by the blackhead until it has completely healed
Step 5. Contact your doctor or dermatologist if necessary
You must call it if you notice that the white spot starts to turn red and takes more than a few days to heal. You should also seek medical advice if acne blemishes start to turn into cysts or if you can't find any remedies to fix the problem. in severe cases, the doctor may prescribe medications, such as Retin-A or Accutane.
Advice
After squeezing the white spot, avoid looking in the mirror; Looking at the skin, you may be tempted to squeeze a little more, but this can cause an infection or leave a scar
Warnings
- Do not squeeze any closed blackheads near the eyes; the needle could slip and hurt you a lot, not to mention that a few drops of pus could splash into your eyes and infect them.
- Remember that squeezing a white spot could sometimes leave a scar; follow the instructions carefully to minimize the risk or let a doctor take care of it.
- Be aware that teasing this type of pimple can aggravate acne or even infect the skin.
