Many times, a pimple turns into a hard lump which just doesn’t go away. Symptoms of an ‘underground pimple’ include cysts or nodules with a hard white ball inside or tiny pus like fluid that does not drain. These pimples can be as annoying as the ‘normal’ or regular pimples, if not more. Often, these cystic nodule pimples take months to go away. Treating hard pimples is especially frustrating because you do not see results right away. Below are some tried and tested natural remedies to get rid of hard pimples:
1. Warm compress
A warm compress can help reduce swelling and pain that often accompany hard, underground pimples. Dip a clean cloth in hot water and squeeze out the excess water. Gently press this warm, moist cloth on the hard lump. Keep the pressure on until the cloth loses its heat. Once again dip the cloth in the hot water and repeat application. Do this several times a day. Heat helps reduce swelling and eliminates bacteria in the hair follicle. It also prevents the pimple from worsening. Heat application can also open up the cystic nodule and drain the pus out. Keep using this remedy for several days until the nodule softens and reduces in size.
2. Essential oils
One of the best ways to deal with a hard pimple under skin that won’t go away is with essential oils. Essential oils are anti-inflammatory and anti bacterial and they also soothe inflamed skin. Some of the best oils to treat nodule pimples are: lavender oil and tea tree oil. Always test the oils on your inner arm to ensure you aren’t allergic to them. If you experience pain or burning, stop use immediately. Otherwise you can dab on the oil on your cyst using a clean Q-tip. Always dilute the oil with a few drops of coconut or olive oil before applying it to the ‘underground’ pimple. Use several times a day to get rid of the cyst.
3. Activated charcoal
Apply a paste of activated charcoal on the pimple that has turned into a hard lump on the skin. Nothing draws out toxins and bacteria like activated charcoal does. Simply apply the paste of activated charcoal and water on the pimple and let it dry. Wash off after 30 minutes. Your pain will reduce and the pimple will heal quickly.
4. Bentonite clay
Like activated charcoal, bentonite clay also can be used on pimple with hard white ball inside it. Make a paste of clay in fresh water and apply on the cyst. Let the paste dry completely. Use warm water to wash your face. This will reduce excess oiliness and also draw out pus and toxins.
5. Vinegar
Vinegar might make your skin smell like salad dressing, but it is an effective home remedy to get rid of under the skin pimples overnight. Gently dab on the vinegar using a sterile Q tip (you may use diluted organic apple cider vinegar with ‘mother enzyme’ or diluted distilled white vinegar). Allow your skin to air dry. Repeat application 2-3 times a day. This remedy balances ph and makes it difficult for bacteria to survive on the skin. Vinegar also dries up excess oil, so this remedy is most suitable for people with oily skin.
6. Raw manuka honey and cinnamon
Applying manuka honey and cinnamon to cystic acne can eliminate bacteria and prevent the worsening of pimples. Honey contains natural antibiotic and antibacterial properties while cinnamon is antioxidative in nature. To make this mask, combine one teaspoon of organic raw honey with a quarter teaspoon of powdered cinnamon. Mix well and apply it on the cysts and nodules. Let it dry completely before washing off water.
7. Egg white mask
If you frequently suffer from pimples turning into hard lumps under the skin, you may want to use an egg white mask once a week. Doing so will help tighten the pores and squeeze out excess oils from the hair follicles. An egg white mask also balances and regulates sebum formation and prevents blackheads. Separate the white of a small egg from its yolk. Whisk it into smooth foam and apply all over your face. Let the mask dry completely. Use tepid water to wash off your skin. Use once a week to get rid of pimples.
8. Papaya
It can be extremely frustrating to deal with hard lumpy, cystic acne and nodules. However, home remedies do work and many even prevent new acne breakouts. If you are dealing with a hard pimple under the skin, simply use the pulp of raw papaya on it. The papain enzyme in papaya reduces oiliness and draws out pus. A papaya mask applied once a week will get rid of dead skin cells and excess lipids on the surface of the skin. It will also reduce inflammation and pain caused by cystic acne.
9. Aloe
Aloe is one of the most useful plants available in nature. The anti-inflammatory gel in aloe leaf soothes the skin and reduces pain and swelling. For this remedy to get rid of under-the-skin pimples overnight, cut open a leaf of the succulent aloe vera plant. Apply the inner gel on the cyst and leave it on overnight. Alternatively, head over to a pharmacy to buy pure aloe vera gel or lotion. Just make sure that the product does not contain harsh chemicals or fragrance.
10. Aspirin tablets
Crush a few aspirin tablets and make a paste using a bit of distilled water. Apply the paste on the cysts. The natural salicylic compounds in aspirin reduce pain and swelling and get rid of hard pimples overnight.
11. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a great remedy for under the skin pimples. Apply pure, extra virgin coconut oil on the cysts. You can also take coconut oil internally to fight inflammation. Typical dose of coconut oil is 1-2 tablespoons. Just make sure the oil is pure and organic. You can use it in cooking or drizzle it over your salads.
12. Supplements
In your battle against cystic acne or hardened underground nodule pimples, you need certain supplements to strengthen your immunity. Formation of cystic nodules implies that you have excess inflammation in the body. It also means there are bacteria causing inflammation on the hair follicles. Certain supplements can help here including vitamin C, zinc and probiotics. Vitamin C helps the body fight infections. Take up to 3000mg per day in divided doses. You must also take zinc as it keeps the skin healthy and smooth. Probiotic supplements fight bad bacteria and strengthen immune function. Turmeric supplements are natural antibiotic and are known to keep cystic acne at bay. Also take ginger tincture drops to reduce inflammation.
13. Dietary changes
In order to get rid of hard pimples permanently, certain dietary changes do help. These include eliminating caffeine, sugary/processed foods, red meat, wheat/gluten, whey and dairy products. You will notice a marked difference in your skin with these changes. Check out my guide on diet and acne link to know more.