Under the skin pimples, also known as blind pimples, tend to feel unsightly—even if you can’t see them in your vanity mirror. Typically caused by deep, under-the-skin infections, they usually last for a short while up to a few weeks—which can feel like a lifetime.
The key to curing them? Getting to the root of the issue with treatments that target the core of the infection. If you’re in a pinch, learn how to get rid of a blind pimple overnight recommended by our experts.
This article offers short-term and long-term solutions like spot treatment and skincare routines for those with acne-prone skin affected primarily by blind acne breakouts. Whether you’re trying to heal a case of under the skin pimples at home, with your dermatologist, or by any means necessary, this guide will introduce you to how to get rid of blind pimples in three ways.

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#1 Natural Remedies
If you’d prefer to wait on over-the-counter (OTC) methods of treating blind pimples, know that you have quite a few natural, skin-safe, but often quite effective remedies at your disposal. These include:
- Warm compress – Apply a warm, moist towel to the affected area with light pressure. Warmth (but not hot) may help pus to dissolve and dehydrate by coaxing it to the surface of the skin. Try applying your compress for ten minutes, a few times each die. To reduce soreness and swelling, you can try alternating with an ice compress.
- Raw honey – The antimicrobial properties of raw honey may help to reduce acne-causing bacteria. Try applying overnight, or consider mixing with water to create a DIY face treatment after cleansing [1].
- Tea tree oil – Similar to raw honey, the antimicrobial effects of tea tree oil can help combat bacterial infections and aid in reducing inflammation. Just be sure to dilute tea tree oil with water or olive oil, so it doesn’t further irritate the skin. Try applying twice a day—a combination of raw honey and tea tree oil treatments can be excellent alternatives to OTC cystic acne-fighting products [2].
#2 Home Treatment
Before you book an appointment with your dermatologist, know there are plenty of methods for tackling blind pimples to try at home. The goal of home acne treatment is to:
- Ease redness and irritation
- Alleviate any pain your pimple is causing
- Fight existing or potential infections by targeting bacteria beneath the skin
Want to know how to make a pimple less red? The goal here is to reduce inflammation by coaxing that stubborn pimple to the skin’s surface, where it can dry out and (fingers crossed!) fade away. To do so, you can try:
- Topical creams – Products containing benzoyl peroxide can be applied topically to the affected area. BP works to combat acne vulgaris by reducing inflammation at the site of the blemish.
- Acne patches – Acne patches are medicated bandages that typically contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid (SA), or both. These acne-fighting agents penetrate the skin beneath where you apply the bandage, administering medicine to reduce inflammation and pain [3].
#3 Clinical Treatment
More intense infection cases may call for the help of a dermatologist, who can prescribe antibiotics that may fight bacteria more potently than natural or home treatments. It may be time to seek a dermatologist if [4]:
- The pain caused by your pimple is excessive
- It won’t clear away on their own
- If under the skin pimples are a recurring issue
Your dermatologist can help you find a treatment plan to take care of your blind pimple, as well as reduce your risk of scarring. Common clinical acne treatment options include:
- Topical antibiotics – Doctors usually prescribe clindamycin, erythromycin or minocycline to target bacteria and reduce inflammation at infected sites.
- Oral antibiotics – Antibiotics like doxycycline or minocycline may also be administered orally to eradicate deep or widely-spread infections [5].
- Cortisone shots – Injections of cortisone may also be effective for killing bacteria causing inflammation [6].
Dermatologists may also suggest using an OTC acne spot treatment product in conjunction with antibiotics to target and dissolve the acne.

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Preventing Under The Skin Pimples
Typically blind pimples form because dead skin cells and natural oils (sebum) get trapped in pores and hair follicles. Since hair is exposed to the environment, leftover debris can lead to infection—and, ultimately, acne beneath the skin.
Fortunately, polishing up your home skincare regimen can help keep your complexion clear of dead skin cells and excess oils. Just be sure to:
- Use the right facial cleanser – Depending on the oiliness of your skin, cleansing your face up to twice daily may help prevent blind pimples.
- Exfoliate – Ideally, use an abrasive exfoliant for your body and a chemical exfoliant for the more delicate skin on your face. Exfoliants can be incorporated into your cleanser to reduce the number of products in your routine.
- Use a daily moisturizer with SPF – Moisturizers that include sunscreen in their formulas help maintain a healthy balance of hydration and skin protection, which can help offset undue inflammation.
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Does acne get worse before it gets better? It depends on several factors like your skincare routine, diet, environment, and other lifestyle habits.
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