How to Treat Papule Acne

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Acne papules are small, red bumps on your skin. They usually grow into larger cysts or pustules if left untreated. Papules often signify the start of an acne breakout, so treating them quickly is a good way to prevent further irritation. The most important treatment is washing your face twice a day with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid cleanser. Additionally, you can apply a gel or cream with retinol to help treat and prevent the acne. If your papules don’t go away after 2 weeks of washing, see your dermatologist for other treatment options. You can also try a variety of preventative measures and home remedies to avoid further papule outbreaks.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Washing Your Face Correctly

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  1. These two products are used frequently to fight acne. They help kill acne-causing bacteria. Before seeing your doctor for a prescription-strength facewash, try starting a daily regimen with one of these store-bought products. Start with the lowest concentration available to see if it works for you before moving up to a higher concentration. [1]
    • These products are available over the counter. Visit a local pharmacy and find them in the skincare section.
    • Products are also available online. If you buy from a website, make sure the wash is from a reputable brand and seller.
    • Avoid face washes with alcohol. This chemical is irritating and can make acne worse.
    • Use a soft washcloth or baking soda to help exfoliate your skin even more when you wash your face.
  2. Set the faucet to a comfortable, lukewarm temperature. Cold water closes your pores and hot water irritates your skin. When you find a comfortable temperature, run your fingertips under the faucet and rub the water on your face. [2]
    • If you have long hair, tie it back so it doesn’t get in the way.
    • Don't use a towel to wet your face. This can cause irritation.
    • Wash your hands before washing your face if they aren’t clean.
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  3. Squeeze this amount of cleanser on your fingertips and rub your hands together to make the cleanser lather. Then gently rub it on your face in a circular motion. Cover your whole face, but especially pay attention to areas where you have papules. [3]
    • If you have papules on your neck, wash here as well.
    • Don’t scrub your face with a towel or washcloth. These can irritate your acne. Just gently apply the wash with your fingers.
    • If the product instructions tell you to use a different amount of cleanser, follow the directions given.
  4. Set the faucet to the same temperature that you initially wet your face with. Wet your hands and splash the water on your face until all the suds are gone. [4]
    • Leaving cleanser behind can form a film on your skin that clogs pores. This can make acne worse, so be sure to rinse your face thoroughly.
  5. Rubbing your face irritates your skin and can make acne worse. Instead, take a soft towel and gently blot your face to absorb the water. Continue blotting until your face is dry. [5]
  6. Salicylic acid penetrates deep into your pores and helps reduce your acne. Only apply the toner after you wash your face for the best effect. Rub a coin-sized amount of toner over the affected area and work it deep into your skin. Leave the toner on your skin so it can shrink the size of your acne. [6]
    • Salicylic acid can cause dryness and peeling skin. If your face gets red or dry after applying salicylic acid, use a green clay mask to help reduce the redness.
    • Start by applying salicylic acid toner once daily. If you don’t notice any effects, you can apply it up to 3 times each day, but be sure to wash your face before each treatment.
  7. You might be tempted to wash your face as much as possible to get rid of your acne, but this is counterproductive. Too much washing irritates your face and makes acne worse. Only wash twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. You can also wash if you get sweaty because sweat is irritating and should be washed off. [7]
    • Wash your face as soon as possible after sweating.
    • If you only have time to wash your face once, do it at night. This removes all the dirt and sweat that accumulated on your face throughout the day.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Seeing a Dermatologist for Treatment

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  1. If you’ve been washing your face every day for 2 weeks and see no improvement in your acne, you may need a different approach. Make an appointment with a dermatologist to discuss your problem and possible solutions. [8]
    • If you don’t know where to look for a dermatologist, check the American Academy of Dermatology to find a licensed professional near you. Type your zip code into https://find-a-derm.aad.org/ .
  2. If you’ve been washing your face regularly but haven’t seen any improvement, your dermatologist may write you a prescription-strength cream. There are several types your dermatologist might give you.
    • Common prescription creams are retinoids and corticosteroids. These fight the swelling and irritation associated with acne.
    • Your dermatologist may also give you an antibiotic cream to kill acne-causing bacteria.
  3. A chemical peel is a cosmetic procedure that removes the top layer of dead skin on your face and reveals the fresh layer beneath it. Some dermatologists use them to treat acne papules. Your dermatologist may perform one of these peels if your papules are small and haven’t developed into cysts or pustules yet. [9]
    • Chemical peels are less effective against larger acne cysts. If some of your papules are growing into pustules, the dermatologist may opt for a different method.
    • Don't use a home chemical peel kit. This procedure requires a professional's skill.
  4. If topical solutions don’t work, your dermatologist may prescribe an oral antibiotic. These work through your system to kill the bacteria causing your acne and reduce infections in your skin.
    • If medications bother your stomach, try eating a piece of bread with the antibiotic unless your doctor instructs you to take it on an empty stomach.
    • Oral antibiotics usually work best when you continue washing with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, so continue your face washing regimen.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Preventing More Papule Outbreaks

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  1. Hair traps a lot of grease. If your hair hangs over your face, it transfers that grease to your skin, which can cause acne outbreaks. Choose a hairstyle that keeps your hair off your forehead and other parts of your face to avoid transferring grease to your skin. [10]
    • Also wash your hair at least 3-4 times per week to remove grease. That way, even if your hair does drape over your face, there is less of a chance that it will cause an outbreak.
    • If your hair is naturally oily, try washing it every day.
  2. Heavy, oil-based cosmetic products can clog your pores and trap dirt inside. This causes acne breakouts. Instead, use light, water-based products. These are less likely to clog your pores and cause breakouts. [11]
    • Always remove your makeup and wash your face before going to bed.
    • Mineral-based makeup products that contain zinc or silica can absorb oil and reduce your risk of acne breakouts.
    • Also resist covering up pimples with makeup. This clogs up your skin further and can make it pimple worse.
  3. Retinol works as an anti-inflammatory and helps reduce the size of your acne. Start with a low concentration to see if it works for you, and switch to a higher dosage if you don’t see any results. Put a dab of retinol cream on your finger and rub it into the affected area of skin and let it absorb into your pores. [12]
    • You can buy retinol cream in the skincare section at a store, or you can get prescription strength from a dermatologist.
    • Your skin may peel slightly when you use retinol cream.
  4. You’ll probably feel tempted to pick or pop your acne, but resist the urge. Picking at pimples always irritates them worse. It can even cause scarring. Stick with your face washing regimen to a much better outcome. [13]
    • As a general rule, it's better to touch your face as little as possible overall. Then you can avoid transferring dirt and bacteria to your face and causing breakouts.
  5. Avoid foods that are high in sugar, caffeine, or oils since they can cause more acne outbreaks. Instead, try to eat more fruits, vegetables, and foods high in vitamins A and D to help improve your skin condition. Try having foods like eggs, carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and broccoli to get the necessary vitamins you need. [14]
    • Try intermittent fasting by not eating between 7 PM and 9 AM to help reset your hormones and reduce your chances of developing acne.
  6. Try some home remedies to fight and prevent acne papules. In addition to face washing and prescription creams, there are a number of home remedies for treating acne. Some might be more effective than others, but you can try them out and see if any work for you.
    • Lemon juice works as an astringent, and some supporters say that it kills the bacteria in acne pimples. Use lemon juice fresh from a lemon, not from a bottle.
    • Honey also has antibacterial properties and spreading a bit on your acne could help clear it up.
    • Apple cider vinegar is another popular acne treatment, and a popular skincare treatment overall.
  7. A healthy amount of rest helps your body manage its hormones better so acne doesn’t occur as frequently. Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night so you can stay healthy and relaxed. Make sure you use a clean pillowcase when you sleep so you don’t transfer oils or dirt back onto your face.
    • Always remove makeup before you go to sleep since it could clog your pores and make acne develop faster.
  8. Your skin will be more susceptible to burning after using multiple treatments, so make sure you put on sunscreen regularly. Look for something with 30 SPF or higher that contains zinc oxide, which acts as an antibacterial so you don’t get infections. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours of being in the sun so you stay protected.
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      Tips

      • Remember that most acne cures don't work overnight. Give any regimen a few days at least to see results. Don't get discouraged if it takes a week or more.
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      • Apply a dab of concealer on any acne or irritation if you want to hide any irritation or acne.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.aad.org/types-of-breakouts
      2. ↑ https://www.aad.org/skin-care-basics/face-washing-101
      3. ↑ https://www.aad.org/skin-care-basics/face-washing-101
      4. ↑ https://www.aad.org/skin-care-basics/face-washing-101
      5. ↑ https://www.aad.org/skin-care-basics/face-washing-101
      6. ↑ https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=a6f0e6f8-e255-478c-9765-a23535e48c35
      7. ↑ https://www.aad.org/skin-care-basics/face-washing-101
      8. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/
      9. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/younger-looking/chemical-peels-overview
      1. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/
      2. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/
      3. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5574737/
      4. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/
      5. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2836431/

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