What Causes a Blood-Filled Pimple That Won't Go Away?
We all get the occasional pimple or two, especially during times of stress or hormonal changes. But when a blood-filled pimple pops up and refuses to go away, it can cause concern. What would make a pimple last longer than normal and bleed when you try to get rid of it?
Common Causes
There are a few possible causes for a persistent, bloody pimple:
- Picking or squeezing - Repeated irritation can damage the follicle and cause bleeding.
- Hormones - Hormonal fluctuations related to periods, pregnancy, or conditions like PCOS can trigger breakouts.
- Location - Pimples on sensitive facial areas like around nostrils are more prone to bleeding when squeezed.
- Bacteria or infections - Bacterial overgrowth deep in the skin can lead to inflamed pustules prone to bleeding.
- Cysts or nodules - Cystic breakouts trapped deep in the skin may refuse to come to a head and bleed when picked.
Is it a Pimple or Skin Cancer?
In very rare cases, a persistent bleeding lesion could potentially indicate skin cancer like basal cell carcinoma. Warning signs to watch out for include:
- A sore that bleeds easily and persists for weeks
- A reddish bump or nodule that won't heal
- An open sore that bleeds often and scabs over
- A growth with a pearly looking bump and tiny blood vessels
Skin cancers rarely appear before age 40, but it's important to get checked by a dermatologist when you notice potential symptoms.
What to Do About Bleeding Pimples
Follow these tips to help get a bleeding pimple under control:
Stop Picking and Squeezing
It's tempting to pick, but repeatedly trying to pop or squeeze blood from a pimple will only make it worse. This can damage cells, spread bacteria deeper into the pore, and cause more bleeding and inflammation.
Clean the Area
Gently wash the area twice a day using a mild soap or facial cleanser. Avoid scrubbing too aggressively which can further irritate the skin.
Apply a Warm Compress
Applying a warm, wet washcloth to the pimple 2 to 3 times a day can help soften the pore, bring pus and blood to the surface, and speed healing. Just avoid picking once the pus comes to a head!
Use a Salicylic Acid Treatment
Over-the-counter salicylic acid spot treatments or cleansing wipes can help dry out the area and calm redness and inflammation.
Try Anti-Inflammatory Products
Ingredients like hydrocortisone cream, tea tree oil, or aloe vera gel help relieve skin inflammation.
Cover with a Hydrocolloid Bandage
These protective sticker bandages shield lesions from infection while drawing out impurities to speed healing.
Take Oral Medication if Needed
For stubborn, painful cysts that won't resolve with home care, a doctor can prescribe antibiotics or retinoid creams. Oral meds like birth control pills or prescription spironolactone may also help hormonal acne.
When to See a Doctor
It's normal for a pimple to take up to a weeks or so to fully heal. But you should make an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist if you experience:
- A pustule or cyst that bleeds repeatedly when irritated and won't heal
- Intense pain or swelling at the site of a bleeding lesion
- Severe redness spreading from a pimple
- Drainage, oozing, or foul odor coming from a bump
- A sore that bleeds often and scabs over
- Flu symptoms along with facial swelling, lesions, or sores
These signs could indicate a deeper skin infection requiring medical treatment. Skin conditions like rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, precancerous legions and fungal breakouts may also require a dermatology evaluation.
Preventing Blood-Filled Pimples
You can reduce the changes of blood pimples in the future by:
- Cleansing twice daily and after heavy sweating
- Exfoliating 2-3 times a week to remove dead skin and keep pores clear
- Using oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizers and makeup
- Avoiding excess face touching to minimize bacteria transfer
- Treating breakout prone areas with acne spot treatments
- Taking oral medication if prescribed to balance hormones
While battling the occasional blood-filled pimple can be frustrating, being gentle with your skin and allowing blemishes time to heal is key. With some over-the-counter spot treatments and a little extra TLC for your skin, most lessens should resolve within 7-10 days.
FAQs
Should I pop a bleeding pimple?
No, you should not try to pop or squeeze a bleeding pimple as this can make it worse. Picking can damage cells, spread infection deeper into the skin, and delay healing.
How can I cover up a bleeding pimple?
Use a hydrocolloid bandage or pimple patch to both protect the area and absorb fluid. You can also apply concealer around (but not directly on) the area.
Are blood blisters and blood pimples the same thing?
No, they are not the same. A blood blister forms underneath the top layers of skin, while a blood pimple involves bleeding from inside an inflamed hair follicle.
When will a bleeding pimple start to heal?
With proper care such as not picking, cleansing gently, and using spot treatments, a bleeding pimple should show signs of improvement within 3-5 days and fully heal within 7-10 days.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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