How to Safely and Effectively Get Rid of Large, Painful Zits for Clear Skin

Dealing With Those Big, Painful Zits

We all get the occasional pimple or zit, and they can be annoying and painful. Big zits that form deep under the skin can be especially problematic. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the causes of deep zits, when to see a dermatologist, and proven home remedies to safely and effectively get rid of them.

What Causes Large, Painful Zits?

Several factors can contribute to development of deep, swollen pimples and zits:

• Hormonal fluctuations - common during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause
• Excess oil production by the skin
• Bacteria like Propionibacterium acnes
• Pores clogged with dead skin cells and debris
• High stress levels
• Use of comedogenic skin or hair care products
• Friction or pressure on the skin from helmets, phones, glasses, etc.

When a pore becomes blocked and an infection occurs underneath, it leads to inflammation and swelling resulting in a painful zit.

Where Do Big Zits Usually Form?

Some parts of the face and body are more prone to developing large, sore blemishes. Common locations include:

• Forehead
• Nose
• Chin
• Cheeks and jawline
• Hairline
• Upper back and shoulders
• Chest
• Buttocks

The skin in these areas contains an abundance of oil glands making them hotspots for congestion and breakouts.

Types of Painful Zits

Different types of blemishes can form deep within the skin layers. These include:

Papules

Small, hard, swollen pink or red bumps caused by clogged pores and bacteria.

Pustules

Pus-filled pimples with a white or yellow center. Indicates a bacterial infection.

Nodules

Large, hard lumps under the skin surface caused by deep infection and inflammation.

Cysts

Painful, pus-filled lumps developing deep within skin tissue. Can cause scarring.

Leaving large zits alone can worsen swelling and increase the likelihood of scarring. Properly treating them reduces infection risk and discomfort.

When to See a Dermatologist

In most cases, you can manage sporadic zits at home. Make an appointment with a dermatologist if you experience:

• Severe, painful acne
• Acne unresponsive to over-the-counter treatment
• Deep cysts and nodules
• Acne accompanied by fever or flu symptoms
• Scarring or dark spots after acne clears
• Acne primarily affecting the lower face and jawline

A dermatologist can determine if prescription medications are needed to clear stubborn zits and prevent permanent damage to the skin.

Lifestyle Tips to Minimize Big Zits

Making certain lifestyle adjustments can help decrease the occurrence of deep, inflamed zits:

• Wash face twice daily with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water.
• Avoid excessive scrubbing and irritation of the skin.
• Shampoo regularly, especially if you have oily hair.
• Avoid constantly touching or picking at the face.
• Limit use of heavy cosmetics and creams.
• Keep cell phones and glasses clean; don’t hold them against the face.
• Wear breathable fabrics and avoid tight collars or headbands.
• Practice stress management techniques.
• Stay hydrated and eat a nutrient-rich diet.

Adopting healthy skin care and lifestyle habits can reduce the frequency of deep blemishes.

Home Remedies to Safely Pop and Treat Zits

You can minimize swelling and discomfort from large under-the-skin zits using the following home remedies:

Warm Compresses

Applying a warm, damp washcloth to the affected area for 10 minutes helps bring the zit to a head for easier draining. The moist heat also soothes pain and promotes healing.

Hydrocolloid Bandages

These special zit stickers absorb fluid and pus while protecting the area from bacteria. Wear them overnight to reduce swelling.

Tea Tree Oil

Diluted tea tree oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that calms irritation, dries out zits, and prevents infection when applied twice daily.

Salicylic Acid

Look for over-the-counter gels, creams, or pads with this beta hydroxy acid to penetrate pores, dry out zits, and encourage shedding of dead skin.

Benzoyl Peroxide

As a common acne-fighting ingredient, benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria in pores while peeling away layers of dead skin.

Aloe Vera Gel

Soothing, healing aloe vera gel reduces redness and inflammation when liberally applied to the zit multiple times per day.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Diluted apple cider vinegar contains acids that help dry out oil production. Dip a cotton ball and dab on pimples several times a day.

Natural Clay Masks

Masks made with bentonite, kaolin, or French green clay help draw out impurities from congested pores as they tighten and tone the skin.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Dabbing on a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution can bubble away bacteria, but use sparingly to avoid excess skin dryness.

Manual Extraction

Sterilize a comedone extractor tool and gently press down on either side of the zit until the trapped contents are released.

Avoid squeezing zits forcefully with your fingers as this can worsen irritation and cause scarring.

Professional Acne Treatments and Procedures

For severe or cystic acne, work with a dermatologist who can provide professional treatments such as:

Corticosteroid Injections

Injecting a diluted corticosteroid directly into a large, painful zit or cyst reduces inflammation and speeds healing.

Chemical Peels

Applying a chemical solution like salicylic acid peels away the top layers of skin to unclog pores, kill bacteria, and prevent new breakouts.

Light Therapy

Using blue light during professional facial treatments has an anti-inflammatory effect on acne-causing bacteria in the skin.

Laser Resurfacing

Lasers remove damaged outer skin layers and improve texture while also destroying acne-causing bacteria.

Drainage and Injections

Dermatologists can use a sterile needle to drain large, painful zits and inject medication directly into cysts to reduce swelling.

Prescription Medication

For moderate to severe acne, oral or topical prescription medications like retinoids, antibiotics, birth control pills, or hormonal anti-androgens may be prescribed.

Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scars (CROSS)

This special microneedling technique releases scar tissue bands and promotes collagen growth to improve acne scarring.

Discuss all treatment options thoroughly with your dermatologist to achieve the best acne clearance with minimal side effects.

When to Pop Zits - and When to Leave Them Alone

Popping zits correctly can accelerate healing, but doing it incorrectly makes them worse. Use these tips on when to pop and when to avoid it:

Poppable Zits

It's OK to pop zits that:

• Have come to a white or yellow head
• Are small with minimal swelling
• Are isolated rather than in a cluster
• Are well within reach and easily accessible
• Can be drained gently using sterile equipment

Zits to Avoid Popping

Never try to pop acne that is:

• Deep cysts or nodules buried under the skin
• Large, very inflamed or painful
• Located in a hard to reach area
• In a sensitive area like around the eyes
• In danger of leaving a scar if damaged

Being too forceful can push debris and bacteria deeper, creating more inflammation and potential scarring. Let a dermatologist handle severe zits.

Popping Precautions

When dealing with poppable zits at home:

• Wash hands and use clean tools like a tissue or cotton swab.
• Sterilize a comedone extractor if needed.
• Apply a warm compress beforehand to open pores.
• Gently squeeze either side of the zit instead of the top.
• Stop if it won’t drain easily with light pressure.
• Apply antibacterial gel and a bandage after draining.
• Never pick at or repeatedly squeeze zits.

How to Prevent Future Breakouts and Scarring

Getting recurring big, painful zits can be frustrating. Use these tips to help prevent future blemishes and reduce the chance of permanent scarring:

• Cleanse daily with a sulfate-free face wash.
• Exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells.
• Use oil-free and non-comedogenic makeup and sunscreen.
• Shampoo hair frequently if it’s oily.
• Avoid excessive touching and squeezing of the skin.
• Stay hydrated and eat a nutrient-rich diet.
• Take medications as directed by your dermatologist.
• Use hydrocolloid bandages or acne dots on popped zits.
• Apply healing ingredients like tea tree oil and aloe vera gel.
• Stick to a consistent skincare routine focused on gentle cleansing.

Seeing a dermatologist at the first signs of scarring can help minimize permanent damage to the skin.

Knowing When to Get Medical Treatment

Being proactive with severe or worsening zits is crucial. Schedule an urgent dermatology visit if you have:

• Hard, painful nodules or cysts
• Signs of a skin infection like warmth, redness, fever or pus
• Acne unresponsive to over-the-counter remedies
• Scarring or dark spots
• Swollen lymph nodes near stubborn zits
• Extremely inflamed or tender zits
• Zits combined with rashes in other areas

Severe acne can lead to permanent scarring and skin discoloration without professional treatment. Prescription oral or topical medication can help clear flare ups and get breakouts under control.

When to See a Dermatologist

Consulting a board-certified dermatologist is advisable if you experience:

• Frequent or severe breakouts
• Painful nodules or cysts
• Scarring or hyperpigmentation
• Sudden adult acne with no prior history
• Acne concentrated on the lower face, neck, or jawline
• Acne unresponsive to over-the-counter treatment
• Emotional distress due to acne's appearance

A dermatologist can determine if prescription-strength acne medication is warranted in your case. Procedures like chemical peels, corticosteroid shots, or laser therapy may also help stubborn zits.

Getting dermatological care leads to better acne clearance with less scarring. You don’t have to live with large painful zits.

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.