Pimples Treatment Overview

When to see a dermatologist

You should consider seeing a dermatologist (skin doctor) if your pimples are not getting better after 3 months of using OTC medications, or if your pimples bother you in any way. Some people decide to see a dermatologist right away because they want a more targeted, faster treatment.

You should also see a dermatologist immediately if you have symptoms of severe acne, like large inflamed lumps, open cysts, or fever. Getting treated by a dermatologist can help prevent scarring and ensure that your diagnosis is acne and not something more serious.

What to expect from your visit

A dermatologist (skin specialist) will usually prescribe one or a combination of pimple medications. They may also try various procedures at their office to help get rid of a pimple quickly.

• Topical (applied to the skin) tretinoin (Retin-a) or other vitamin A medications help unclog pores and exfoliate skin. They can dry out and irritate your skin so it’s best to start by applying a small amount at night.
• Topical antibiotics, such as clindamycin, erythromycin, or sodium sulfacetamide (sulfur), treat inflammatory acne by targeting bacteria and can be used with retinoids.
• Oral antibiotics (like doxycycline, minocycline, and Bactrim) may be prescribed for more severe acne.
• Oral contraceptives and other hormone-like pills (like spironolactone) can help teenage girls and women whose acne is affected by hormonal cycles.
• Isotretinoin (Accutane) is a powerful oral medication for people with severe or scarring acne. If you are prescribed it, you will be monitored by a doctor for possible serious side effects.

Prescription pimple medications

• Retinoids like tretinoin (Retin-A) and adapalene (Differin)
• Topical antibiotics, such as clindamycin, erythromycin, or sodium sulfacetamide (sulfur).
• Oral antibiotics like doxycycline, minocycline, and Bactrim
• Isotretinoin (Accutane)
• Birth control pill, like Yaz
• Hormone pills like spironolactone

Best doctor for pimple treatment

• A dermatologist is a skin doctor who can prescribe effective medications and do procedures, like pimple extractions. You typically see them once every 3–6 months to make sure your acne is under control and to get prescription refills.

How to get rid of pimples at home

Most pimples can be treated with OTC pimple medications. Many medications are available over-the-counter as creams, gels, masks, pads, scrubs, soaps, and toners. The more effective ingredients include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids.

You may have to try different medications and combinations to find a treatment plan that works. Expect it to take several days before you will be able to tell if a treatment is helping, but it may need up to 3 months to be fully effective.

What is the best treatment for pimples?

Retinoids, like adapalene (Differin), are a form of vitamin A that work by keeping pores unclogged. They are one of the most effective pimple treatments. Retinoids are available as a cream, gel, and lotion. Since they can dry out and irritate the skin, it is best to start with a low-dose version, using it once every day or two. You can increase the strength and frequency as you tolerate it. Retinoids are also available in prescription strength.

Salicylic acid prevents pores from clogging. It is in many OTC products, like toners, pads, and creams.

Benzoyl peroxide is an antimicrobial medication that removes bacteria from the skin. It is good for inflammatory acne.

Alpha hydroxy acids, like glycolic acid and lactic acid, remove dead skin cells and reduce inflammation.

See a healthcare provider if your symptoms have not improved after trying OTC pimple medications for 3 months or if your skin gets worse while using OTC meds.

Tips for treating pimples

• Start with an OTC pimple medication that has benzoyl peroxide.
• Use a medicated facial cleanser twice a day to remove oils and bacteria.
• After using a cleanser in the morning, apply a light moisturizer and sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher to protect your healing skin from sun damage.
• After cleansing in the evening, apply a retinoid product and then an oil-free moisturizer to keep skin from drying out. Dry skin can irritate acne.
• Retinoids make skin sensitive to the sun so apply them at night.
• OTC products can be used with prescription medications.
• Apply small amounts of acne treatments to avoid irritating your skin. Using too much can dry out skin and make acne look worse.
• Scrubbing skin can worsen acne.
• Try not to pick, pop, or squeeze a pimple. It can take longer for your skin to heal and make it more likely to scar.
• Try to keep your hair and hands from touching your face.