Having an infected pimple on your face can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable experience.
Among other things, infected pimples can cause redness and swelling, it can as well be painful and cause permanent scarring if not treated properly.
Shortly, we will discuss how you can reduce the swelling on your face from an infected pimple and how you can treat the infection itself.
What is an Infected Pimple?
An infected pimple happens when bacteria enter a regular pimple thereby causing inflammation, redness, and swelling. An infected pimple typically becomes larger and more painful than a regular pimple when the infection occurs.
An infected pimple is pus-filled and painful however, an infected pimple is not so common because
How to know if the pimple is infected?
To know an infected pimple, it is best you see a dermatologist in order to get a proper diagnosis. However, there are some signs and symptoms that characterize an infected pimple. And these symptoms include;
- Fever – Elevated body temperature, chills, body aches, and chills.
- Fatigue – Depression, sleepiness, muscle weakness
- Swelling and redness in the area
- A large blemish
- Oozing yellow pus
- Discomfort and pain around the pimple.
Who might get a swollen face from an infected pimple?
Popped pimples are more likely to get infected. This is because a popped pimple is usually exposed to bacteria that may be present on the surface of the skin. It’s best to avoid popping pimples in order to avoid infection.
Teenagers and young adults undergo puberty because the hormone changes that come with puberty can give rise to acne breakouts.
People who have skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis are more likely to develop an infected pimple that can cause swelling in the face. This is because these skin conditions can weaken the skin’s protective barrier.
This makes it easier for bacteria to enter and cause infection.
Also, people who are under stress or with hormonal imbalances. For instance, pregnant women are more likely to get acne breakouts than not.
What causes the swelling of an infected pimple?
As earlier stated, an infected pimple is usually caused by bacteria such as staphylococcus or streptococcus entering the skin and infecting the follicle. The bacteria cause inflammation and swelling of the skin.
How to reduce swelling on the face from infected pimples?
- Try applying an ice cube
- Apply a warm compress
- Apply a topical antiseptic
Try applying an ice cube
Applying ice to swelling can help reduce inflammation and pain. To get good results, wrap an ice cube or a cold pack in a thin cloth and place it on the affected area for up to 20 minutes.
Take frequent breaks and avoid leaving the ice on for too long, because this can damage the skin and cause additional swelling.
Apply a warm compress
To apply a warm compress to a swelling, fill a bowl halfway with hot water that is warm to the touch. Soak a clean cloth or towel in hot water and wring it out.
Apply the warm compress to the swollen area for 5 minutes. Remove the compress and wait a few minutes before applying it again if necessary. This will aid in increasing blood flow to the area and reducing swelling.
Apply a topical antiseptic
Before applying a topical antiseptic to a swelling, clean the area with soap and water and pat it dry. Then, cover the affected area with a thin layer of antiseptic.
Depending on the severity of the swelling, you may need to repeat this process several times per day. Follow the directions on the product label, and remember to wash your hands after each application.
How to keep a popped pimple from getting infected?
To keep a popped pimple from becoming infected, you should make sure to follow these steps:
- Clean the area with a bar of mild soap and warm water.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment, such as Bacitracin, to the area.
- Cover the area with a clean bandage or gauze.
- Change the bandage or gauze at least twice a day.
- Avoid touching or picking at the area.
- Keep the area clean and dry.
- Apply a cold compress to the area to reduce swelling.
- Consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, to reduce pain and swelling.
Well, it’s advisable that you don’t ever do the mistake of popping a pimple. Popping a pimple can increase its spread over the entirety of your face.
How to treat an infected pimple
- Use topical treatments:
- Clean the area:
- Place warm compresses on the pimple:
Use topical treatments
Treat an infected pimple, topical treatments are frequently used. These can include benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which aid in the removal of bacteria and the reduction of inflammation.
Antibiotic creams can also be used to treat the infection, and oral antibiotics may be prescribed in more severe cases. In addition to these treatments, keep the area clean and dry, and avoid picking or squeezing the pimple, as this can spread the infection further.
Clean the area
To clean an infected pimple, use a gentle cleanser and avoid touching the pimple. A warm or cold compress can also help reduce swelling and pain. Furthermore, it is non-negotiable to keep the area clean by wiping it down with a clean cloth or tissue on a regular basis.
Place warm compresses on the pimple
A warm compress applied to an infected pimple can help reduce inflammation and allow the pimple to heal. Wet a clean washcloth with warm (not hot) water and place it over the infected pimple to do.
Allow it to stay on for 5 to 10 minutes at a time, and repeat several times a day until the infection has healed.
What Next?
It is clear that reducing swelling on your face from an infected pimple is possible when you become a little more conscious of your face and how you care for it.
However, it is best you see a dermatologist in order to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. Consult a dermatologist immediately and don’t delay.