How To Treat Your Blind Pimples With Ayurveda?

Are you wondering how to prevent that painful little bump from reappearing often? Although not noticeable, blind pimples can be a painful affair if not treated properly.

Such pimples usually form as small hardened bumps under your skin. There are several topical treatments available, but most are ridden with long lasting effects. Thankfully, the ancient science of Ayurveda recommends a list of potent herbal remedies that holistically treat the pimple triggering factors and prevent their recurrence.

Scroll down to know what causes blind pimples on your face and how to treat them with Ayurveda.

What Is A Blind Pimple?

Cystic or Nodular acne are commonly referred to as blind pimples as they are embedded deep within your skin. Unlike the usual pimple which forms a head, blind pimples are invisible. They feel like a hardened cyst under the surface of your skin.

Blind pimples on the nose, forehead, chin, oily sections of your cheeks are common, but they may also appear on the chest, back and any other part of your body as well. Due to their location under the skin, these pimples are often difficult to treat. Blind pimples can be sensitive to touch and may take a long time to heal.

“Cystic acne is a deep seated Kapha disorder of skin,” says Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix.

What Does A Blind Pimple Look Like?

Blind pimples appear as tiny, red, painful boils or colourless lumps beneath the skin’s surface. The lump may either feel soft or hardened depending on whether the acne is cystic or nodular.

How Do You Know If It's A Blind Pimple?

Blind Pimples reside in the deeper layers of your skin, unlike non-inflammatory comedonal acne (whiteheads, blackheads) and inflammatory papules and pustules. The easiest way to know if you have a blind pimple is by the undermentioned symptoms:

1. Blind pimples can appear as little red boils or colourless lumps beneath the skin’s surface. In case of cystic acne, the lump may feel soft due to the presence of pus in it. If your blind pimple is a nodule, it is likely to feel like a small hardened lump.

2. Blind pimples are often painful.

3. These acne lesions continue to develop without forming a head.

4. The area surrounding the blind pimple may be inflamed due to infection.

What Causes Blind Pimples?

The principle cause behind pimple formation [1] is always a blocked skin pore. Due to internal factors such as hormonal imbalances, sebaceous glands opening into your pores may secrete excess sebum (oily substance that moisturizes your skin). This excess sebum along with dead keratin flakes and impurities can form a plug and block the pore, causing an acne lesion.

When Propionibacterium acnes bacteria that naturally occurs on your skin, gets trapped within a blocked pore, it causes an infection. The proliferation of bacteria triggers the body’s immune system, which sends white blood cells to fight the infection. This leads to the formation of pus inside the pore and inflammation in the surrounding areas.

Due to the presence of dead skin cells when such inflammatory acne are unable to form a head and reach the surface of the skin, it causes a blind pimple.

Blind pimples can include more than one pore, making them larger than comedonal acne (whiteheads/ blackheads). It is best not to pop a blind pimple, as that may spread the infection on to the surrounding areas within the skin.

How To Treat Blind Pimples?

A. Natural Methods For Blind Pimple Treatment

1. Herbal Compress

Herbal compresses are a great way to treat stubborn pimples. To reduce inflammation and pain, cold compresses are good. Warm compresses can soften the plug trapped inside and make your blind pimple come to a head.

How To Use

• Cold Herbal Compress

Brew some green tea or soak a green tea bag in hot water. Cool it down and keep it in the freezer for 10 minutes. Now compress the blind pimple on your nose or any part of your body using a cotton ball or the tea bag itself. Flavonoids in green tea reduce swelling and its astringent properties help control the secretion of sebum.

• Warm Herbal Compress

Add neem and tulsi leaves to a cup of water and boil it for 5 minutes. Now use a small towel or cotton ball and compress the pimple gently. Cool the water a little if it is too hot.

2. Gentle Exfoliation

Mildly exfoliating your blind pimples on the forehead, chin and other areas of the face can boost your cell turnover rate and expedite the healing process. An oatmeal exfoliation is best for pimple prone skin as it gently removes dead skin cells without irritating your skin. Oatmeal being anti inflammatory and astringent in nature, absorbs excess sebum and prevents acne induced swelling.

3. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel for treating blind pimples is an oft recommended remedy. Aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial nature reduces swelling, pain and prevents the proliferation of bacteria in your pores.

How To Use Aloe Vera Gel

You can apply aloe vera gel that is directly extracted from the plant on the affected area. Aloe vera is usually safe for an overnight treatment.

4. Raw Turmeric Paste

Raw turmeric is an ancient remedy for various skin problems, including blind pimples. Curcumin in turmeric has amazing anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, turmeric, being antiseptic, helps heal your blind pimple by preventing bacterial infection in your pores.

How To Use Raw Turmeric Paste

Apply a generous amount of raw turmeric paste over your blind pimple and leave it on for 20 minutes before washing off.

5. Papaya Face Mask

Papain, an enzyme found in papaya, is a natural exfoliator that can remove keratin build up from your skin, thus increasing cell turnover rate. An increase in cell turnover helps bring your blind pimple to the surface quickly. Papaya is also found to be anti- inflammatory as it contains Vitamin A and C and can prevent swelling of your blind pimples.

How To Use Papaya Face Mask

Mash a ripe papaya and add some raw milk to it. Now apply this on the blind pimples and wash off after 15 to 20 minutes.

6. Pineapple Face Mask

The enzyme bromelain, present in pineapple, is known for its exfoliating properties and is used in a variety of skincare products. Bromelain’s ability to penetrate deep into your skin and loosen hardened sebum and keratin plugs makes it an ideal blind pimple cure.

How To Use Pineapple Face Mask

Bromelain is found in high concentrations in the stem of a pineapple. So while making your pineapple face mask, don’t throw away the wastes. Cut the pineapple along with its stem and put in a blender. Apply this juice over the blind pimples on your nose, forehead, chin and cheeks and wash off after 15 minutes.

B. 5 Essential Oils To Cure Blind Pimples

An oil treatment for blind pimples may sound counter- intuitive as they are prone to developing in the oily zones of your face and body. But the truth is, certain essential oils can easily penetrate your skin and prevent pimple formations. By balancing your sebum secretions and preventing bacterial infections in your pores, these oils help improve your overall skin condition.

1. Tea Tree Oil

All who suffer from blind pimple problems are aware of tea tree oil treatments. This wonder oil is full of skin benefitting nutrients. Its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, oil balancing properties rapidly reduce acne lesions within the skin and help heal your blind pimple in no time.

2. Neem Oil

Known as a natural antibacterial agent, neem oil reduces inflammation of blind pimples by fighting the bacterial infection in your pores. Neem oil can also help lighten acne scars.

3. Clove Oil

The magical ingredient eugenol present in clove oil is a popular acne healer. Eugenol is effective against P. acnes bacteria, it is anti-inflammatory, reduces skin irritations and helps improve the overall acne condition. For treating stubborn blind pimples on your forehead, nose, chin and other facial areas, regularly apply clove oil on the affected skin. This can restore your skin’s oil balance and prevent further pimple development.

4. Sandalwood Oil

Sandalwood oil [2] is used in several herbal and skincare products owing to its medicinal properties. Sandalwood’s cooling nature reduces inflammation and redness that are common symptoms of blind pimples. Recent research shows sandalwood oil to be anti proliferative, which prevents the colonization of Propionibacterium acnes bacteria in your pores.

5. Kumkumadi Oil

Packed with the goodness of powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory herbs, kumkumadi tailam is a perfect treatment for blind pimples. It contains kumkuma (saffron), manjistha, licorice, turmeric and many other Ayurveda recommended herbs that balance your hormones, purify your blood and prevent the formation of blind pimples.

C. Ayurvedic Topical Treatments For Blind Pimple

According to Ayurvedic principles, the wellbeing of our body directly depends on the balance of our Doshas or bodily humours. The three Doshas- Vata, Pitta and Kapha, govern our body functions and ensure a disease-free state of being. Acne lesions that lead to the formation of blind pimples occur if your Doshas along with the Rakta Dhatu (blood tissue) are vitiated.

To treat such a condition, the Ayurvedic texts recommend the use of certain Dosha pacifying herbs. These herbs purify your blood, remove harmful Ama toxins from the body and improve your skin’s overall health.

The below mentioned herbs in powdered form can be mixed with raw honey, milk or warm water to make a lepa (herbal paste) and applied on the blind pimples as an effective spot treatment.

Ayurvedic Spot Treatment

1. Hibiscus

Medical treatments of acne include the use of AHAs (Alpha hydroxy Acids) and BHAs (Beta hydroxy Acids), which are naturally present in hibiscus. These acids present in hibiscus gently loosen the upper layers of skin covering the blind pimple. This allows the herb to penetrate deeper and treat the condition. Hibiscus can also help balance your androgen hormone levels. This prevents over secretion of sebum, thus preventing further pimple development.

2. Sandalwood

Alpha santalol present in sandalwood actively reduces inflammation caused by Pitta aggravations. Its cooling nature soothes your skin and prevents excess oil secretion. It has some antibacterial properties that can reduce the formation of bacteria and help heal the blind pimples.

3. Honey

Honey acts like a sponge that sucks out excess moisture from your blind pimple. So it is more suitable for soft cystic acne that has pus trapped in it. Honey’s Vata Kapha pacifying properties help reduce excess formation of sebum and dead skin that clogs your pores. Using honey as a spot treatment for your blind pimple reduces chances of bacterial infection due to its antibacterial properties.

4. Manjistha

Manjistha [3] is a natural blood purifying herb that can detoxify your body. It is known for being a good hormone balancer and prevents over secretion of sebum. Manjistha also displays antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce inflammation and bacterial growth related to blind pimples.

5. Sariva

Sariva [4] is a miraculous herb when it comes to treating blind pimples. As per medical research, Sariva exhibits powerful ‘Raktashodhak’ (blood purifying), ‘Krimighna’ (anti-bacterial) and ‘Vishaghna’ (anti-inflammatory) properties. Its cooling nature pacifies the aggravated Pitta Dosha and soothes pimple affected skin.

6. Triphala

Due to its healing abilities, Triphala is used to cure a number of skin diseases in Ayurveda. It is a Tridosha pacifier with wonderful antioxidant properties that speeds up your skin’s natural healing process. Triphala also has antibacterial qualities that fight bacteria and detoxify your body by removing harmful toxins responsible for the formation of pimples.

7. Vetiver

The astringent Vetiver can balance your sebum secretions and prevent acne formation. It effectively reduces swelling and redness related to blind pimples. The antimicrobial nature of vetiver inhibits the growth of bacteria and helps to heal your pimple in a short span of time.

8. Dhanyaka

Dhanyaka or coriander has some unbelievable acne curing abilities. It's antimicrobial and loaded with skin friendly nutrients and antioxidants. Regular application of dhanyaka on your blind pimple can reduce symptoms like pain, swelling and redness.

Vedix Tip: Applying multani mitti (fuller's earth) with rose water on your blind pimple can push out its impurities. Apart from being astringent, multani mitti is also cooling in nature and good for treating inflammation and redness.

D. Other Topical Medical Treatments For Blind Pimples

1. Retinoid

Topical Retinoid [5] creams are commonly prescribed to treat blind pimples that don’t come to a head. Retinoids are a type of Vitamin A that gradually exfoliate the upper layers of your skin and increase your cell turnover rate. As a result your skin speeds up its healing process and quickly brings to surface the impurities and blocked pores that lie underneath. Retinoid creams with a strength of 0.25 to 1.5 are generally tolerated well by most skin types. However, it is best to consult your doctor to know which type and concentration suits your skin best.

2. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA)

Topical lotions, creams and ointments containing AHAs and BHAs are quite effective against pimple prone skin. Both these acid types are good exfoliators and can reach deep within your skin and remove keratin build-ups and clogged pores. They are also prescribed to reduce inflammation and skin irritations to a certain extent. Application of AHAs and BHAs as per your prescribed dose can improve your overall skin condition. The known AHAs include Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Tartaric Acid, Malic Acid and Mandelic Acid. Whereas the commonly used BHAs are Salicylic Acid and certain Citric Acids.

When it comes to treating blind pimples, BHAs are considered more effective due to their higher skin penetration abilities.

3. Topical Antibiotics

Inflammation and infection caused by Propionibacterium acnes bacteria proliferation in your blocked pores are treated with topical antibiotics. Antibiotics such as erythromycin, clindamycin regulate bacterial growth and reduce inflammation of your blind pimple. Clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide may be used as a combination topical treatment to treat severely inflamed acne conditions.

4. Acne Stickers/ Patches

These are considered one of the safest topical treatments for healing mild to moderate blind pimples. With hydrocolloid, these acne patches draw out the plug, sebum and pus trapped in your pores.

How Long Does It Take For A Blind Pimple To Go Away?

Blind pimples take time to go away as they form in the deeper layers of your skin. A blind pimple may naturally disappear after 2 to 3 weeks. Depending on the severity of the pimple, it can even last a month till your skin is able to clear it off.

When To See Your Dermatologist?

If the suggested natural and Ayurvedic remedies don't heal your blind pimples within a few weeks of regular application, visit your dermatologist. A proper diagnosis can reveal underlying medical conditions that may be triggering acne formations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Blind Pimples

1. Why Are Blind Pimples So Painful?

Blind pimples can become painful if there is a bacterial infection. As your body detects a pathogen attack, the inflammatory mediators are triggered and WBCs sent to fight the infection. The enzymes released by the white blood cells may damage the wall of the hair follicle. This type of tissue damage along with inflammation can lead to pain.

2. Do Blind Pimples Come To A Head?

Blind pimples rarely come to a head as they develop under the surface of your skin. However, home remedies such as warm compresses and herbal treatments can help loosen the trapped impurities and gradually cure the pimple.

3. Can I Pop A Blind Pimple With A Needle?

Don't pop a blind pimple. Blind pimples are formed beneath your skin’s surface and do not come to a head. Thus the whole idea of popping a pimple to dispose off its contents does not work with a blind pimple. You may end up pushing the impurities deeper into your skin and spread the infection further. There is also enhanced risk of infection, injury and scarring from the needle itself.

The Last Word

Yuvana Pidakas or blind pimples indicate the presence of toxins within your skin and an imbalance in your Doshas. Resorting to hasty treatments can bring quick relief but not prevent the condition from reappearing. On the other hand, Ayurvedic natural remedies focus on treating the causes that lead to blind pimple formation. This ensures complete healing of your pimple problem and overall improvement of your skin health.

Know Your Dosha Now