How to Treat Papule Acne

Acne papules are small, red bumps on your skin. They usually grow into larger cysts or pustules if left untreated. Papules often signify the start of an acne breakout, so treating them quickly is a good way to prevent further irritation. The most important treatment is washing your face twice a day with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid cleanser. Additionally, you can apply a gel or cream with retinol to help treat and prevent the acne. If your papules don’t go away after 2 weeks of washing, see your dermatologist for other treatment options. You can also try a variety of preventative measures and home remedies to avoid further papule outbreaks.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Washing Your Face Correctly

  1. Image titled Treat Papule Acne Step 1
    1
    Get a face wash with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These two products are used frequently to fight acne. They help kill acne-causing bacteria. Before seeing your doctor for a prescription-strength facewash, try starting a daily regimen with one of these store-bought products. Start with the lowest concentration available to see if it works for you before moving up to a higher concentration.[1]
    • These products are available over the counter. Visit a local pharmacy and find them in the skincare section.
    • Products are also available online. If you buy from a website, make sure the wash is from a reputable brand and seller.
    • Avoid face washes with alcohol. This chemical is irritating and can make acne worse.
    • Use a soft washcloth or baking soda to help exfoliate your skin even more when you wash your face.
  2. Image titled Treat Papule Acne Step 2
    2
    Wet your face with clean, lukewarm water. Set the faucet to a comfortable, lukewarm temperature. Cold water closes your pores and hot water irritates your skin. When you find a comfortable temperature, run your fingertips under the faucet and rub the water on your face.[2]
    • If you have long hair, tie it back so it doesn’t get in the way.
    • Don't use a towel to wet your face. This can cause irritation.
    • Wash your hands before washing your face if they aren’t clean.
    Advertisement
  3. Image titled Treat Papule Acne Step 3
    3
    Rub a dime-sized amount of cleanser on your face in a circular motion. Squeeze this amount of cleanser on your fingertips and rub your hands together to make the cleanser lather. Then gently rub it on your face in a circular motion. Cover your whole face, but especially pay attention to areas where you have papules.[3]
    • If you have papules on your neck, wash here as well.
    • Don’t scrub your face with a towel or washcloth. These can irritate your acne. Just gently apply the wash with your fingers.
    • If the product instructions tell you to use a different amount of cleanser, follow the directions given.
  4. Image titled Treat Papule Acne Step 4
    4
    Rinse your face with clean, lukewarm water. Set the faucet to the same temperature that you initially wet your face with. Wet your hands and splash the water on your face until all the suds are gone.[4]
    • Leaving cleanser behind can form a film on your skin that clogs pores. This can make acne worse, so be sure to rinse your face thoroughly.
  5. Image titled Treat Papule Acne Step 5
    5
    Pat your face dry with a soft towel. Rubbing your face irritates your skin and can make acne worse. Instead, take a soft towel and gently blot your face to absorb the water. Continue blotting until your face is dry.[5]
  6. Image titled Treat Papule Acne Step 6
    6
    Use a salicylic acid toner after you wash your face to exfoliate more. Salicylic acid penetrates deep into your pores and helps reduce your acne. Only apply the toner after you wash your face for the best effect. Rub a coin-sized amount of toner over the affected area and work it deep into your skin. Leave the toner on your skin so it can shrink the size of your acne.[6]
    • Salicylic acid can cause dryness and peeling skin. If your face gets red or dry after applying salicylic acid, use a green clay mask to help reduce the redness.
    • Start by applying salicylic acid toner once daily. If you don’t notice any effects, you can apply it up to 3 times each day, but be sure to wash your face before each treatment.
  7. Image titled Treat Papule Acne Step 7
    7
    Limit your washing to 2 times a day and after sweating. You might be tempted to wash your face as much as possible to get rid of your acne, but this is counterproductive. Too much washing irritates your face and makes acne worse. Only wash twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. You can also wash if you get sweaty because sweat is irritating and should be washed off.[7]
    • Wash your face as soon as possible after sweating.
    • If you only have time to wash your face once, do it at night. This removes all the dirt and sweat that accumulated on your face throughout the day.
    8. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Seeing a Dermatologist for Treatment

  1. Image titled Treat Papule Acne Step 8
    1
    Visit a dermatologist if your acne doesn’t clear up after 2 weeks. If you’ve been washing your face every day for 2 weeks and see no improvement in your acne, you may need a different approach. Make an appointment with a dermatologist to discuss your problem and possible solutions.[8]
    • If you don’t know where to look for a dermatologist, check the American Academy of Dermatology to find a licensed professional near you. Type your zip code into https://find-a-derm.aad.org/.
  2. Image titled Treat Papule Acne Step 9
    2
    Apply a prescription-strength acne cream to your papules. If you’ve been washing your face regularly but haven’t seen any improvement, your dermatologist may write you a prescription-strength cream. There are several types your dermatologist might give you.[9]
    • Common prescription creams are retinoids and corticosteroids. These fight the swelling and irritation associated with acne.
    • Your dermatologist may also give you an antibiotic cream to kill acne-causing bacteria.
  3. Image titled Treat Papule Acne Step 10
    3
    Have a chemical peel done at the dermatologist’s office. A chemical peel is a cosmetic procedure that removes the top layer of dead skin on your face and reveals the fresh layer beneath it. Some dermatologists use them to treat acne papules. Your dermatologist may perform one of these peels if your papules are small and haven’t developed into cysts or pustules yet.[10]
    • Chemical peels are less effective against larger acne cysts. If some of your papules are growing into pustules, the dermatologist may opt for a different method.
    • Don't use a home chemical peel kit. This procedure requires a professional's skill.
  4. Image titled Treat Papule Acne Step 11
    4
    Take oral antibiotics to reduce acne infections. If topical solutions don’t work, your dermatologist may prescribe an oral antibiotic. These work through your system to kill the bacteria causing your acne and reduce infections in your skin.[11]
    • If medications bother your stomach, try eating a piece of bread with the antibiotic unless your doctor instructs you to take it on an empty stomach.
    • Oral antibiotics usually work best when you continue washing with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, so continue your face washing regimen.
    5. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Preventing More Papule Outbreaks

  1. Image titled Treat Papule Acne Step 12
    1
    Wash your hair regularly and keep it off of your face. Hair traps a lot of grease. If your hair hangs over your face, it transfers that grease to your skin, which can cause acne outbreaks. Choose a hairstyle that keeps your hair off your forehead and other parts of your face to avoid transferring grease to your skin.[12]
    • Also wash your hair at least 3-4 times per week to remove grease. That way, even if your hair does drape over your face, there is less of a chance that it will cause an outbreak.
    • If your hair is naturally oily, try washing it every day.
  2. Image titled Treat Papule Acne Step 13
    2
    Wear light, water-based makeup if you use cosmetics. Heavy, oil-based cosmetic products can clog your pores and trap dirt inside. This causes acne breakouts. Instead, use light, water-based products. These are less likely to clog your pores and cause breakouts.[13]
    • Always remove your makeup and wash your face before going to bed.
    • Mineral-based makeup products that contain zinc or silica can absorb oil and reduce your risk of acne breakouts.
    • Also resist covering up pimples with makeup. This clogs up your skin further and can make it pimple worse.
  3. Image titled Treat Papule Acne Step 14
    3
    Spot-treat acne with retinol cream. Retinol works as an anti-inflammatory and helps reduce the size of your acne. Start with a low concentration to see if it works for you, and switch to a higher dosage if you don’t see any results. Put a dab of retinol cream on your finger and rub it into the affected area of skin and let it absorb into your pores.[14]
    • You can buy retinol cream in the skincare section at a store, or you can get prescription strength from a dermatologist.
    • Your skin may peel slightly when you use retinol cream.
  4. Image titled Treat Papule Acne Step 15
    4
    Avoid picking at or popping pimples. You’ll probably feel tempted to pick or pop your acne, but resist the urge. Picking at pimples always irritates them worse. It can even cause scarring. Stick with your face washing regimen to a much better outcome.[15]
    • As a general rule, it's better to touch your face as little as possible overall. Then you can avoid transferring dirt and bacteria to your face and causing breakouts.
  5. Image titled Treat Papule Acne Step 16
    5
    Eat an anti-inflammatory diet to reduce the chances of developing acne. Avoid foods that are high in sugar, caffeine, or oils since they can cause more acne outbreaks. Instead, try to eat more fruits, vegetables, and foods high in vitamins A and D to help improve your skin condition. Try having foods like eggs, carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and broccoli to get the necessary vitamins you need.[16]
    • Try intermittent fasting by not eating between 7 PM and 9 AM to help reset your hormones and reduce your chances of developing acne.
  6. Image titled Treat Papule Acne Step 17
    6
    Try some home remedies to fight and prevent acne papules. In addition to face washing and prescription creams, there are a number of home remedies for treating acne. Some might be more effective than others, but you can try them out and see if any work for you.
    • Lemon juice works as an astringent, and some supporters say that it kills the bacteria in acne pimples. Use lemon juice fresh from a lemon, not from a bottle.
    • Honey also has antibacterial properties and spreading a bit on your acne could help clear it up.
    • Apple cider vinegar is another popular acne treatment, and a popular skincare treatment overall.
  7. Image titled Treat Papule Acne Step 18
    7
    Get a good amount of rest each night with a clean pillow. A healthy amount of rest helps your body manage its hormones better so acne doesn’t occur as frequently. Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night so you can stay healthy and relaxed. Make sure you use a clean pillowcase when you sleep so you don’t transfer oils or dirt back onto your face.
    • Always remove makeup before you go to sleep since it could clog your pores and make acne develop faster.
  8. Image titled Treat Papule Acne Step 19
    8
    Wear sunscreen that contains zinc oxide to protect your skin. Your skin will be more susceptible to burning after using multiple treatments, so make sure you put on sunscreen regularly. Look for something with 30 SPF or higher that contains zinc oxide, which acts as an antibacterial so you don’t get infections. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours of being in the sun so you stay protected.
    9. Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Treat Pimples with Fucidin
How to
Treat Pimples with Fucidin
Use an Acne Tool
How to
Use an Acne Tool
Use Tea Tree Oil for Acne
How to
Use Tea Tree Oil for Acne
Get Rid of a PimpleThe Best Ways to Get Rid of Pimples and Reduce Acne
Reduce Sebum Production
How to
Reduce Sebum Production
Get Rid of Pimples Naturally (Sea Salt Method)
How to
Get Rid of Pimples Naturally (Sea Salt Method)
How to Create a Hot Compress for Acne Treatment and Skin Health
Use Biore Pore Cleansing Strips
How to
Use Biore Pore Cleansing Strips
Reduce Acne Using Tomatoes
How to
Reduce Acne Using Tomatoes
What to Do After Removing Pimple PatchWhat to Do After Removing a Pimple Patch (+ Tips for Next Time!)
Use Tretinoin and Benzoyl Peroxide Concurrently
How to
Use Tretinoin and Benzoyl Peroxide Concurrently
Get Rid of Forehead Acne
How to
Get Rid of Forehead Acne
Get Rid of a Hard Pimple
How to
Get Rid of a Hard Pimple
Get Rid of Pimples with Aloe Vera Gel
How to
Get Rid of Pimples with Aloe Vera Gel
Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.aad.org/types-of-breakouts
  2. ↑ https://www.aad.org/skin-care-basics/face-washing-101
  3. ↑ https://www.aad.org/skin-care-basics/face-washing-101
  4. ↑ https://www.aad.org/skin-care-basics/face-washing-101
  5. ↑ https://www.aad.org/skin-care-basics/face-washing-101
  6. ↑ https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=a6f0e6f8-e255-478c-9765-a23535e48c35
  7. ↑ https://www.aad.org/skin-care-basics/face-washing-101
  8. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/
  9. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12233-acne/management-and-treatment
  1. ↑ https://www.aad.org/cosmetic/younger-looking/chemical-peels-overview
  2. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12233-acne/management-and-treatment
  3. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/
  4. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/
  5. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5574737/
  6. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/
  7. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2836431/

About This Article

Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
Medically reviewed by:
Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
This article was medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS. Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006. This article has been viewed 13,185 times.
6 votes - 50%
Co-authors: 3
Updated: November 25, 2019
Views: 13,185
Categories: Acne Treatments
Advertisement