How to Minimize a Really Inflamed Painful Zit

A thin layer of toothpaste may reduce a swollen zit.

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It's the big day -- graduation from school, a hot date, an important business presentation -- and the stress and excitement has culminated in an inflamed, painful zit on your face. While the immediate response is to poke and prod the zit in an attempt to squeeze out infection, often this makes the situation worse. Over-applying chemicals and scrubbing your face vigorously also inflames the zit further, and can result in even more acne. Reducing redness and swelling helps minimize a zit, as does a little careful camouflage.

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Gently clean skin with alcohol-free cleanser, a terry wash-cloth and lukewarm water. Pat your face dry to avoid irritating the zit.

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Spread a thin layer of toothpaste or baking soda mixed with water over the zit. The properties of both treatments suck excess oil out of the pimple, reducing its size. Don't cover your face in toothpaste or spread large globs of baking soda on your skin; this dries out your skin, and can result in more zits. Whitening and gel toothpastes contain chemicals that can burn the skin, so do not apply these preparations to your zit. Let the paste set for at least 10 minutes, then rinse off with a warm, wet washcloth.

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Ice the zit by holding an ice cube or pack against the zit for at least 5 minutes. This brings swelling down and reduces much of the pain. If skin is sensitive and burns easily, wrap the ice cube in a cool, damp wash cloth, then apply the compress to the zit.

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Apply a creamy concealer that matches your skin tone to the zit. Dot the concealer in the center of the blemish, then pat lightly with your ring finger to spread the concealer outward. Use several light coats, spread thinly, instead of one heavy application, and blend the edges thoroughly. Dust the zit with a light coat of translucent powder to set the concealer and prevent it from disappearing during the day.

Tips & Warnings

Taking an oral pain-reliever like aspirin may reduce the pain and inflammation of a zit. Follow the dosage described on the package, and consult a physician before starting any medication.

For severe zits, call a licensed dermatologist and ask about cortisone injections. While expensive, a shot of cortisone into the zit can dramatically reduce swelling, redness and infection.

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Related SearchesReferencesSeventeen Magazine; How Can I Reduce the Redness of My Zits?; Audrey Fine24 Savvy; Heal, Don't Hide - Curing a Zit Fast, Cheap and Naturally; August 1, 2011Medicine Net; Toothpaste as Zit Zapper; Denise Mann; January 31, 2005Photo Credit Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty ImagesRead Next:

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