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Isn’t it infuriating? You have clear skin for weeks, but the night before your big day, a monstrous pimple arises like a menace and threatens to ruin your life.

Stress and hormones often contribute, but the situation still feels unjust. Worse yet, most products that claim to work don’t. So, what does work?

The good news: you have options. See the emergency blemish-blasting tips below.

Emergency Pimple Tips

1. Pop the monstrous pimple the right way.

First, know this: never pop a blind pimple, or one that hasn’t come to a head. Otherwise, you could scar your skin or worsen inflammation, says the American Academy of Dermatology Association.

However, if you can’t resist popping that monstrous pimple, steam your face first to bring the blemish to a head. Then, slip on some gloves, and grab a cotton ball or pad.

To begin, soak a washcloth in warm water and apply it to the blemish for three or four minutes. Then, continue soaking the washcloth as needed for another 20 minutes.

However, beware: cystic pimples might not come to a head. So you may need to call your dermatologist if that’s the case. You don’t have to tackle that pimple alone.

See this video by Dr. Pimple Popper for step-by-step instructions.

2. Visit your dermatologist for an extraction.

Still, call for help when in doubt. Dr. McKinley Grant, a Washington, D. C. dermatologist, says a “drainage and extraction [will] remove a large acne cyst” that won’t respond to medication. Better yet, extractions help relieve pain and speed healing time without scarring your skin, she says.

3. Zap the monstrous pimple with cortisone.

Another option? Ask your dermatologist for a cortisone injection if you want to get rid of a pimple fast. Cortisone shots zap pimples faster than any other method and usually shrink or eliminate them within 48 hours. Some urgent care facilities even offer cortisone shots, so see what’s available where you live.

4. Apply sulfur.

In the meantime, try this sulfur masque and spot treatment to dry a pimple fast.  

Peter Thomas Roth, Therapeutic Sulfur Acne Treatment Masque, $52

Safe for normal, oily, and combination skin types, Therapeutic Sulfur Masque fights acne with 10% sulfur, kaolin clay, and aloe vera.

This sulfur masque also doubles as a spot treatment. To use, apply the treatment where needed for 10 to 20 minutes, then rinse.

Final Thoughts

So, next time a monstrous pimple arises, consider your options. You can steam your face first to try to bring the pimple to a head before you pop it. However, if that fails, call your dermatologist to schedule a cortisone shot or extraction to zap that pimple fast.

Then, while you’re waiting for that appointment, apply Peter Thomas Roth’s sulfur masque to speed healing time. Also, see Dr. Pimple Popper’s video for more tips and guidance.

And check out Part II to explore popular treatment options for moderate to severe acne.

Note: The ideas presented here do not substitute for medical advice. Always consult with your dermatologist before trying new products or starting a new skincare regimen.

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