Red Pimples

Redlands Daily Facts Health Section, Red Pimples
Staff Writer
Posted: 03/10/2009 09:29:39 PM PDT

Q:I have red, bumpy pimples. What can I do?

Mimi: There are three major components that cause acne: P. Acnes bacterium, excess dead skin, and over production of oil. Red pimples are infected with bacteria. The infected debris must be cleaned out and then prevented from re-occuring.

First the skin must be cleansed of excess dead skin that clogs the pores. This will make it easier to remove the infection.
There are three ways to remove dead skin. One is with an enzyme that will "eat" the dead skin. Second is to use Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Salicylic Acid, or a Vitamin A derivative (Retin A or Retinol) to help dissolve the lipid "glue" that holds the dead skin together. Third, a scrub will exfoliate the dead skin. An easy scrub is a little bit of liquid facial cleanser (baby shampoo works) mixed with enough regular table sugar to make a paste. Wash your face first, and then scrub extremely gently with the sugar scrub. Rinse well.

The following method can be used for extracting pimples:
FIRST wash your hands with hot water and lots of soap.
Next, wash your face well. Use water as warm as is comfortable. You may use a scrub if you like.
Hold a really warm, damp washcloth over the area that you will work on.
Look in a magnifying mirror if you have one.
Use Q-tips to squeeze pimple.
NEVER USE YOUR FINGERS.
If the pimple does not come out easily, LEAVE IT ALONE.
NEVER USE A NEEDLE!!!
After your "bathroom surgery" wash your face again with a cool, clean washcloth and cleanser.

P. Acnes bacterium is anaerobic which means that it can't live in the presence of Oxygen. By opening the lesion and extracting the pus, the pimple is now open to the air. This will help destroy the bacteria. Immediately after extracting the infection, apply Hydrogen Peroxide. The free Oxygen will help kill the P. Acnes. P. Acnes is also killed by ultraviolet light. Twice monthly treatments of UV light with a skin care specialist will help. Also to kill P. Acnes bacterium, some doctors prescribe antibiotics.

All of this MUST be done gently and in an extremely clean manner. Between twice-weekly extraction sessions, keep your hands away from your face. NEVER PICK or touch the pimples during the day.

Each morning wash your face with a liquid cleanser and a clean washcloth. Use a freshly laundered cloth every time that you wash. Apply an acne treatment and sun-block. Make-up will help hide the blemishes. At night wash your face TWICE. The first cleansing removes the grime of the day. The second suddsing cleans the pores. Rinse well. Apply an acne treatment. Change your pillowcase twice a week. Wash your pillowcases and washcloths in hot water. After the rinse cycle, re-set the machine for an additional rinse. Add 1/2 cup white vinegar to the rinse. It will not smell after the clothes are dry. Do NOT use fabric softener or dryer sheets. You don’t want the oil and wax from these products on your face. If you have a clothesline, hang your pillowcases and washcloths on the clothesline in the sun.

Our next column will address what to do about oily skin.

Mimi Barre is the owner of International Day Spa, 325 Cajon St., Redlands. Send your skin care questions to her at MimiB@INTLdayspa.com. She and her estheticians are available for personal consultations, (909) 793-9080.