The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that acne is the skin condition that is the most common within the United States. This problem is accompanied by symptoms such as pimples, inflammation and clogged pores. For some unlucky people affected by it, acne can also be itchy and painful. Although there are plenty of medications available, both prescription and over-the-counter, to treat acne, natural remedies are also a great way to provide relief from this annoying skin condition.

How to Get Rid of Painful Pimple

1. Cleaning with the Right Cleansing Cream

You should wash your face three times each day using mild soap and lukewarm water. If your skin is oily, doing this three times daily will help reduce breakouts. When washing you should be careful not to scrub your skin as this will make it raw and sore, causing redness.

You should also cleanse your face with the correct cleansing cream. When selecting the best cream, look for ones with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, both of which should be available at any local drugstore or pharmacy. Apply a warm compress on the affected area of the skin before using the cream as this will help drain any fluid. Afterwards, apply the cleansing cream to dry out your pimple.

2. Tea Tree Oil

One great home remedy for a painful pimple is tea tree oil. All you have to do is place a tiny drop on the painful pimple and you should notice results fairly quickly. Another option is to make a small clay mask for your pimple with a drop of tea tree oil in it and leave it on overnight. The recommend clay is Redmond clay, however, you can use any cosmetic clay or bentonite clay.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar, like tea tree oil, shouldn’t be used in large quantities (or very frequently) unless it is diluted but it can work wonderfully at clearing up painful pimples. Simply swab a thin layer of this vinegar onto the pimple one or two times a day. Although you can rinse it off if you feel like you have to (if you experience a burning sensation), you will get best results if you leave it on.

4. Lemon Juice

Another very simple treatment for pimples is to use a bit of lemon juice. Although you can use bottled juice, it works better if it is fresh. Simply put some on the pimple and leave it on for a while. It is best to do this treatment at night because lemon juice makes your skin very sensitive to sunlight, meaning that it could be more easily damaged by the UV rays during the day.

5. Green Tea

Green tea is another great way to get rid of a painful pimple but the method of application is not quite what you would expect. The best way is to brew your tea and then place it in an ice cube tray to make ice cubes (you can either take out the leaves or not depending on your preference). When you have a large blemish, simply take one of the green tea ice cubes and rub it on the spot for several minutes. This works great because when frozen, green tea can reduce the inflammation of the area and provide antimicrobial properties.

6. Tomato Juice

Tomato juice is another great item you have right in your home that can be used to get rid of pimples. Simply cut open a tomato and rub a bit of the juice on the acne, doing this one or two times each day. Tomatoes work well because they have high quantities of antioxidants and are astringent. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that you if you use the tomato juice all over your face, it can lead to dryness, so be sure to only use it on the pimples or dilute it.

7. Garlic

Although garlic smells very strong, it has healing and antimicrobial properties which make it effective at eliminating acne. All you need to do is put a small amount of the garlic juice on the acne and leave it for however long you feel necessary. (Remember to wash it off well afterwards to avoid the smell).

8. Aloe Vera

Most people have heard of using aloe vera for other skin problems, but it can be used to eliminate pimples as well. That is because its immune-modulatory properties make it ideal for reducing skin inflammation and healing wounds. It may have some anti-bacterial properties as well which allows it to reduce the amount of time you have to deal with your painful pimple. You can buy the juice or gel in most drugstores and place a bit right on your acne.

9. Honey and Cinnamon

When you make a paste using cinnamon and honey, you get the benefits of both. That is because honey contains anti-bacterial properties and cinnamon helps stop nitric oxide’s effects (this chemical is part of the inflammation associated with painful acne). Simply mix a teaspoon cinnamon powder and three tablespoons honey. Put this treatment on before bed, washing it off in the morning.

10.Yogurt and Oatmeal

Yogurt helps treat acne for several reasons; its coolness can soothe itchy, painful and inflamed skin that is the result of acne and the probiotics help stop the bacteria that cause acne. While you can use yogurt by itself, you will get better results by combining it with oatmeal which is an all-natural exfoliants with a drying affect, helping unclog your pores. Simply add a small quantity of oatmeal to plain yogurt. Apply this directly to your acne for 20 or 30 minutes before washing it off.

Video: Simple home remedies for getting rid of painful pimples

11.Help from a Dermatologist

You can ask your dermatologist to drain the pimple for you if it is too painful. They will have the training necessary to safely rupture it without the risk of infection or scars, avoiding the possibility of it rupturing on its own. This allows it to heal faster.

You can also avoid additional breakouts with preventative acne treatments. In some cases where the acne is deep, your doctor might prescribe an oral medication. For moderate to severe cases, antibiotics are usually recommended but isotretinoin (which is a drug made using vitamin A) can work if antibiotics don’t. Although this medication is highly effective, there are some serious side effects so it should only be used on your doctor’s recommendation.