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Wondering, “Why do pimples hurt?” Painful pimples—whether under the skin, sore to touch, or red and inflamed—are usually caused by pimple inflammation or infection. Understanding the cause is the first step toward relief. At Â鶹´«Ã½, we offer proven painful pimple treatments to reduce swelling, ease discomfort, and help you get clearer, healthier skin.

The discomfort of a painful pimple usually stems from what’s happening beneath the surface of your skin, often involving inflammation, infection, or a specific type of acne, like a cystic pimple.

Whether you’re dealing with hormonal acne, painful pimples on the scalp, adult acne, or pimples with clear fluid, the pain usually stems from three main causes: inflammation, infection, and the type of acne.

Pimples and Inflammation

Most painful pimples are caused by pimple inflammation, which happens when your body’s immune system reacts to bacteria, dead skin cells, or trapped oil inside the pore. This immune response leads to redness, swelling, and soreness. 

While uncomfortable, inflammation is a sign your body is trying to heal. Effective painful pimple treatment focuses on calming the inflammation and clearing the blockage to reduce discomfort and prevent scarring.

Pimples and Infection

Sometimes, bacterial overgrowth inside a clogged pore can lead to a localized infection, causing red pimples that hurt. These painful pimples under the skin are often filled with pus, forming a tender bump that can be extremely uncomfortable. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why does my pimple hurt when I touch it?”, it’s likely due to infection and swelling caused by the bacteria trapped in the pore.

Inflammatory Acne vs Noninflammatory Acne

Not all acne is created equal, and understanding the difference can help you choose the right painful pimple treatment. Inflammatory acne includes red, swollen breakouts like papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. These are often sore to the touch and may feel tender due to swelling and deep pore blockage. This type of acne usually causes people to ask, “Why does my pimple hurt?”

On the other hand, noninflammatory acne consists of blackheads and whiteheads. These clogged pores aren’t typically painful because they don’t involve as much pimple inflammation or infection. However, if left untreated, even noninflammatory acne can evolve into more severe, painful breakouts.

Home Remedies

If you’re looking for a quick, painful pimple home remedy, try applying a warm compress to reduce swelling and encourage drainage. Ice packs can help shrink red pimples that hurt, while tea tree oil may offer mild anti-inflammatory effects.

Topical Pimple Treatments

Over-the-counter products with , salicylic acid, or retinoids can help clear clogged pores and reduce bacteria. For deep, painful pimples under the skin, stronger treatments like our or a cystic pimple treatment may be more effective.

Preventing Pimples and Future Breakouts

Preventing painful pimples starts with a skincare routine that fits your skin type. Whether you have oily, dry, or acne-prone skin, daily habits like using non-comedogenic products and managing oil can help reduce breakouts.

Tips to prevent future breakouts include:

• Washing your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser
  
  
• Avoiding harsh scrubs that can irritate or inflame the skin
  
  
• Using non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) skincare and makeup
  
  
• Keeping hair products away from your face and scalp
  
  
• Avoiding touching your face or picking at pimples
  
  
• Changing pillowcases and towels frequently
  
  
• Managing stress, which can trigger hormonal pimple breakouts
  
  
• Visiting a dermatologist for personalized painful pimple treatment

Popping a painful pimple might seem like a quick fix, but it often does more harm than good. It can push bacteria deeper into the skin, increase inflammation, and lead to scarring. Instead of squeezing, try using a warm compress or a targeted spot treatment to reduce swelling. For deep, painful pimples, professional treatment is the safest, most effective option.

If you’re dealing with frequent, painful pimples that don’t respond to over-the-counter treatments, it’s time to see a dermatologist. Deep cysts, recurring breakouts, or acne that’s leaving scars may require prescription medication or in-office procedures. A dermatologist at Â鶹´«Ã½ can create a personalized treatment plan to reduce inflammation, prevent future breakouts, and protect your skin’s long-term health.

If you're tired of dealing with sore, stubborn breakouts, now’s the time to take action. At Â鶹´«Ã½, our board-certified specialists offer personalized acne treatments that target the root causes of painful pimples, so you can enjoy clearer, healthier skin. Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist to get started today. Want to learn more first? Read our full guide to acne care for expert tips and treatment insights.