Short Stories: What's the Deal with Pimple Patches?

Pimples, those pesky little blemishes that can pop up at the most inconvenient times. Whether it's before a big event or an important meeting, pimples have a way of making their presence known. But fear not, because there is a solution that can help you tackle those unwelcome visitors: pimple patches.

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What are pimple patches?

Pimple patches, also known as acne patches, zit stickers or spot treatments, are small adhesive patches that are designed to be placed directly on top of an open pimple (have a white head). These patches are typically made of hydrocolloid, a material that absorbs moisture and creates a moist environment to promote healing.

How do pimple patches work?

When a pimple patch is applied to a pimple, it creates a barrier between the pimple and the outside environment. This barrier helps to protect the pimple from further irritation, from picky fingers that can’t leave said pimple alone (!), and prevents bacteria from entering the pimple, which can lead to infection.

But that's not all. Pimple patches also work by absorbing excess oil and pus from the pimple. The hydrocolloid material in the patch acts like a sponge, drawing out the impurities from the pimple and helping to reduce inflammation.

Pimple patches will only work on active, open pimples, and will help heal them even if they are popped. However, hydrocolloid patches won’t work on deep or cystic pimples or blackheads.

Benefits of using pimple patches

Using pimple patches can offer several benefits:

1. Speeds up healing: Pimple patches create an optimal healing environment, allowing the pimple to heal faster.

2. Reduces inflammation: The absorption properties of pimple patches help to reduce redness and swelling.
3. Prevents picking and touching: Pimple patches act as a physical barrier, preventing you from picking or touching the pimple, which can worsen the inflammation and lead to scarring.
4. Conceals the pimple: Many pimple patches are transparent, making them virtually invisible when applied to the skin. This allows you to wear them during the day without drawing attention to your blemish.
5. Easy to use: Pimple patches are simple to apply and remove, making them a convenient solution for treating pimples on the go.

References:

1. Dréno, B., Pécastaings, S., Corvec, S., Veraldi, S., Khammari, A., & Roques, C. (2018). Cutibacterium acnes (Propionibacterium acnes) and acne vulgaris: a brief look at the latest updates. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 32, 5-14.
2. Korting, H. C., Schöllmann, C., & White, R. J. (2013). Management of minor acute cutaneous wounds: importance of wound healing in a moist environment. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 27, 1-8.
3. Lee, J. W., Yoo, K. H., Park, K. Y., & Han, T. Y. (2017). Comparison of the efficacy of hydrocolloid dressings and transparent film dressings in the treatment of acne lesions. Dermatology and Therapy, 7, 439-446.
4. Park, J. H., Kim, S. H., & Cho, M. K. (2017). Efficacy of hydrocolloid dressing in acne: a single-blind, randomized, controlled, multicenter study. Annals of Dermatology, 29, 706-711.
5. Yang, S. Y., & Choi, J. J. (2017). Clinical efficacy of acne patch in mild to moderate acne: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, split-face comparative study. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 28, 474-478.