Is It OK to Use Pimple Patches?

I am not sure when pimple patches first started to be a “thing” but this is a question I hear quite often.  Pimple patches sound good with the promise of improving the appearance of a pimple overnight.  But how do they work?  Are they worth the expense?  And do they work? I’m hear to give you some answers.

The active ingredient in most pimple patches is Hydrocolloid.  Hydrocolloid is not new, but what is it actually?  Hydrocolloid refers to a number of different substances that can thicken liquids.  In wound care, this most commonly includes gelatin, pectin and carboxymethyl cellulose.   Hydrocolloid has been used in wound care and bandages for many years.  Scientific studies on wound care have shown that Hydrocolloid bandages work to:

-Keep the moist wound, which aids in wound healing.

-Keep the wound from seeping.

-Keep infection out, by sealing off the wound.

-Absorb moisture from the wound.

Traditionally, Hydrocolloid bandages have been used for blisters and ulcers, but their use for pimples is a newer concept. Generally, Hydrocolloid only has an effect on open wounds, or popped or picked open pimples.  Now, picking and popping pimples is a definite NO NO for dermatologists, so we would never encourage picking at a spot to make it more responsive to Hydrocolloid.  Picking ALWAYS increases healing time and scarring.  

Should you get the plain Hydrocolloid, or ones with more active ingredients?  The most common active ingredient, salicylic acid, is likely to make the pimple patch more effective, but also may make it more irritating.  

What’s the worst that can happen?  The biggest problem would be an allergy to the adhesive that is used to make the patch stick to the skin.  For this reason, you may want to try one on your abdomen or inner arm, before applying to your face.  The second problem would be allergy to active ingredients other than the Hydrocolloid.  Allergy to Hydrocolloid is not common. 

How long do you leave a pimple patch on?  Most will need to be applied for at least a few hours to be effective.  Maximum time left on should be 24 hours for most. 

Why do the patches puff up and turn white?  The Hydrocolloid absorbs moisture from the wound or pimple and makes it swell and become gelatinous. 

Where do I buy pimple patches?  A quick acne search will show you there are lots of choices, and on a recent trip to the mail, I saw them everywhere, even Old Navy.  There are lots of brands.  They very in size, thickness and active ingredients.

Is there anything better than pimple patches?  To be honest, I’ve never used one.  I tend to lean toward traditional medicine.  Dermatologists often will recommend a topical antibiotic to spot treat lesions to effective kill bacteria that either caused the problem in the first place or that entered when the pimple was popped.  Unlike pimple patches, topical acne medications do not require the pimple to be popped for them to be effective. 

Can I prevent acne from coming in the first place?  Now you’re talking.  An effective acne regimen should greatly reduce the need to consider a pimple patch.  To learn more about acne treatment, see our other articles on this site below.

How about you?  Do you or someone you know use and love pimple patches?  Tell me more on social media or comment on this post.

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