You have seen them; the little stickers that people are applying to their face to help treat their acne lesions. Sometimes they are clear and discreet, and other times they are proudly displayed in an array of brightly colored shapes and colors.
But what are they and how can they help acne?
What Are Pimple Patches?
Pimple Patches are stickers that can be applied to an acne lesion to attempt to help heal and resolve the lesion faster and with less scarring and minimize picking or squeezing of the lesion. They can be used on the face and the body for 12-24 hours and repeated daily for up to one week. These products are available over the counter from a variety of different companies. Pimple patches seem to work best on open, draining pimples, pustules, or cysts.
The two most common types of pimple patches are hydrocolloid and non-hydrocolloid.
Hydrocolloid patches are one of the most found varieties at your local retailer. But what is a hydrocolloid patch? Hydrocolloid is a non-medicated gel that helps to absorb excess fluid from a wound. This kind of product is frequently used in wound care environments. For acne, it can help protect the lesion from bacteria and debris and create a moist environment, which we know helps to promote healing. When the patch turns a whitish color, usually within 12-24 hours, it should be removed or replaced.
Non-hydrocolloid pimple patches may contain other acne fighting ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, tea tree oil, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, aloe vera, and hemp seed oil to name a few. Some non-hydrocolloid pimple patches may contain microneedles to help promote the delivery of these ingredients deeper into the acne lesions.
Can Pimple Patches Help?
The short answer to this question is yes! Not only do pimple patches promote healing by occlusion, they can also help us to prevent picking at the lesions, which we know prolongs the redness and inflammation and can cause scarring. Hydrocolloid patches can be greatly beneficial for acne lesions that are cystic and inflamed. The inherently moist environment of this occlusive dressing, if you will, also encourages healing.
Another benefit of the patches is that they are inexpensive, available at most pharmacies and retail department stores, and do not require a prescription.
Are There Negative Side Effects?
Generally, over the counter pimple patches are harmless, however, as with any treatment, there can be some potential negatives. Since these patches contain adhesives to stick to the skin, those with sensitive skin or allergies to adhesives can potentially develop an allergic reaction or irritation from them. Always read labels and avoid products that you are known to be allergic or sensitive to. Patches containing salicylic acid can especially be irritating for some patients who are sensitive. There is also the possibility of bleeding upon removal of the patch if it adheres a little too aggressively to the acne lesion.
Another potential downside is that hydrocolloid patches do not work well on comedonal acne (blackheads or whiteheads) and do not clear pores.
The Verdict?
If you struggle with infrequent inflammatory acne lesions, pimple patches may be good addition to your regimen if you have a good sense of what your skin can and cannot tolerate and if you do not have any allergies or sensitivities to adhesives or any of the ingredients in the patches themselves. Remember to remove or replace the patches when they are saturated or if it has been twenty-four hours since application and do not hesitate to seek the care of a dermatology professional if you are relying on them consistently for acne treatment.
Can The Derm NP Help with Acne?
The short answer is – yes! We offer treatments for acne. The Derm NP is staffed by a dermatology certified nurse practitioner with over eighteen years of experience and ready to help you attain clearer skin using prescription medications custom chosen for your unique skincare needs. Contact us at (630) 233-9767 or thedermnp@thedermnp.com for an appointment to help you clear up resistant acne or other skin conditions and become the best you possible.
