Blood Pimple on the Face – What to Do?

At some point, everyone has dealt with pimples. And let's be honest, they tend to show up right before an important event where you’ll be photographed, and there will be plenty of familiar faces around. At first glance, what harm could an innocent pimple from a piece of yesterday’s chocolate cake cause? If you’re well past puberty and don’t indulge in sweets every morning for breakfast, you might think a little treat now and then shouldn’t be trouble.

But! Today, we’re talking about something more than simple pimples — blood-filled pimples. In this article, I’ve combined all my knowledge and experience to help you understand why these seemingly harmless bumps can be a cause for concern — especially when filled with blood.

Differences Between Blood Pimples and Other Pimples

Blood pimples differ from regular pimples because they involve blood under the skin due to broken blood vessels. But how and when does this happen? This typically occurs when a pimple becomes excessively inflamed or is put under intense pressure, such as aggressive picking or squeezing. Blood pimples are more common in people with acne-prone skin, as such skin is more sensitive to inflammation and irritation, which can cause small capillaries in the dermis to break.

You can identify a skin blood pimple by these signs:

• Noticeable redness
• Swelling
• Bleeding

Unlike regular pimples, which are filled with pus, these bumps are redder and may look darker. If you don’t get dermatological help and the right care in time, these skin issues can stick around for a while. Blood pimples can leave residual marks or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that might take longer to fade than marks left by other types of pimples. My colleagues and I often have to address the psychological aspect with our patients (since many people pick at their faces during stress), warning them against picking at such lesions as it hinders the healing process and exacerbates inflammation causing new scars.

In my practice, I’ve noticed that blood pimples often appear after capillary rupture, usually due to cystic or nodular acne. In dermatology, these types of acne-prone skin are considered more serious and can cause significant inflammation that might lead to nearby blood vessels breaking. Be careful with things that can injure your skin, such as:

• Scratching with your nails
• Using harsh facial scrubs
• Certain medications that thin the skin

All of these factors increase the risk of developing blood pimples.

Location of Blood Pimples and Their Variations

The good news is that for most people, blood pimples tend to appear on the face. They usually pop up in areas with a high concentration of sebaceous glands, such as the T-zone, which includes:

• The forehead
• The nose
• The chin

This is because these areas are more prone to oil buildup, which leads to clogged pores and an increased risk of inflammation and blood vessel rupture. If you have acne-prone skin, you might notice more pimples, including blood-filled ones, in these spots.

However, this relief is only partial, as some people suffer from blood pimples on other parts of the body, such as the chest and back. These areas also have many sebaceous glands and are common spots for pimples in general. The skin on the chest and back is thicker and has larger pores that are more prone to clogging. This can cause pimples that break blood vessels under the skin.

In my practice, I’ve noticed that many DappleDoc patients experience irritation from clothing, sweat, and friction, especially during physical activity or in hot weather. Keep in mind that this can make acne worse and lead to the formation of blood pimples in these areas.

Other Areas Where Blood Pimples Can Occur

I’ve also seen cases where blood pimples appear in less common areas like the scalp, neck, and shoulders. These areas are often overlooked during skin cleansing and can be irritated by hair products, sweat, tight clothing, or accessories. In some cases, blood pimples can form in the groin area or underarms due to friction, sweat, and hair removal practices, which, aside from pimples, can lead to inflamed hair follicles or folliculitis.

Each type of blood-filled pimple, whether on the face, chest, back, or other areas, presents its challenges. On the face, they cause particular concern due to their visibility and potential to leave scars. On the body, they can be uncomfortable and interfere with clothing or physical activity. The key takeaway here is that understanding the causes of blood pimples is crucial for effectively treating and preventing them.

Why Do Pimples Bleed?

Finally, we get to the most interesting part — why do blood pimples bleed, and how are they different from regular pimples?

Bleeding pimples are caused by several factors, including:

• Ruptured blood vessels
• Inflammation
• Natural pressure from clogged pores

When pores get clogged with sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria, they can swell and put pressure on the surrounding tissues and blood vessels. This pressure leads to the rupture of blood vessels, causing blood to collect under the skin and form a blood-filled bump. The inflammation, which is common in acne-prone skin, can also weaken the walls of broken blood vessels, making them more likely to break.

Pimples popping yourself is a psychological trick; if you do it, you might have noticed that you enjoy the process (as strange as it sounds). And you're not alone — people who experience stress or have low self-esteem tend to pick at their faces or pop pimples. But here’s the thing — it’s not a good idea. It’s best to leave it to the professionals. Dermatologists have the right tools and expertise to clean your skin safely, analyzing and treating it with care.

Risks Associated With Popping Pimples

Why? Popping pimples, especially those filled with blood, can make things significantly worse! When you squeeze a pimple, you put pressure on it that can rupture more blood vessels, causing more bleeding. Plus, squeezing can push the contents of the pimple deeper into the skin, potentially leading to more infection or inflammation. This can result in a longer healing process and increase the risk of scarring or hyperpigmentation.

In dermatology, the danger of manual pimples popping is well-known. This practice not only increases the risk of bleeding and infection but can also spread bacteria to other areas of the skin, causing new pimples and worsening acne. In severe cases, bacteria can go deeper into your skin, leading to more serious infections like cellulitis or abscesses, which may require medical treatment.

To minimize these risks, resist the urge to pop pimples, especially those filled with blood. Instead, let them heal naturally or seek professional help from a dermatologist. A dermatologist will first listen to all your symptoms, check your skin, and recommend the best care based on an individualized approach. For example, at DappleDoc’s online clinic, you can reach out with urgent questions and get expert responses from our chatbot, trained by dermatologists, or book an online consultation to start treatment right after your first session.

Treatment and Care

If you notice a blood pimple, taking early and proper skin care steps can help prevent further complications:

1. Start by gently cleansing the area with mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water to remove dirt and bacteria without irritating the skin.
2. Resist the urge to pick at or pop the pimple. Picking can lead to additional bleeding, increase the risk of infection, and cause scarring or hyperpigmentation.
3. Choose non-comedogenic and oil-free skincare and makeup products to avoid clogging pores.

For long-term treatment, it's helpful to include topical treatments in your skincare routine. Dermatologists recommend products containing salicylic acid to unclog pores, or benzoyl peroxide to fight acne-causing bacteria. These ingredients reduce inflammation and help prevent future breakouts. Regular use of topical retinoids, such as adapalene or tretinoin, can also help by promoting cell turnover and preventing the formation of comedones.

Making a few lifestyle changes can also make a big difference for acne-prone skin. A balanced diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids supports overall skin health. Cutting back on high-glycemic foods and dairy, which are linked to acne, can also help. Additionally, managing stress through mindfulness, yoga, or exercise can improve skin condition, as stress is known to worsen acne.

Professional Procedures from Online Dermatologists

Online dermatology has become the choice for millions because it's convenient, accessible, and fast. It saves you the time and hassle of traveling to and waiting in a doctor’s office. Online dermatologists, just like traditional doctors, provide personalized care for blood pimples. If your search is "dermatologist near me," then DappleDoc is your choice.

Only a specialized doctor can correctly prescribe the right procedures or medical treatments for you. For example, antibiotics or retinoids prescribed by a dermatologist can tackle the root causes of acne and reduce the frequency of blood pimples.